Already available to order in Germany, the facelifted model also gains a redesigned front and rear, new driver assistance systems such as Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as standard, a new generation of the ACC adaptive cruise control, new online services and revised suspension.

Exterior design sees a redesign for both the front and rear, with revised bi-Xenon headlights, which are now standard on all models and new rear lights. There’s also extra paintwork choices and an update to some of the alloy wheel choices.

Inside, there’s changes to the switchgear and an extended range of interior colours and styles of leather.

The engine line-up has seen particular attention on the V6 TDI engines, which account for over 90% of all Touareg sales in Europe. Both six-cylinder engines gain a SCR catalytic converter to meet Euro 6 standards. They also now feature a coasting function to reduce fuel consumption.

Meanwhile aerodynamic refinements and low rolling resistance have also cut fuel consumption further. As a result, consumption on the 204PS version has been reduced from 7.0 to 6.6 litres of diesel per 100 km; with CO2 reduced from 184g/km to 173g/km.

The larger V6 TDI engine sees power increased from 245PS to 262PS, while consumption falls from 7.2 to 6.6 l/100 km, with emissions of 174g/km of CO2.

The “Terrain Tech” version designed for offroad use also sees an improvement in fuel efficiency, from 7.3 to 6.9 l/100 km.

The refreshed Touareg also gains updated suspension and new assistance systems. The standard steel-spring suspension has been optimised for more agile steering and extra comfort. Available again as an option for the Touareg is an air suspension system, with which ground clearance can be increased to as much as 300 mm on off-road terrain. Meanwhile, at higher speeds (140km/h and above) the air suspension automatically lowers the vehicle's body.

The Touareg RNS 850 radio/navigation system with mobile phone preparation also gains mobile online services, including a “Point-of-Interest (POI) Search” via Google, map display provided by the “Google Earth mapping service”, the “Google Street View” function and “Online Traffic Information”.

The new Touareg is initially being launched in Western Europe this autumn as diesel (V6 TDI and V8 TDI) and hybrid (V6 TSI plus electric motor) models and will then be launched in Russia at the end of 2014, with North America and Asia due in early 2015. In those markets, Volkswagen will also be offering the Touareg once again with V6 and V8 petrol engines.