VW Touareg, the exclusive off-roader, launched

The Touareg, Volkswagen's exclusive off-road vehicle, which boasts the world's most powerful passenger car diesel engine, was launched yesterday.

The new Volkswagen is a crossover vehicle which is not just an off-roader, but also a sporty luxury class estate car.

The vehicle's characteristics set new standards, including permanent four-wheel drive, full air suspension, and elegant and progressive interior and exterior design.

Pneumatic suspension and continuous damping control give the car an unprecedented level of suspension comfort - both on-road and off-road. A switch in the cockpit allows the driver to select a sportier or a more comfortable suspension.

Crashworthiness and safety equipment meet the toughest specifications.

Starting price for the 2.5 Tdi manual version is Lm28,500 and Lm30,900 for the 3.2 V6 automatic petrol version.

Speaking during the launch, Continental Cars chairman Maurice Mizzi said the fascinating level of perfection in the Touareg made it more than an exclusive off-roader.

Both technically and optically, it unified three completely different kinds of car with ultimate perfection: the off-road car, the sports car and the top class saloon, Mr Mizzi said.