For most people, the idea of a Chelsea tractor having a green makeover may seem a bit of a waste of time, Volkswagen however has pushed ahead and added the Touareg to its BlueMotion range. With Co2 emissions trimmed back and improved fuel economy figures the Touareg is one of the first cars in its class to drop below the 225 g/km mark, which in itself is a major achievement, as previously the only large 4 x 4's below this magic figure were Hybrids.
As with the other cars in the BlueMotion range this has been achieved by making some aerodynamic tweaks, lowering the suspension by 25mm, the use of low rolling resistance tyres.shtml>tyres and an optimised 3.0-litre V6 TDI common rail diesel engine including a more efficient alternator. The Touareg BlueMotion also makes use of a regenerative braking system to charge the battery whilst the vehicle is in motion, further reducing the workload on the engine and as a consequence fuel consumption is improved by almost four miles per gallon - 34mpg as opposed to 30.4mpg. Emissions too are improved with the Touareg BlueMotion emitting 219 g/km, down from 244 g/km. As a result of these figures the BlueMotion variant of the Touareg drops into band K for road tax, meaning a saving of 190 annually.
Despite these improvements in fuel economy and the reduction in Co2 emissions, the performance figures for the Touareg BlueMotion haven't suffered to any major degree. 0 - 62 mph is achieved in 8.5 seconds and if you keep your foot firmly planted the luxury 4 x 4 will top out at a respectable 126 mph.
As with all models in the Touareg range standard specification is good and the BlueMotion is no exception. Both the BlueMotion and BlueMotion SE have the 4XMOTION all-wheel-drive system that is linked to an Electronic Differential Lock, an Electronic Stabilisation Programme,and hill start with hill descent assist. Six airbags, cruise control, a leather multifunction steering wheel and newly designed 17-inch 'Makalu' alloy wheels (18-inch 'Valley' alloys on the SE) are also fitted as standard. In addition to the 18-inch alloys the BlueMotion SE also benefits from 2 Zone electronic climate control, touch screen satellite navigation, heated front seats, 'Cricket' leather upholstery and walnut wood interior trim.
The BlueMotion Touareg will never save the planet on its own, but it is a small step in the right direction, whether it's enough to change perceptions of luxury 4 x 4's however remains to be seen. For those who are looking for a greener luxury 4 x 4 though, the Touareg BlueMotion may ease their conscience ever so slightly.
