THE Volkswagen Touareg was launched in the UK in 2003 - and seven years on a lot of people still struggle to pronounce the name let alone spell it.

But there will be plenty of time for motorists to practice because VW has just released its latest version of its up-market off-roader.

At first glance you might not pick up on the changes as it's still very recognisable as a Touareg. But changes a plenty there have been, making this an even more desirable 4x4.

At a time when most drivers are still getting used to automatic gearboxes which have jumped to seven speeds the new Touareg comes with eight.

That, and the dramatic 200 kg reduction in weight, are among the factors which ensure that the new version is some 20 per cent more fuel efficient than its predecessor.

The top speed is reached in sixth gear leaving seventh and eighth as overdrive ratios to ensure you don't have to visit the petrol station quite so often.

With new clean styling inspired by the design direction of the latest Golf and the new Polo, the Touareg has also grown in length and width, although it is actually lower.

That longer wheelbase means more legroom for rear seat passengers and the addition of seats which can slide up to 160mm means far more flexibility.

The interior has retained an impressive combination of rugged good looks and luxury ambience featuring classic round analogue dials for all essential information and a seven-inch colour display screen for additional features.

Power for the Touareg comes from a choice of V6 and V8 diesel engines with a hybrid available from later in November.

The hybrid combines a V6 3.0-litre petrol engine and an electric motor to produce a vehicle capable of out gunning most hot hatches with a 0-62mph time of 6.5 seconds plus average fuel consumption of over 34mpg

The best seller is expected to be the 3.0-litre V6 TDI with 240bhp (a 204bhp version is available next year) and capable of achieving more than 38 miles per gallon.

All models except the V8s feature VW's Blue Motion technology to help protect the environment as well as a Stop/Start system.

On the road the 3.0-litre diesel is quick, quiet and very refined. The car has a chunky feel to it but there is little body roll.

Drop the gearshift into Sport and this big off-roader powers ahead like a true sports car.

Over half a million Touareg models have been sold since the 2003 launch and VW looks set to give a dramatic boost to that figure with the new generation Touareg.

On-the-road prices for the 3.0-litre V6 TDI start from £38,255 while the V8 TDI starts from £56,530.