POWERTRAINS ON TEST VW TOUAREG 3.0 TSI EHYBRID 4MOTION V6, single turbo, hybrid It is a testament to the flexibility of the VW Group E839 V6 that it can appear in both the rip-snorting RS4 opposite and the family-friendly behemoth that is the Touareg PHEV. In Elegance trim, as tested, the 3.0-liter V6 ICE contributes 245PS; the electric motor adds an extra 136PS (the R variant gains the 2.9-liter, twin-turbo version of the E839 with 340bhp). Coupled with a 14.3kWh battery, this provides a useful electric range of 50km on the WLTP cycle. During a test of mixed driving, it was possible to get close to this range. However, where the drivetrain really excelled was in full hybrid mode, with the software deciding the optimal mix of EV and ICE. In practice, this saw most driving under 50km/h undertaken on electric, with the engine only kicking in when accelerating beyond this (although EV mode will operate up to 135km/h). Cruising at a steady 110km/h, it was interesting to keep an eye on the instrument panel to see the seamless switch between the two powertrains. Running in hybrid mode, the battery managed to last two laps of a 96km commute, returning in excess of 3.5 l/100km (80mpg) according to the trip computer. Once the battery was exhausted, consumption unsurprisingly rose to around 9.0 l/100km, highlighting that PHEVs must be used correctly in order to justify their green credentials. The Touareg is a hefty beast, just shy of 2.5 tons, though it does an admirable job of keeping things civil in the corners. However, the braking felt less assured, with the response from the middle pedal seemingly at odds with the rest of the chassis’ impressive dynamic abilities. Overall, VW has executed an impressively refined PHEV powertrain in the Touareg, which offers excellent comfort coupled with true utility thanks to its all-wheel drive and 3.5-ton towing capacity. LB Vital Statistics AUDI RS4 AVANT COMPETITION V6, twin turbocharged First, a disclaimer: I have something of a penchant for fast Audi wagons, having owned a host of their offerings across various iterations of A4 and A6 models. What they do well is provide incredible cross-country pace, sure-footed in any conditions while tending toward the understated in the looks department; more menacing intent than in-your-face performance (the current RS6 excluded). What they are not is the last word in driver engagement – that has always been BMW’s trump card in the uber-saloon stakes. But with the last hurrah for the current RS4, built on the B9 platform, Audi has made its most convincing effort yet to change that perception. On paper, there doesn’t appear to be much to separate the Comp from a run-of-the-mill RS4. However, it is the details that matter, specifically the use of a fixed-ratio steering rack, a recalibrated active rear diff and, most importantly, manually adjustable coilover suspension developed by KW. Coupled with Pirelli P Zero Corsa Sport tires, the result is arguably Audi’s most rewarding drive this side of an R8. On the pitted and scarred surfaces that make up most of the UK’s road network, the chassis maintains astounding poise, soaking up imperfections but not at the expense of steering feel or body control. Once you start to explore the car further, the depth of its talent becomes increasingly apparent; fast Audis have always felt composed but the RS4 Comp brings real driver engagement to the party. The 2.9-liter V6 may not be the most soulful powertrain, and power is exactly the same as a regular RS4, but it lacks neither punch nor responsiveness (though I still yearn for the old V8 that could scream to 8,500rpm) – the upshot being that it can be relatively frugal at a steady highway cruise. Although it doesn’t have quite the overt hooligan tendencies of its closest rival, the M3 Touring, the RS4 Competition is the more accomplished all-rounder and a fitting swan song for the venerable B9 platform. LB Cylinders: 6 Cubic capacity: 2,995cc Bore/stroke: 84.5 x 89mm Power output ICE: 245ps Power output electric: 136ps System torque: 450Nm Battery capacity: 14.3kWh Vital Statistics Cylinders: 6 Cubic capacity: 2,894cc Bore/stroke: 84.5 x 86mm Compression ratio: 10:1 Power output: 450ps Torque: 600Nm 20 www.automotivepowertraintechnologyinternational.com / March 2024