Volkswagen launches new 28mpg Touareg TDI BlueMotion SUV

Next year Volkswagen will launch a new petrol-electric hybrid version of its Touareg in its BlueMotion range but before that another version of the handsome SUV will get the environmentally conscientious banner. Just launched in Europe is the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion, which comes with a 225hp (168kW) V6 TDI turbodiesel engine.

This is the same engine found in the regular Touareg TDI clean diesel model that was launched recently in the U.S., but thanks to a number of fuel saving modifications the BlueMotion model is up to 10% more fuel-efficient than the already frugal standard model.

According to its maker, the new Touareg TDI BlueMotion has a fuel economy of just 28mpg (8.3L/100km). What’s more impressive is that this is more fuel-efficient than even the hybrid version due next year, which in prototype form is averaging around 26mpg (9L/100km).

To enhance fuel economy, engineers have installed low rolling resistance tires, installed new engine components to reduce friction, and lowered the vehicle by 25mm to reduce drag.

Pricing for the new model starts at €50,450 (approximately $70,500) and no word on a U.S. launch has been given.