By Felix Tjozongoro
WINDHOEK – Volkswagen has produced a new Touareg which comes with a heap of accessories as standard features. These systems include Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights, front and rear Park Distance Control as well as fatigue detection.
The standard features in the V6 FSI is the cricket leather seats and V6 TDI is the Vienna leather with electric memory front seats derivatives include new bi-xenon headlights with LED headlights, permanent four-wheel drive, 17-inch ‘Sonora’ for the V6 FSI and 18-inch ‘Arica’ for the V6 TDI alloy wheels, the new Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, Park Distance Control cruise control with multifunction steering wheel, tyre pressure monitor, RCD 550 infotainment system with 6.5 inch touchscreen, MEDIA-In with iPod/iPhone socket, automatic air conditioning, Servotronic steering and ESC.
With its numerous systems for providing driver assistance and added comfort, the Touareg is one of the safest and most comfortable SUVs on the market.
Optional features offered with the new Touareg include panoramic sunroof, area view and rear view camera, lane assist, side assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, radio/navigation system, DynAudio ‘Confidence’ 12-speaker system with 620W amplifier, electrically foldable towbar and air suspension.
Currently available in the new Golf and new Polo, the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System is now a standard feature in the new Touareg. The system automatically slows the vehicle down if it is involved in an accident in order to significantly reduce its residual kinetic energy. Triggering of the post-collision braking system is based on detection of a primary collision by the airbag sensors. The system’s deceleration of the Touareg is limited by the ESC controller to a maximum of 0.6 g. This value ensures that the driver can maintain control of the car even in the event of automatic braking. The driver can ‘override’ the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System at any time. If, for example, the driver applies any noticeable pressure to the accelerator, the system is disabled. The automatic system is also deactivated whenever drivers themselves initiate an emergency stop at an even higher rate of deceleration. In essence, the driver assistance system applies the brakes and slows the car down to a speed of 10 km/h. This residual speed enables the car to be driven to a safe place to stop following the braking process.
With its double wishbone suspensions, the suspension of the new Touareg continues with a tried and tested layout, which permits great spring travel and good axle articulation (4MOTION: 157 millimetres / 4xMOTION ‘Terrain Tech’ with low range gear: 173 millimetres) on off-road terrain. The version with the standard steel-spring suspension has an approach angle of 22º at the front and a departure angle of 23º at the back. Allied with ground clearance of 220 millimetres, the new Touareg thus cuts an excellent figure away from off road driving too.
With ‘Terrain Tech’ derivative, the vehicle body is 10 millimetres higher at the front and 15 higher at the rear. With the optional air suspension ground clearance goes up still further, to a maximum of 300 millimetres, thus also increasing the approach and departure angles.