VWs off-road hulk goes green
18 February 2010
News of the imminent death of large off-roaders has been exaggerated. Instead, they are going green. The new VW Touareg — revealed two weeks ahead of its official debut at the Geneva motor show — will be available for the first time with a 375bhp petrol-electric hybrid engine.
With CO2 emissions of 193g/m and fuel consumption of 34.4mpg, its green credentials are impressive for a large car, if some way behind the equivalent Lexus RX 450h. Unlike the Lexus, however, performance appears to be unaffected by its frugality: it takes just 6.5 seconds to reach 62mph.
The new Touareg, more luxurious than its predecessor, boasts impressive off-road capability. In Escape trim, it features all the differential locks and low-range gear ratios associated with Land Rovers — proof, maybe, that 4x4 fans can have their cake and eat it.
The Geneva show will also play host to an eco-Porsche concept car. The 911 GT3R Hybrid uses kinetic energy from braking to power an electric motor that will enable short, sharp boosts of power.
