First launched in 2002 the Volkswagen Touareg SUV was an immediate success. During the eight years the first generation was on the market it sold nearly 500,000 times. The second generation has been on the market for just four years now and just received its mid-life facelift. The success continues with the counter passing the 300,000 cars sold earlier this year.
For the new Volkswagen Touareg models, the two V6 TDI engines have been upgraded extensively. This is logical because 90 per cent of all Touareg models sold across Europe are fitted with one of these two engines over the V8 TDI and the hybrid mode.
Both six-cylinder engines have been modified and upgraded by adding an SCR catalytic converter. Using ‘selective catalytic reduction’, the amount of nitrogen oxides in the exhaust fumes is significantly reduced. Thanks to the SCR catalytic converter, the Touareg 4MOTION V6 TDI BlueMotion Technology, as it is called in full, meets the demanding EU6 emissions standard. Both engines also come standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
A new feature of the V6 TDIs is also a coasting function. While the vehicle is coasting, the standard 8-speed automatic transmission is disengaged in order to utilise the kinetic energy during periods where no acceleration is required and therefore reduce fuel consumption further. Additionally, aerodynamic refinements to the body and underbody have contributed to improved fuel efficiency with new tyres providing lower roll resistance also a key contributing factor to the fuel-saving.
The entry-level V6 TDI delivers a total of 204 hp. Importantly, it now drinks just 6.6-litres of diesel per 100 km compared to 7.0-litres of the older engine. Additionally, CO2 emissions have decreased from 184 g/km to 173 g/km. As for the more potent V6 TDI engine, it now produces 262 hp compared to the 245 hp it pumped out previously. Despite the extra punch it provides over the entry-level V6, this engine also uses just 6.6-litres of diesel per 100 km and emits 174 g/km of CO2.
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