First released in 2010, the second-generation Touareg received a mid-life facelift in 2014. The latest version received revised bumpers and grilles, new alloy wheel designs, new colours and bi-xenon headlights as standard. Engines are now more efficient too, with reduced CO2 emissions and improved economy.

Since the introduction of the original Touareg in 2002, this sector of the automotive market has seen a rise in popularity and rivals include the BMW X5, Land Rover Discovery and the Mercedes-Benz M-Class.

Looking for a vehicle to take off the beaten path? The Touareg is a great all-rounder.

Performance

The Touareg has only one 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine but comes with two power outputs, 201bhp and 258bhp, and is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The lower-powered version takes 8.7 seconds to reach 62mph from rest, so it's plenty quick enough for a full-sized SUV.

The 258bhp model feels spritely, with the same benchmark coming up in 7.3 seconds. For such a heavy car the Touareg pulls away from the line well, thanks to a responsive and quick-shifting eight-speed automatic gearbox. This now includes a coasting function as standard, which allows the car to freewheel when you back off the accelerator, using its momentum to keep moving while saving fuel. Tapping the accelerator brings the engine back into play quickly and smoothly.

Ride and Handling

As your confidence grows, you realise the Touareg can corner surprisingly briskly without suffering too much bodyroll

The Touareg is available with standard suspension or optional air suspension with settings for 'Comfort', 'Normal' and 'Sport'. The standard set-up is a good compromise between handling and ride comfort, with only the worst bumps sending a distant thud through the steering wheel. It can take time to get used to the Touareg, because it's natural to expect such a big 4x4 to feel heavy and wallowy in corners. But, as your confidence grows, you realise the Touareg can corner surprisingly briskly without suffering too much bodyroll.  When fitted with air suspension the Touareg is even better, and more responsive in its 'Sport' setting, although its sportier cousin, the Porsche Cayenne, is still far sharper to drive. The Touareg is, however,  more car-like to drive than the Land Rover Discovery.

Interior and Equipment

The Volkswagen Touareg was named after the Tuareg people – a Berber-speaking group from North Africa.

On the inside, the Touareg has had a few touch-ups. The front seats now come with lumbar support and there are also two new optional wood trims on offer – Sapelli Mahogany and Engineered Ebony.  And safety-conscious drivers will be pleased to know that an automatic post-collision braking system is now standard across the range to help negate secondary impacts after a crash. Three trim levels will be available from launch on the revised Touareg and all come with four-wheel drive. Even the entry-level SE model includes 19-inch alloy wheels, sat-nav with eight-inch touch-screen, Bluetooth, dual-zone climate control, and leather upholstery. The Escape version is equipped for serious off-roading, with a 4XMOTION four-wheel drive system, raised suspension and underbody protection panels. The range-topping R-Line has a sportier bodykit, LED daytime running lights and panoramic sunroof. There’s more than enough space for five within, while the boot is large and well shaped. With the rear seats up, there is 580 litres of space, which is expanded to 1,642 litres with them folded down – although they don’t fold completely flat. Our main niggle is the lack of a seven-seat option, as offered by rivals including the Discovery and Audi Q7.

Cost

Leasing costs aren’t too pricey when compared to the likes of the BMW X5, but the Land Rover Discovery is slightly cheaper.

Prices for the Touareg start at £43,000, that’s £6k less expensive than the new Porsche Cayenne with which this car shares its basic underpinnings. Both of the 3.0-litres engines return 42.8mpg, while the low-powered 201bhp unit emits 173g/km of CO2 and the more powerful 258bhp unit emits just 1g/km more and comes out at 174g/km. Both cars are in SE trim - move up to Escape or R-Line and you will get less economy and higher CO2. VW says the best-selling model in the line-up is the 3.0-litre diesel with 258bhp in R-Line, which costs £47,500. Leasing costs aren’t too pricey when compared to the likes of the BMW X5, but the Land Rover Discovery is slightly cheaper. Unfortunately when it comes to holding its price, resale values are unlikely to match its rivals.

Our Verdict

It’s certainly an improvement on the old model, with better looks, more kit and cleaner engines, ensuring the Touareg remains a strong offering against its rivals. It may not be class-leading in terms of driving dynamics, but the Touareg is close to the complete package and starting at £43,000, it is well priced. If you’re looking for a model to take off-road and on longer trips, the Volkswagen Touareg is be a good all-rounder.