Touareg receives improved diesel engine

Volkswagen have announced the introduction of a revised 3-litre V6 TDI common rail diesel engine to their Touareg range.

The move is intended to deliver greater refinement and a significant boost in power, while retunring higher fuel economy and emitting less carbon dioxide.

The new common rail engine retains the plus points of its predecessor while raising the power output by 15 PS (to a total of 240 PS). The available torque has increased from 369lbs/ft to 406lbs/ft.

Acceleration time from 0 to 62mph has dropped from 9.2 to 8.3 seconds, with carbon dioxide output also falling from 278g/km to 262g/km. Linked to the engine are a six-speed tiptronic gearbox and four-wheel drive.

The exhaust system now features a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and joins the exising 2.5-litre TDI diesel, 5.0-litre V10 TDI diesel and 3.6-litre V6 petrol engines in the Touareg range.

Three trims will be available - Touareg, SE and Altitude - all of which come with a list of standard equipment, including 4XMotion all-wheel-drive, hill start and descent assist, air conditioning and six airbags.

Prices for the new Touareg 3.0-litre V6 TDI start at £33,465, rising to £36,865 for the SE model and £39,665 for the Altitude trim level.