What's all this then?
This is our first peek at Volkswagen's next-generation Touareg 4x4, which will be previewed at the Beijing motor show in concept form. Given the recent conniption over diesel emissions and Volkswagen's promise for a more electrified future, it's no surprise to see that the concept uses a plugin hybrid, a development of the powertrain already in use in the Golf and Passat GTE. Volkswagen quotes 94mpg, total power of 376hp, total torque of 700Nm and a fully-charged battery-only range of just over 30 miles. Top speed is 139mph and the 0-62mph time is 6.0 seconds.
The rest of the car will look very much like a development, in style terms, of the new Tiguan crossover, with some styling influence from the previous CrossBlue concept. The cabin, says Volkswagen, is fully centred on its passengers, has lounge-like comfort and high-end digital options. Expect a more conventional interior, with seven seats, once the production model is unveiled.
The dashboard features a development of the all-digital instrument panel already seen in the Tiguan, but now Volkswagen says that it has 'merged' with the infotainment display. We don't know exactly what that means as yet, but it sounds intriguing, and Volkswagen says it offers a "new level of interactivity."
All will be revealed in Beijing.
Neil Briscoe - 18 Apr 2016