VOLKSWAGEN has unveiled the prices of its new Touareg off-roader, which will soon be going head to head with BMW's all-conquering X5 and a host of others in this rapidly-expanding sector of the market.
Whether or not the company will be able to persuade buyers to part with more than £50,000 for a large off-roader bearing a VW logo in preference to the coveted three-pointed star or a BMW badge remains to be seen.
Touareg prices will start at £29,335 on the road for the 3.2-litre V6, rising to £50,440 for the flagship 5.0-litre V10 TDI.
The vehicle will be available to order within the next few weeks through a limited distribution network, ahead of its UK launch on May 1.
The V10 turbodiesel version is the most powerful passenger car diesel to date. This powerplant produces a whopping 553 lbs ft of torque at just 2000 rpm, making it especially suitable for off-road driving.
Standard features include permanent four-wheel drive, a low-ratio gearbox, electronic traction control linked to an auto-locking centre differential, optional selectable mechanical front and rear differential locks, hill start and descent assist.
For on-road driving, anti-lock brakes, electronic stabilisation programme, and brake assist system are also fitted as standard to each model.
Initially, the Touareg range will consist of three engines: the 220 PS 3.2-litre V6 and 310 PS 4.2-litre V8 petrol versions, and the 313 PS 5.0-litre V10 TDI turbodiesel. Later this year, they will be joined by a 174 PS 2.5-litre TDI engine, which is expected to cost around £750 less than the V6. A six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission is fitted across the range, while the V6 and 2.5 TDI will also be available with a six-speed manual gearbox.
Each model will include split electronic climate control, a multifunction computer with steering wheel controls, a ten-speaker CD system, cruise control, electric windows, electrically heated adjustable and foldable door mirrors, and walnut interior wood trim.
The range-topping Touareg V10 TDI gets continuous damping control, air suspension (optional on other models), bi-Xenon headlights, central locking with keyless access and engine start, electrical adjustment and memory for seat belt height, steering column, mirrors and front seats, plus parking distance control, multifunction computer with five-inch colour screen, and an enhanced stereo system with 11 speakers. Externally, the V10 TDI has 18 inch alloy wheels, a chrome air intake and front fog lights.
Options include satellite navigation, power closing of the tailgate, ski sack with load-through provision, sunblind for rear screen, heated windscreen, and tiptronic operation mounted on the steering column.
Each buyer will be offered the chance to take part in a drive day, held at one of six locations across the country.
The only question is whether the Volkswagen image is strong enough to attract buyers away from BMW, Mercedes, Volvo, Lexus and Porsche rivals in a fiercely competitive sector of the most image-conscious market of all.
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Touareg prices
V6 3.2-litre 220bhp 6-speed manual £29,335, 6 speed tiptronic £30,725
V8 4.2-litre 310bhp 6 speed tiptronic £41,795
V10 TDI 5.0-litre 313bhp 6 speed tiptronic £50,440