Volkswagen lobs special-edition Touareg Monochrome

VOLKSWAGEN has spruced up its ageing Touareg large SUV range with the addition of the Monochrome variant, based on the 150TDI and priced from $74,990 plus on-roads.

To differentiate it from the 150TDI, the Monochrome gains unique badging and black exterior body elements including mirror caps, a lower front grille and roof rails, while darkened LED tail-lights and 19-inch Moab alloy wheels give it a tougher look.

As the Monochrome name would suggest, only three exterior hues are available – Pure White, Canyon Grey metallic and Deep Black pearlescent.

Inside, the Touareg Monochrome is upholstered in two-tone Moonrock Grey Vienna leather with ventilated front seats, while the dashboard is trimmed with brushed aluminium and piano black inserts. The headliner is finished in Titanium Black.

Added safety features are also included over the 150TDI, such as adaptive cruise control, front assist with city emergency braking and proactive occupant protection.

Other additional equipment includes keyless access and start, electric tailgate, heated steering wheel with paddle shifters and tinted rear windows.

Overall, the Monochrome adds a $6000 premium over the 150TDI.

It is powered by the same 3.0-litre turbo-diesel V6 producing 150kW/450Nm, with power being fed to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Combined cycle fuel economy stands at a claimed 7.2 litres per 100km, while emitting 190 grams of CO2 per km.

Earlier in the year, the German manufacturer introduced another special-edition Touareg called the Adventure, based on the mid-spec V6 TDI and offering a discounted towing package for travel enthusiasts.

The second-generation Touareg arrived in Australian showrooms in 2011 with a major mid-life update in 2014, and holds the dubious honour of being the oldest model in Volkswagen’s line-up.

To the end of October, Volkswagen has sold 1379 examples of the Touareg, representing a slide of 27.0 per cent over the same period last year.

Despite its age it still holds a 7.8 per cent market share in the $70,000-plus large SUV segment, and is sixth in sales behind the BMW X5 (3170), Range Rover Sport (2499), Audi Q7 (2286), Mercedes-Benz GLE (1982) and Lexus RX (1667).