THE Volkswagen Touareg is becoming more affordable as the German brand goes about making changes to its big SUV line up.

In comes a new entry level model with the introduction of an SE grade to the range with prices starting from £45,445 - some £5,000 lower than the current cheapest Touareg.

Two other new trims, SEL Tech and Black Edition are also being introduced, priced from £50,995 and £58,745 respectively.

The new SE Touareg sits below the current SEL model and comes with 19-inch alloys, a Discover Pro 9.2-inch touch-screen infotainment system with gesture control and integrated voice control, front and rear parking sensors and adaptive cruise control among its standard equipment.

Two engines are being offered on the SE car - VW's 3.0-litre V6 diesel developing either 231 or 286ps.

Mid-range SEL Tech trim builds on the SEL grade and comes with extra kit such VW's Innovision Cockpit system, with a 15-inch integrated control panel and 12.3-inch digital cockpit, an electric tailgate with electric opening and power latching.

The SEL Tech Touareg is also available with the two diesel engines used on the SE as well as a 3.0-litre petrol V6 which develops 340ps.

The same engines are also used in the new Black Edition variants as well as the range topping R-Line and R-Line Tech versions.

Black Edition specification includes a panoramic sunroof and matrix beam headlights as standard which VW says would cost £1,260 and £1,420 respectively.

The Touareg's air suspension with automatic self-levelling function is also standard on the Black Edition while an Easy Open function for the tailgate and a Park Assist package with Area View is also part of the kit.

Brian Luckie, Touareg product manager at Volkswagen UK, said: "By offering three new trims, we're further expanding the audience for the Touareg, injecting more variety and all-important choice into its line-up."