Along with petrol and diesel models, Volkswagen has confirmed that it is working on a hybrid version of the next Touareg. This will use a supercharged, direct-injection petrol V6 combined with an eight-speed automatic transmission and electric motor with VW claiming about 31mpg and CO₂ emissions of 210g/km.

The 3.0-litre petrol engine (shared with the new Audi S4) develops 328bhp and 325lb.ft and works in tandem with an electric motor called the 'E-motor'. The E-motor can deliver an additional 51bhp and up to 221lb.ft. When the driver needs full power - in kick down or with the automatic transmission in S mode - the two systems can deliver up to 369bhp and 406lb.ft. According to VW the hybrid Touareg should accelerate to 62mph in 6.8 seconds.

The manufacturer also claims that the hybrid Touareg is 25% more economical than a similarly sized conventional SUV. That means about 31mpg, carbon dioxide emissions of 210g/km and exhaust emissions that comply with Euro-5 and American ULEV2 standards. Economy boosting measures include a stop-start system, regenerative braking, the ability to run on electric power below 30mph and coasting. As well as being able to drive the Touareg the E-motor acts as a combined starter and generator both for the conventional battery and the Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries for the hybrid system. Careful balancing of load between petrol and electric motors allows the petrol engine to work at its most efficient load level and the electric motor can supply instant torque for bursts of acceleration.

At present there is no firm date for the hybrid Touareg to go on sale. However, indications are that it is something we will see in the near future with the first vehicles going on sale in North America.

John Lambert - 4 Feb 2009