VW Touareg

	Add the punchy, refined V6 diesel of our test car, plus a well equipped and com­fortable cabin, and you have a very capable SUV

Based on the SE trim, the Altitude has 19-inch alloys, stainless steel twin exhaust pipes, a sporty roof spoiler, side skirts and beefed-up bumpers. Tinted rear glass finishes things off.

The trouble is, we don’t think the result is a success. The bodykit doesn’t blend in with the VW’s shape and, at an extra £2,765, doesn’t seem good value. What’s more, ground clearance is reduced, affecting off-roading ability.

However, as most Touaregs stay on tarmac, maybe that isn’t so important. Despite the extra stiffness of the low-profile tyres and larger alloy wheels, the suspension absorbs road bumps very well and offers sporty responses.

Add the punchy, refined V6 diesel of our test car, plus a well equipped and com­fortable cabin, and you have a very capable SUV. The only thing the Touareg really lacks is a seven-seat option.