THE new third-generation Tiguan - Volkswagen's biggest-selling model globally - will cost from £34,060, the company has announced.

The lates Tiguan has a completely new look, taking design cues from other recent Volkswagen models, while new IQ. LED headlights frame a glass-covered horizontal bar with optionally integrated LED strip, instead of the traditional radiator grille.

Also available as an option are IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights that were developed in tandem with the new Touareg.

Active air curtains at the sides optimise air flow and combine with the car's lines to achieve a drag coefficient of 0.295 - 15 per cent more efficient than the previous model.

The vehicle is built on the latest version of Volkswagen Group's modular transverse matrix platform, MQB-evo, which allows for a host of new systems to be included and also forms the foundation for the soon-to-arrive ninth-generation Passat.

The new Tiguan has digital cockpit based on the fourth-generation (MIB4) modular infotainment matrix.

It includes a 12.9-inch central display and brings a range of digital services and apps on board, along with a new and more intuitive system menu and operating concept. A larger 15-inch screen is also available as an option.

The interior also has a new multi-function driving experience switch with integrated OLED display. This new rotary control, with its own mini screen, can be used to control the driving profile, radio volume and the cabin's background lighting colours.

VW says the MQB-evo platform enables a new generation of adaptive chassis control, DCC Pro, which is optional on petrol, eHybrid and mild hybrid models. It works with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager - available for the first time on the Tiguan - to control the electronic differential locks (XDS) and shock absorbers, resulting in more neutral, stable and agile handling characteristics.

Driver safety is improved with increased rear axle stability and a there's also a new set-up of the electromechanical power steering helps to help agility and comfort.

James Russell, Volkswagen UK's product manager for Tiguan, said: "All these features make the new Tiguan one of the most modern mid-sized SUVs on the market. Add also its redesigned interior with high-quality materials and workmanship, plus the optional 15-inch display and IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights, and you can clearly see how the new Tiguan looks like the compact sister model to our range-topping Touareg luxury SUV."

The new Tiguan is available in four trims - Tiguan, Life, Elegance and R-Line - and the range comes with a choice of two mild petrol hybrids developing either 130 or 150ps and one turbocharged 2.0 TDI diesel engine with 150ps on tap.

These will be joined in the spring by two plug-in eHybrid models with either 204 and 272ps and two turbocharged 2.0 TSI petrol engines developing 204 and 26ps towards the end of 2024.

The eHybrids extend the pure-electric range to about 62 miles, making the new Tiguan an all-electric car for most UK road trips. The mild hybrids use Active Cylinder Management to deactivate the 1.5 TSI evo2 engine, when conditions allow, for emissions-free coasting.

An automatic direct-shift gearbox (DSG) comes as standard on all models, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive will be available as standard on the 204 and 265ps petrol engines when they arrive.

The 14 model range will top out from £40,880 for a diesel engined R-Line version while the diesel line up starts from £37,905 in Life trim. Prices for the eHybrid and 4Motion all-wheel-drive variants are still to be announced.