New Touareg R50 goes on sale

Volkswagen has revealed full details of its new Touareg luxury 4x4, which boasts one of the most powerful diesel engines currently available.

The core of the R50 is the five-litre V10 TDI engine, producing 350 PS at 3,500 rpm and an extra 100 Nm of torque (improving the overall pulling power of the car from 750Nm).

The vehicle is also capable of accelerating from zero to 62mph in just 6.7 seconds, with a top speed of 146mph. The R50 comes with the standard 4XMotion four-wheel drive, channelled through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

As well as this, the model has the same fuel economy and carbon dioxide output as the standard V10 TDI.

Other distinguishing features include a body-coloured roof spoiler, restyled body-coloured bumper, oval tailpipe trims and a matt chrome radiator grille.

Inside, there are heated outer rear seats, Nappa leather sports seats, a ski sack and a net partition.

The limited edition R50 is priced at £61,885, with regular Touaregs starting at £29,880.