Following on from the...
Following on from the computer-generated illustrations we published last week (Issue 955), Auto Express can now bring you the best pictures yet of the exciting trio that points the way to a head-turning Matiz replacement. Most eye-catching is the Beat – a three-door hot hatchback painted Vertigo Green and featuring aggressive LED tail-lights which take styling cues from the Ultra WTCC concept.
It’s not very...
It’s not very often you can describe a used car costing nearly ?25,000 as a ‘bargain’ – but when it’s the V10 diesel-powered Volkswagen Touareg off-roader, it’s fair comment.
That’s because the 4x4 had a list price of ?50,695 in 2003... even before optional extras were added. Now, though, you can pick up a 53-reg example with average mileage for half that figure. Still think it’s expensive? Trade guides say it should be advertised for nearer ?32,000 – some ?7,000 more than we found it for!
Despite its diesel engine, the VW is hardly the last word in economy or affordability. But when it comes to providing torque, few can beat it. With an output of 750Nm from only 2,000rpm, the Touareg is the ultimate tow car – and its big V10 was named International Engine of the Year in 2003 and 2004.
Admittedly, the model we spotted wasn’t at a franchised dealer – it was being offered by a specialist 4x4 outlet. Yet it came in stealthy
dark metallic blue and had leather upholstery, along with 12-way electrically adjustable seats.
For the same ?24,950 price tag, you could buy the obvious choice in the luxury off-roader market, in the shape of the Range Rover. However, its Td6 engine is no match for the 5.0-litre powerplant under the bonnet of the Touareg.