Smaller diesels have greatest appeal

Pick of the VW Touareg range are the 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesels, the only models which continued after the 2014 facelift, with improved power, economy and reduced CO2 emissions. With a choice of 201bhp and 258bhp outputs, the revised versions claim 42.8mpg and 173 to 174g/km of CO2, beating the previous 39.2mpg and 189g/km figures.

Volkswagen’s Touareg Hybrid, uses a petrol 3.0-litre V6 engine and an electric motor. It offers the ability to drive for short periods on battery power alone. At its high price, you would also expect it to be the most economical model in the line-up, but the Hybrid’s 34.4mpg is only average for this class, never mind anywhere near as good as the V6 TDI’s figures, nor is the Hybrid cleaner either at 193g/km. Unless you’ve got money to burn, we’d advise staying away from the V8 TDI altogether.

Is this spacious, economical, refined yet agile off-road 4x4 worth a look? Read Parkers full new Volkswagen Touareg review to find out.