VOLKSWAGEN is a master at this - churning out new models that look only marginally different from the outgoing ones.

But the saving grace is that the latest version is almost invariable is noticeable better.

I did wonder whether the new Tiguan would conform to this pattern. After all, it doesn't look quite so edgy or sharp-suited as the previous shape which established itself as one the best mid-size SUVs on the market.

Yet, after a week in the company of the hybrid 1.5 eTSI, I found it to be improved in almost every area. Marginally longer than the last version, the cabin space has been maximised to such an extent it feels barely any less spacious than the flagship Touareg.

Built on the newest platform, shared with the Passat and Skoda Kodiaq, weight has been kept down and the suspension has been improved to benefit ride and handling.

The Tiguan scores highly in the space race. There is ample headroom front and rear and it's a comfortable five seater with loads of cubbies, seatback pockets, and oddment bins. The rear seats slide forward for increased luggage carrying and they also split 40-20-40 for further permutations.

The boot area can absorb no less than 652litre of luggage, making it one of the largest load carriers in the sector.

The cabin is typical VW. By which, I mean solid, well finished but somewhat short of flair and flamboyance. The freestanding 15-inch infotainment screen dominates the dash and there's a 10.3inch digital driver's display,

We found there to be too greater reliance on digital operation which requires the driver to take eyes off the road. Physical knobs and switches sometimes do a better job and are more user friendly.

It comes with standard seven speed DSG automatic box which works smoothly and efficiently. The selector lever has moved from a central position to a stalk on the right hand side of the steering wheel which frees up the area between driver and passenger.

The 148bhp mild hybrid engine gives the Tiguan enough clout keep up decent average speeds with sufficient power for safe overtaking. 62 mph comes up in around nine seconds which is about par for the course.

A noticeable improvement is economy. We managed 45mpg during gentle running and 41mpg overall, which is worthy of praise for a generously sized SUV.

The latest platform has certainly had an effect on the ride quality which is now somewhat softer and smoother without any hint of sogginess. Roll angles remain well contained when pressing on through the curves and adhesion levels are high via the front drive system.

Steering remains somewhat uncommunicative but the lock is tight enough to enable easy parking and challenging supermarket manoeuvres.

VW's global best seller is well kitted out in Elegance form, as tested, coming with front and rear electric windows, heated front seats, eight speaker audio system, front and rear parking sensors and silver roof rails.