Peter Lyon
January 18, 2024
The third-generation Touareg is headed for Malaysia. Although strangely, it’s actually the first Touareg even to land here since that model first surfaced way back in 2018.
Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia (VPCM) confirmed the massive SUV’s impending debut in the country by teasing the recently upgraded third-generation model on social media.
Presumably, the high cost of fully imported CBU models is the cause of the delay. However according to a source, VPCM has now promised to assemble every vehicle it sells locally, which suggests the 2024 Touareg will probably be released as a CKD model in Malaysia. In fact, the model has already been sighted in Malaysia with the same trade plate as that seen on a pre-production Golf GTI.
According to details on the VPCM website’s register of interest (ROI) page, the 2024 Touareg facelift will be available in Malaysia on the sportier R-Line version, which is fitted with a 3.0-liter turbocharged TSI V6 engine generating 340 hp and 450Nm of torque.
Power is delivered to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic gearbox and 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive technology. The automated self-leveling air suspension adjusts the vehicle’s ride height, promising “optimal comfort on any road.”
A new full-width tail lamp with an illuminated VW symbol compliments the SUV’s redesigned front fascia boasting a sculpted grille and LED headlights.
The interior employs an updated infotainment system as part of its Innovision Cockpit design, which will include a 730W Dynaudio Consequence sound system for Malaysia. Also coming as standard here will be the IQ.Drive advanced driver assistance kit including the Night Vision functionality.
OUR THOUGHTS
Surprisingly, the third-gen version never landed in Malaysian showrooms as the Touareg is one of Europe’s best-looking and handling SUVs. From what we are hearing, VW will first introduce the gutsy V6-powered R-Line model followed by a hybrid model later on. We think this VW is such a bargain that it will give rivals in the Audi Q7, BMW X5, and Porsche Cayenne a real run for their money.
