Launched: 2024 Volkswagen Touareg R-Line CKD – From RM469,990

PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM) expanded its line-up today after introducing the new Volkswagen Touareg R-Line CKD model.

The local premium SUVs space grew a little larger today with the introduction of the new Volkswagen Touareg R-Line CKD. This offering is assembled locally (CKD) in pekan, Pahang, thus making Malaysia as the first nation besides Slovakia to produce the third-generation (CR) Touareg locally.

Effectively, the arrival of the Touareg R-Line CKD completes the MLB Evo platform-based range of SUVs available in Malaysia too. Said platform serves as the basis for a number of the Toureg’s other ‘cousins’, namely the likes of the Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q8, Bentley Bentayga, and Lamborghini Urus.

Unlike its 'cousins' that share the same MLB Evo platform, this posh Vee-Dub premium SUV is tagged at a rather accessible price of RM469,990.

However, unlike its posher cousins mentioned, this Vee-Dub boasts an arguably more accessible price tag of RM469,990 instead. For reference, the recently face-lifted Porsche Cayenne – which is also CKD in Malaysia – starts from 599,999, whilst its Audi Q8 twin is tagged from RM884,422.

So what does the made-in-Malaysia Touareg R-Line CKD offer? As we’ve discovered from inspecting it earlier today at its press launch, prospects have plenty to look forward to indeed in this alternative against the likes of the BMW X5 and Mercedes-Benz GLE.

At the heart of the Touareg R-Line CKD is a 3.0-litre TSI V6 petrol mill outputting 335 HP and 450 NM. It is paired with an 8-speed automatic box plus VW's 4Motion AWD suite with selectable drive and terrain modes.

At the heart of the Touareg R-Line is VW’s signature 3.0-litre TSI V6 turbo petrol mill that outputs 335 HP (340 PS) and 450 NM. Both are managed by an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic box plus VW’s signature 4Motion all-wheel-drive (AWD) suite, the latter offering multiple drive and terrain modes.

Similar to its posher cousins mentioned, the Touareg R-Line sees its chassis primed with an automatic self-levelling air-suspension system as standard. It automatically adapts this SUV’s height to match terrain conditions, lower the ride height by 40 MM for easier cargo loading or unloading , as well as wading through water depth of up to 550 MM. 

Lighting up the Touareg R-Line is VW's trick IQ Light HD Matrix LED headlights (right) matched with an all-LED taillight strip spanning the entire tailgate.

As for rolling stock, R-Line treatment sees this Malaysia-made Touareg roll on 20-inch Braga alloy wheels.

Based on the latest face-lifted third-gen (CR) Touareg, the model launched today boasts a rather beefy stance that’s bolstered by the VW brand’s sporty R-Line exterior treatment. Included here are 20-inch Braga alloy wheels, enhanced chrome detailing, and ‘R’ badges on the doors and grille.

Adding to which are the trick IQ Light HD Matrix all-LED headlights matched by the Touareg model’s signature LED taillight strip spanning across its tailgate. Capping off the exterior is the offer of five paintjob options - Lapiz Blue, Silicon Gray, Grenadilla Black, Oryx White and Dolomite Silver.

On board, key highlights include interactive all-digital displays, quad-zone automatic climate control, plus a 13-speaker Dynaudio Consequence hi-fi suite.

On board, the Touareg R-Line CKD’s cabin is furnished with a quad-zone (four-zone) automatic climate control suite, 12.3-inch interactive digital instrument panel, 15-inch touchscreen infotainment with Wireless App-Connect and wireless charging, plus a 730-watt Dynaudio Consequence 13-speaker audio suite with an 80-watt amplifier, amongst many highlights.

Crucially, semi-autonomous driving abilities are available too thanks to the presence of the Volkswagen brand’s IQ.Drive active driver assistance system (ADAS) package. This adds Adaptive Cruise Control (with Stop & Go), Area View, Autonomous Emergency Braking Front Assist, Automatic Post-Collision Braking, Lane Assist/Lane keeping, Park Assist, Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Advanced driver attention & drowsiness monitor and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System.

It's also worth noting that the Touareg R-Line CKD gets an automatic self-leveling air-suspension system as standard equipment.

On top of all that, the Touareg R-Line CKD’s also boasts a Night Vision function as standard. A first for any VW model sold in Malaysia, it provides the driver with a better view of the road at nigh using an infrared sensor in the camera to detect thermal signatures from humans or animals up to 130 metres ahead to keep the driver aware of potential collision.

Open for orders at all authorised Volkswagen dealers now, the new Touareg R-Line CKD comes with the Volkswagen Assurance Package offered by brand guardians PHS Automotive Malaysia (PHSAM). This entails with a 5-year free maintenance, 5-year unlimited mileage warranty, and 5-year complimentary roadside assistance.