The German automaker may have been behind the times in jumping aboard the hybrid bandwagon, but its first entry in this trendy, high-efficiency, low-emissions category is a dandy. In fact, it's the most robust powertrain in the new Touareg lineup, with a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 gasoline/electric engine package that combines for 380 horsepower, channeled to the 4MOTION all-wheel drive through a new eight-speed automatic transmission. It's a true parallel hybrid system that reduces fuel consumption while producing amazing acceleration and seamless transitions between power modes thanks in part to a new "sailing" mode that disconnects the engine at highway speeds, allowing the Touareg hybrid to coast or freewheel down the road up to 156 km/h.

The bad news, however, is that Volkswagen Canada says there are presently no plans to bring the hybrid version here. VW Canada spokesperson Thomas Tetzlaff would confirm only that, though the company is "evaluating the product plan," it has "not made a decision on the potential future availability of this model."

During a media preview of the 2011 Touareg lineup in Tuscany, VW officials said that hybrid production would begin six to twelve months after the conventionally powered models arrive in showrooms, which in Canada will be early October. The delay is intended to allow the company to ramp up production of the hybrid's electric motors and other specialized components in order to meet the anticipated global demand.

Perhaps Canadian consumer interest in driving cleaner, greener vehicles will prompt VW's management team to include the Touareg Hybrid in its lineup here at home. After all, the 2011 Touareg not only shares its new, lighter, stronger platform with SUV models from VW stablemates Porsche (Cayenne) and Audi (Q7), but the hybrid technology is also similar. Porsche, for example, is introducing a hybrid version of its Cayenne that uses a nearly identical gas/electric powertrain, including the Audi-derived turbo V6 engine.

In the meantime, Canadians can choose from a conventional engine lineup that features an overhauled, naturally aspirated 3.6-litre FSI gasoline six-cylinder that generates 280 ponies, or a new, 3.0-litre, 240-horsepower V6 TDI turbodiesel engine with BlueMotion technology. The diesel will likely be the more popular choice, as 96% of all Touareg buyers have requested the current TDI powerplant. Unfortunately, a potent new 4.1-litre V8 TDI turbodiesel, rated at 340 horsepower and capable of launching the Touareg to 100 km/h in just 5.8 seconds, will not be offered in Canada.

In what is a first in the SUV segment, all 2011 Touaregs will share the hybrid model's new smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission, which has been developed from VW's previous six-speed box, with the two additional cogs acting as overdrive gears. This change reduces engine noise at cruising speeds and boosts fuel efficiency (Canadian consumption ratings have not yet been announced), while the additional gears create a 20%-larger spread between first and top gear, thus improving engine response. Even with the base 3.6-litre gas engine, the new Touareg reacts almost immediately when the accelerator pedal is pushed. It also shifts quickly up and down the gear range with a smoothness that makes the changes virtually unnoticeable.

To further reduce fuel consumption, both V6 engines have a stop-start feature: when the vehicle comes to a stop, the engine automatically shuts off; once the brake is released, the engine immediately restarts. According to VW engineers, this feature alone is expected to reduce fuel consumption by about 0.2 litres per 100 kilometres, depending on the type of usage.

Although the new Touareg has inherited much of its styling from the previous generation, the exterior has a fresh, dynamic quality, with more sharp edges and sculpting to define it. The side panels now have a more concave shape, replacing the current generation's convex form, while the rear quarters have prominent "shoulders" that create a more athletic stance. The front fascia and rear end have also been reworked, reducing overhang to enhance the overall look of athleticism.

While this Touareg is 4 cm longer and 1.2 cm wider than its predecessor, its roofline is 1.7 cm lower. The new body sits on a wheelbase that has been stretched 41 mm wider than that of the current iteration. And, because the track has been widened by 3 mm up front and 11.5 mm in the rear, the vehicle's stability and handling have improved.

The new corporate face of VW is reflected in the badge set in the horizontal bars of the grille. There's also a dramatic new headlamp design with Audi-like LED daytime-running lights.

The new nose, together with the lower roof, has reduced the Touareg's drag coefficient from 0.36 to 0.32. The improved aerodynamics not only lower fuel consumption, they also minimize wind noise: the Touareg's roomy cabin was impressively serene on the road.

VW engineers have also incorporated some other design tricks to make the new Touareg a leaner, more fuel-efficient vehicle. The extensive use of lightweight, high-strength steel and aluminum has reduced the curb weight by 208 kg to 2,035 kg overall. About 70 kg have been shaved off the new chassis, yet its torsional rigidity is 5% stiffer. New, lighter suspension components have also helped shed weight, while changes to the powertrain have trimmed about 50 kg.

However, these improvements have not compromised any of the original Touareg's valued attributes, including its off-road capabilities, its towing capacity, and its permanent 4MOTION all-wheel drive, which comes standard on all models sold in Canada.

In fact, the Touareg is not only capable of getting down and dirty (which I confirmed while putting it through its paces on a specially created off-road course in Italy), it also has solid towing credentials: all Touaregs, including the hybrid, are rated to haul up to 3,500 kg.

But most will probably spend their days hauling people and things around town or on the open road, and here the effects of the 2011 changes are obvious. When manoeuvring though mall parking lots and congested city streets, the Touareg's tight turning radius and quick steering make it a pleasure to drive. Let it loose on the highway, and it feels light and nimble, more like a sports sedan than an SUV.

The cabin has likewise undergone a complete makeover. It's more spacious, with increased elbow and shoulder room up front, and headroom in both the front and rear seats has also improved despite the lower roofline. There's ample room to find a comfortable driving position, and most adults will have plenty of space to stretch out in the back. The longer wheelbase results in 38 mm of more knee room for rear-seat passengers, while the split-back rear seats slide fore and aft about 160 mm. The seatbacks also recline slightly.

Thankfully, VW has opted to provide sensible cargo space instead of trying to squeeze in a third row of seating. In fact, the cargo area has been increased, with 660 litres available when the seatbacks are upright, and 1,642 litres when they're folded flat.

Interior fit and materials are first rate. One particular interior combination that stood out at the media preview was a dark, chocolate-brown decor. The soft leather and wood trim generate a rich, calming effect when you settle into the wonderfully comfortable (and heated) seats. Optional equipment includes new wheel styles and a panoramic sunroof.

Pricing and packaging have not been finalized, but expect the cost of the 2011 models to be similar to that of the current Touareg, which starts at about $45,000 for the base V6, with an additional $4,000 to move up to the TDI powertrain. Three trim levels will likely be available: Comfortline, Highline, and Execline.

Don't be thrown by the name (which is apparently adopted from a nomadic tribe that roams the Sahara desert): even though no two people may agree on how to pronounce it, there's no disputing that the new Touareg continues the marque's image as a premium SUV, delivering better fuel economy, lower emissions, improved driving dynamics, and more utility in a well-appointed vehicle that's quiet, roomy, and comfortable.