VOLKSWAGEN'S new Touareg will cost from £38,225 for the SE 3.0-litre turbodiesel when the big 4x4 goes on sale in October.

First up though is the Hybrid model, which hits showrooms next month at £54,995.

This model brings together a 3.0-litre supercharged V6 petrol engine producing 333PS and an electric motor generating 47PS for a total output of 380PS and whopping 428 pounds per foot of torque.

Keep the speed below 30mph and the Touareg operates exclusively on electric power, resulting in silent performance and zero emissions.

But working in conjunction with the V6 it adds heavy duty punch for overtaking and allows the hybrid to hit 62mph from standstill in 6.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 149mph.

The 3.0-litre V6 TDI, which will make up the majority of sales, produces 240PS, has a Stop-Start system, is capable of returning 38.1mpg and features a new eight-speed automatic transmission.

Maximum speed is achieved in sixth gear, with the two higher ones being overdrive ratios to reduce both fuel consumption and noise.

The new Touareg is more than 200kg lighter than the outgoing model and 20 per cent more fuel efficient across the range. Four models designated SE, Altitude, Hybrid and Escape, will be on offer.

Range topper is the 340PS 4.2 V8 TDI - replacement for the outgoing V10 unit - at £56,530.

Despite its substantial power and torque outputs the new engine is still capable of achieving 31mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 239g/km of CO.

Equipment is comprehensive across the Touareg range, even entry-level SE models featuring leather trim, touchscreen satellite navigation with DAB radio, six airbags, burr walnut interior trim, 2Zone climate control and 4MOTION four wheel drive.