The petrol-electric hybrid version of the Touareg had plenty of go, especially when you floored the pedal at about 100km/h — producing the ‘boost’ effect from both engines working together, and it climbed to 160km/h easily.
It can drive off at start on the electric motor alone quite capably, although it was a little disconcerting to suddenly be hearing all the peripheral noises that are usually masked by combustion engine sound. Instrument graphics show the battery’s level of charge and the driving state: petrol, electric or combination.
The hybrid Touareg is due to hit the European saleroom floors in 2010, with price yet to be decided, but there is no confirmation of it arriving in Australia and at this stage there is no right-hand drive development under way. However as Volkswagen spreads their Bluemotion program throughout the range and around its global markets, it’s likely we will see the vehicle or something similar in the SUV’s future.
Related posts:
- Volkswagen Touareg: 2004-2009 Official Factory Repair Manual
- Volkswagen Touareg Maintenance Service
- 2004 Volkswagen Touareg Tire Pressure Monitoring System Warning Light Is ON
- 2004-2006 Volkswagen Touareg replacing Fuel filter (diesel engine)
- 2004-2006 Volkswagen Touareg Cylinder head assembly overview
