IF you're more interested in a good deal rather than badge bragging rights, then read on.

While the newly refreshed VW Touareg isn't exactly a snip with the range starting at more than £60,000, spec for spec it undercuts obvious rivals such as the Merc GLE and Audi Q7 and BMW X5 - of course there are those who put great emphasis on a flashy key fob.

With a smartened face and a dressier tail end which includes a fashionable light-bar, the 2024 Touareg has been treated to an updated cabin complete with huge central digital display screen and a new voice control system.

Up front, the power options are familiar - we drove the flagship 3.0 V6 diesel which packs 282bhp. There's also a less powerful 227bhp model and a 335bhp V6 petrol, plus a 375bhp plug-in version. At the top of the tree, is the R version that boasts 455bhp.

For most owners, the282bhp turbo diesel will prove to have more than enough clout, yet return reasonable economy of around 30mpg. It's also more than up to the job of caravan or boat towing.

Where the Touareg differs from most rivals is that, despite its substantial size, it seats just five adults - most competitors have a final row of seats to carry a couple of kids.

The advantage of this ‘absence' is that there's masses of luggage room because there's no fold-away third row impinging on space. So the boot absorbs a massive 810 litres of cargo. Fold down the rear seats and this grows to 1,800 litres.

The trusty 3.0 V6 turbo diesel is, in our view, the sweet spot of the range, offering oodles of power alongside huge torque - 442lb ft to precise. Apart from a slightly loud tickover, it's smoother than many petrol engines and the throttle response is immediate.

Matched to the eight speed Tiptronic gearbox - complete with steering wheel paddles - performance is silky yet relentless. Just as good for towing as it is for fast cross country journeys. Despite the abundant grunt, we averaged 29mpg - impressive for such a large, four wheel drive vehicle.

Through continuous development, the on-road behaviour of SUVs has gradually improved. And the Touareg echoes this progress. There's some body roll but it's well controlled and it rides the ruts and bumps with ease and composure. Obviously, there's no denying its girth but it feels neither lethargic nor ungainly.

The 4Motion all-wheel drive system has four driving modes operated by a central control - easy to work and effective.

The cabin redesign is largely successful with the massive 15-inch screen - standard in the Black Edition - dominating the fascia. Unfortunately too much emphasis is put on touch-sensitive controls with no physical buttons for adjusting the heating and air con.

Though somewhat sombre, most of the materials used are of good quality as befits a car with a £60,000-plus price tag. Seats are multi-adjustable via electronic controls and the driver, though elevated in usual SUV fashion, is afforded excellent all-round vision.