The 2012 Volkswagen Touareg shows the road ahead with advanced, fuel-saving technologies, and a new premium driving experience.

The 2012 Touareg line-up is kept simple by offering customers a choice of four trim levels: Sport, Sport with Navigation, Lux, and Executive-with either 3.6 VR6 gasoline or 3.0 TDI Clean Diesel power.

The VR6 and TDI Clean Diesel lines are now available for 2012 with a new Touareg Sport with Navigation model that adds a sophisticated navigation system with an 8-inch color touchscreen, 60-GB hard drive and Park Distance Control.

The Touareg's imposing curbside presence appearance has been reinforced by the second-generation model, which is even lower and wider. It's longer too, adding an extra 1.6 inches, and features an extended wheelbase-by 1.5 inches-to provide more rear-seat legroom.

Stretching the wheelbase has also made it easier to stretch out in the back. There's an extra 2.7 inches of knee room: with a 40/60-split rear seat that can slide forward or back by 6.3 inches, as well as recline, there's no better vehicle for relaxing on a road trip.

The 2012 Touareg offers a choice of three powertrains. The 3.6-liter V6 FSI gasoline engine is one of the most powerful that Volkswagen builds. It produces 280 horsepower and 265 lb-ft of torque. Exceptionally quiet and refined, it delivers impressive off-the-line acceleration, strong mid-range response for fast, safe passing, and relaxed high-speed cruising.

The 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine powering the Touareg TDI Clean Diesel produces 225 horsepower and a mighty 406 lb-ft of torque. Like the Touareg V6, the TDI Clean Diesel comes standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission.