VOLKSWAGEN has taken the wraps off its' new family-sized SUV, the Tayron, which will be positioned between the mid-sized Tiguan and the premium Touareg models, completing one of the motor industry's most comprehensive ranges of SUV models.

There's a choice of five or seven-seater versions in three levels of trim with front or four-wheel-drive and six or seven speed DSG auto transmissions across the range.

The Tayron is aimed squarely at buyers who aren't yet ready to go pure electric and VW is putting its faith in plug-in and mild hybrid powertrains alongside its tried and trusted two-litre petrol and diesel power units.

There will be two front-wheel-drive plug-in hybrid power options, - branded as eHybrid - both of which will offer a predicted electric driving range of more than 60 miles - one of the most economical systems of its kind, according to VW.

The basic version combines VW's 1.5 TSI evo2 engine with an electric drive motor producing a combined 201bhp while the range-topping package delivers 268bhp.

There will also be a 1.5 litre mild-hybrid version - badged as eTSI - plus a pair of two-litre turbocharged petrol engine options as well as two turbo-diesels. The tw- litre models are all paired with all-wheel drive.

Unmistakably a Volkswagen, there's nothing radical about the styling but VW promises high equipment levels with even the entry-level versions boasting three-zone automatic air conditioning, 10-colour background lighting, nine airbags, sun blinds in the rear doors, an infotainment system with navigation, digital instruments, LED headlights including automatic main beam control, illuminated VW logos front and rear as well as 17-inch alloy wheels.

Standard driver assistance systems include adaptive cruise control, oncoming vehicle braking when turning function, lane change and lane keeping systems, automatic emergency braking including pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, parking assistance, rear view camera system and dynamic road sign display.

The Tayron will be rolled out in mainland Europe this autumn but it's not expected in the UK until next year.

Pricing, model mix and specifications for the British market have yet to be confirmed, but given the current prices of the VW Tiguan and Skoda Kodiaq - with which the Tayron shares its underpinnings - somewhere approaching £40k would seem to be likely.