VW reveals new Touareg

%Gallery-85232%

Volkswagen has just unveiled its all-new Touareg. The new SUV promises to be bigger, lighter, lower and more fuel efficient than the car it replaces, and will be the first UK model to feature VW's petrol-hybrid system.

The Touareg Hybrid combines a 3.3-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine with a 46bhp electric motor to produce a peak output of 375bhp and 428lb ft of torque. That's enough to propel the SUV to 62mph in 6.5 seconds and onto 149mph, while operating alone the electric motor is capable of speeds of 30mph.

The Touareg Hybrid's conspicuous turn of pace aims it squarely at the corner of the SUV market currently dominated by the Lexus RX450h. Hybrid status earns the Touareg exemption from the London congestion charge, but the car is no eco warrior; 193g/km CO2 emissions put it firmly in gas-guzzling VED band J.