Great diesel engine, well styled, well designed. It's a comfortable ride with good additional features. However, it's slightly on the pricey side.

The new VW Touareg made its debut at the Paris Motor Show last year.

Building on the success of the first generation model, the new Touareg benefits form some significant technological updates.

Make no mistake, the new Touareg places itself firmly at the luxury end of the 4x4 market and is easily the equal of many, supposedly more prestigious, competitors. The refinements to the new models bring it in to the luxury market and, at night, the dashboard lights up to what could be almost considered a work of art.

The new model incorporates permanent four-wheel drive, low and high gear ratios, electronic traction control linked to an auto-locking centre differential with enhanced ABS and fading brake support and under steer control logic which sharpens the Touareg’s turning behaviour through a corner, almost begging you to keep the power down.

The most powerful model in the range is a V10 TDI engine, producing an exceptional 553lbs ft of torque at 2,000 rpm – making it easily one of the most powerful passenger car diesels on the market.

Another key improved design feature is safety. The Touareg sets the highest standards for active and passive safety, and proves that the safety levels of more traditional luxury saloons can be replicated in an off-road vehicle.

The Touareg boasts one of the largest luggage compartments in its class and allows five adults to travel in comfort and safety. Indeed any car that allows five cricketers and all their equipment to travel in space, style and luxury must be on to a winner.

Falling in to the gas-guzzler category, the more efficient diesel models really are worth the outlay but the economy only ever falls in to the ‘acceptable’ category.

Behind the wheel, the driving position is commanding and comfortable very much in tune with the luxury positioning VW has tried to achieve. The cruise control was slightly confusing and make sure you locate the handbrake before you need it… it’s not where you think it should be.

All models are extremely well insulated from engine noise and come with air conditioning, cruise control, a CD/radio, split tailgate, electric windows, height-adjustable front seats, air conditioned glove compartment. Leather is standard on Altitude models. Satellite navigation is standard on SE and Altitude models.

Typical of this luxury 4x4 sector, a whole range of options can be chosen to upgrade the Touareg further still.

The 3.0 V6 turbo diesel engine is borrowed from Audi and provides the Touareg with a very useful 222bhp and 369lb ft of pull. It’s equally adept off road or cruising on the motorway and at the top end rivals some of the best in the class.