Entry-level Volkswagen Touareg SUV hits showrooms

The Volkswagen Touareg luxury SUV is now available to order with an entry-level version of the 3.0-litre V6 TDI diesel engine, after the model first launched in June.

Costing from £48,995 and with 228bhp, it's 52bhp less powerful than the range-topping 282bhp model, but costs £2,600 less. It's fitted with the same 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox is standard. The maximum towing weight remains at 3,500kg.

Other than the initial cost saving, the less powerful Touareg is expected to cost the same to run, with identical 42.8mpg fuel economy and 173g/km CO2 emissions to the top-spec engine. As a result, the Touareg's 37% Benefit-in-Kind band is unlikely to appeal to company-car drivers, who'll be hoping a rumoured plug-in hybrid version arrives soon to take on the Volvo XC90 T8 and Porsche Cayenne E-Hybrid.

• Read our full Volkswagen Touareg review

The new engine is available in SEL, R-Line and R-Line Tech trim levels, with black leather upholstery, LED interior lighting and aluminium trim inserts. The Discover Navigation Pro infotainment system is standard with a 9.2-inch screen, Bluetooth and DAB radio. A free subscription to connected features including traffic information and parking prices is also included for three years.

R-Line swaps the 19-inch wheels of the SEL for 20-inch alloys and sports suspension, while different bumpers and gloss-black trim help it stand out. Inside, there's four-zone climate control, a rear-view camera, self-parking technology and a powered tailgate.

You'll need to upgrade to R-Line Tech, starting from £55,595, to enjoy VW's latest 15-inch Discover Premium infotainment system, with more advanced route calculations processed online to take account of traffic and frequently driven routes. It's paired with a 12-inch screen in the instrument binnacle to make up VW's 'Innovision Cockpit'. Enhanced seats with 14-way adjustment and memory settings are also included, along with keyless entry.