WITH eye-catching good looks and a performance to match the latest VW Touareg has everything you could wish for in a luxury off-roader.

Since its introduction back in 2003, the Touareg has built up quite a solid fanbase and after a week-long test drive, it's easy to see why that is.

For not only does the Touareg have eye-catching good looks with rugged lines and daytime running lights, but it's packed to bursting with upmarket gadgets and technical wizardry to help make every journey all the more comfortable and enjoyable.

For example the luxurious leather sports style seats can be heated and electrically adjusted 12 ways to find the perfect driving position and all the dials, readouts and controls are ideally-positioned for ease of use.

Creature comforts include cruise control, a highly efficient dual-zone climate control, a brilliant audio system that can quickly and easily be linked with any modern music device, sat nav, a multi-function computer with seven-inch colour screen and plenty more besides.

The light and spacious cabin can easily accommodate five adults and rear seat passengers benefit from plenty of leg, head and elbow space.

And there won't be any restrictions on luggage either as there is a very generously-sized boot and a number of smaller, handy storage options throughout the cabin.

So, with comfort and gadgetry covered, it's time to get behind the heated, multi-function steering wheel and put the all-wheel-drive Touareg through its paces - and once again it doesn't disappoint.

In busy, built up traffic, it cruised effortlessly along and front and rear parking sensors make parking a doddle. The high-seated driving position means the driver benefits from excellent all-round visibility to watch out for any unexpected cyclists and pedestrians that appear from all angles.

Then on faster roads, the Touareg's 3.0-litre, diesel-powered engine delivers ample power and acceleration as it eases through the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The road-holding is excellent even in wet and windy driving conditions and cabin noise very low for such a large vehicle.

VW has kitted the vehicle out with a very comprehensive list of safety specifications, including a Driver's Assistance Pack which features a radar sensor controlled distance monitoring system, lane assist, blind spot warning system, hill descent assist and there is the added reassurance of all-wheel drive to tackle any winter conditions.