Volkswagen Touareg: Mk2 vs CR Facelift
Verdict
The newer Touareg CR Facelift costs RM384,972 against the Mk2’s RM438,283, so the RM53,311 gap already points the sensible way for a Malaysian buyer. It also uses a smaller 2,995 cc petrol engine yet makes more power and torque: 335 hp and 450 Nm versus 276 hp and 360 Nm. Road tax drops from RM2,595 to RM1,632, while the boot grows from 580 to 810 litres. The Mk2’s main defence is its stated 9.9 L/100 km fuel economy; the CR’s figure is not stated.
Pick the Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 if you want the CBU car with a quoted 9.9 L/100 km fuel figure and can accept the higher cost, smaller boot and slower 7.8-second sprint.
Pick the Volkswagen Touareg CR Facelift if you want the stronger, quicker and roomier Touareg with lower road tax, AEB and a 5-year warranty.
Key differences
- Price: RM438,283 for the Mk2 versus RM384,972 for the CR Facelift.
- Engine and output: 3,597 cc, 276 hp, 360 Nm versus 2,995 cc, 335 hp, 450 Nm.
- Performance: 0-100 km/h in 7.8 s and 228 km/h versus 6.0 s and 250 km/h.
- Size and boot: 4,795 mm long with a 2,893 mm wheelbase and 580 L boot versus 4,878 mm, 2,984 mm and 810 L.
- Safety and warranty: 6 airbags, no AEB and 2-year warranty versus 6 airbags, AEB and 5-year warranty.
- Malaysian road tax: RM2,595 per year versus RM1,632 per year.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 438,283 | RM 384,972✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Executive | Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 3,597 cc | 2,995 cc |
| Power | 276 hp | 335 hp✓ |
| Torque | 360 Nm | 450 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 7.8 s | 6.0 s✓ |
| Top speed | 228 km/h | 250 km/h✓ |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | 9.9 L/100km | — |
| EV range | 0 km | — |
| CO₂ | 236 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,795 mm | 4,878 mm |
| Width | 1,940 mm | 1,984 mm |
| Height | 1,709 mm | 1,702 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,893 mm | 2,984 mm |
| Boot space | 580 L | 810 L✓ |
| Fuel tank | 85 L | 90 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | — | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 5✓ |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,595 | RM 1,632✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Mk2
- Quoted 9.9 L/100 km fuel economy.
- CBU assembly.
- All-wheel drive and a conventional automatic gearbox.
- Slower at 7.8 s from 0-100 km/h.
- Smaller 580 L boot.
- No AEB and only a 2-year warranty.
CR Facelift
- More power and torque: 335 hp and 450 Nm.
- Quicker 6.0 s 0-100 km/h time.
- Larger 810 L boot and 5-year warranty.
- No stated fuel economy or CO2 figure.
- CKD rather than CBU.
- Still has 6 airbags, the same count as the Mk2.
Mk2 vs CR Facelift FAQ
Is the Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 or Volkswagen Touareg CR Facelift better?
The Volkswagen Touareg CR Facelift is better on paper for most buyers: it is cheaper, quicker, more powerful, has a larger boot, AEB and a 5-year warranty. The Mk2 counters with a stated 9.9 L/100 km fuel figure and CBU status.
What is the price difference?
The Volkswagen Touareg CR Facelift is RM53,311 cheaper, at RM384,972 versus RM438,283 for the Volkswagen Touareg Mk2.
Which Touareg has lower road tax in Malaysia?
The Volkswagen Touareg CR Facelift has the lower annual road tax at RM1,632. The Volkswagen Touareg Mk2 costs RM2,595 per year, a difference of RM963.