So this new Touareg – slightly larger and roomier but 100kg lighter – receives the hi-tech works. It’s a long list but highlights are Night Vision thermal imaging camera, Roadwork Lane Assist (semi-automated steering, accelerating and braking up to 60 km/h), Front Cross Traffic Assist, IQ.Light LED matrix headlights and windscreen head-up display.
The headline feature for many though promises to be the new Innovision Cockpit, a fully digitalised dash with twin large displays to take care of all operating, information, communication and entertainment functions – all with no buttons. VW promises it will be intuitive to use.
And to drive? There’s active all-wheel steering which VW says makes it handle less like a big SUV and more like a compact car, and a new roll stabilisation system with electromechanically controlled anti-roll bars. It all adds up to the largest range of assistance, handling and comfort systems ever to be integrated into a Volkswagen, says the company.
And underneath it’s still a Porsche Cayenne. But rather more affordable, with prices tipped to start at under £50,000.