It says the Touareg is a luxury SUV offering a high level of comfort, sporty driving properties, avante-guard styling and excellent quality and expedition capabilities.

While the new Touareg maintains all the space, comfort, refinement and off-road and towing ability of the first generation, Volkswagen says it has taken the model forward by using lightweight construction techniques, more fuel-efficient engines and new technologies.

Despite being lower and thus appearing sleeker, the new Touareg is larger than the previous model. It is almost 50 millimetres longer in wheelbase, its overall length has increased by 144 millimetres, but weighs up to 90kg less and is up to 20% more fuel-efficient.

The new model has a standard fitment of a new 8-speed automatic transmission and there is a choice of new options available including an advanced Driver Assistance Package, which incorporates a range of features such as Lane Assist, Side Assist and ProActive Occupant Protection System.

All new Touaregs feature BlueMotion Technologies including brake energy recuperation and Start/Stop functionality.

Standard equipment across the range includes nine airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, Auto Hold and Hill Hold Assist, ESP with active rollover protection function, EBC and Off-road Function with Anti-lock Braking System (ABSplus) and Hill Decent Assist.

Entertainment and technology equipment fitted as standard includes coloured Multi-function Display and Bluetooth® connectivity.

Prices start at $62,990, excluding dealer delivery charges, which may vary from dealer to dealer and statutory charges, which vary from state to state.