The Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 2.0 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic, produced from 2018 to 2023, represents the third generation of Volkswagen’s mid-size luxury SUV. Positioned above the Tiguan in Volkswagen’s lineup, the Touareg competes with vehicles like the BMW X5, Audi Q7, and Mercedes-Benz GLE. This iteration of the Touareg focused on blending on-road comfort with capable off-road performance, leveraging Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and a range of modern technologies. While not initially a high-volume seller in the United States (the Touareg was discontinued in the US after the second generation in 2017), it remained a significant model in European and Asian markets, known for its refined driving experience and spacious interior.
Volkswagen Touareg III (CR) 2.0 TSI: An Overview
The Touareg III, internally designated as the CR (China/Rest of World) model, underwent a significant redesign compared to its predecessor. It moved to the MLB Evo platform shared with other Volkswagen Group vehicles, resulting in weight reduction and improved structural rigidity. The 2.0 TSI variant, equipped with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, offered a balance between fuel efficiency and performance, making it a popular choice for buyers prioritizing everyday usability. The “Tiptronic” designation refers to the eight-speed automatic transmission with manual shift capability, providing drivers with greater control over gear selection.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Touareg III 2.0 TSI is the EA888 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, coded CYRC, produces 249 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 370 Nm (272.9 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1600 and 4500 rpm. The direct injection and multi-port manifold injection system optimizes combustion for both power and efficiency. The turbocharger, coupled with an intercooler, minimizes intake air temperature, further enhancing performance. This powertrain delivers a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 6.8 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of approximately 6.5 seconds. The Touareg’s top speed is electronically limited to 225 km/h (139.81 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 7.9 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 5.3 kg/Nm, contributing to its responsive driving characteristics. A Start & Stop system is included to further improve fuel economy.
Design & Features
The Touareg III boasts a sophisticated and modern exterior design, characterized by clean lines and a prominent front grille. Its body style is a traditional five-door SUV, offering seating for five passengers. Key features include a spacious interior with high-quality materials, advanced infotainment systems, and a comprehensive suite of safety technologies. The Touareg prioritizes passenger comfort and convenience, offering features like multi-zone climate control, premium audio systems, and available leather upholstery. The trunk space is remarkably versatile, ranging from a minimum of 810 liters (28.6 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1800 liters (63.57 cu. ft.) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s dimensions – 4878 mm (192.05 in.) in length, 1984 mm (78.11 in.) in width, and 1717 mm (67.6 in.) in height – provide ample interior space without feeling overly large. The drag coefficient of 0.322 contributes to improved aerodynamic efficiency.
Technology and Safety
The Touareg III incorporates a range of advanced technologies. The 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system provides excellent traction and stability in various driving conditions. The Tiptronic eight-speed automatic transmission offers smooth and efficient gear changes. Safety features include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), electronic stability control, and a suite of driver-assistance systems such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking. The electric power steering provides precise and responsive handling. The vehicle’s suspension system, featuring a double wishbone front setup and an independent multi-link rear setup with transverse stabilizers, delivers a comfortable and controlled ride.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Touareg |
| Generation | Touareg III (CR) |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TSI (249 Hp) 4MOTION Tiptronic |
| Start of production | 2018 |
| End of production | May, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10 l/100 km (23.5 US mpg, 28.2 UK mpg, 10 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 7.1 l/100 km (33.1 US mpg, 39.8 UK mpg, 14.1 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.2 l/100 km (28.7 US mpg, 34.4 UK mpg, 12.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 188 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 6.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 6.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 225 km/h (139.81 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.3 kg/Nm |
| Power | 249 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 1600-4500 rpm (272.9 lb.-ft. @ 1600-4500 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | EA888 / CYRC |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection and Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1955 kg (4310.04 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 810 l (28.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1800 l (63.57 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 75 l (19.81 US gal | 16.5 UK gal) |
| Length | 4878 mm (192.05 in.) |
| Width | 1984 mm (78.11 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2193 mm (86.34 in.) |
| Height | 1717 mm (67.6 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2904 mm (114.33 in.) |
| Front track | 1653-1669 mm (65.08 – 65.71 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1669-1685 mm (65.71 – 66.34 in.) |
| Drag coefficient (Cd) | 0.322 |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12.2 m (40.03 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 8 gears, automatic transmission Tiptronic |
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4×4) |
The Volkswagen Touareg III 2.0 TSI 4MOTION Tiptronic offered a compelling package of performance, luxury, and technology, solidifying its position as a competitive player in the mid-size SUV segment, particularly in markets outside of North America.
