ALTHOUGH the 4x4 world has recently thrown up a whole host of sports utility vehicles capable of providing varying degrees of on and off road capability, stiff competition also continues to face the big fellows of the segment.
While the current crop of large off-roaders constitute some fine examples of the manufacturers' legendary search for compatibility of comfort and ride performance both on and off road, some examples, such as the Mitsubishi Shogun, Toyota Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol can be considered more mud-plugger than luxury car-like cruiser.
However, the likes of the Range Rover, Land Rover Discovery, Volvo XC90, BMW X5, Mercedes M-Class, Lexus RX and the VW Touareg, have managed to effectively blend workhorse ability with executive refinement.
They are also some of the most impressive cars you're likely to meet on the school run.
Winner of the big 4x4 sector in one of the glossy magazines' recent Car of the Year search, the VW Touareg comes with a choice of five engines - two petrol, 3.2-litre V6 240bhp and 4.2-litre V8 307bhp, plus a trio of diesels, a 2.5-litre 172bhp TDI, three-litre 223bhp V6 TDI and the range-topping five-litre V10 310bhp TDI.
Each model in the Touareg range is generously kitted out, entry level models including as standard electric windows all round, powered and heated door mirrors, multi function computer, cruise control, ten-speaker sound system with CD and steering wheel controls, plus dual zone climate control.
Occupant safety features include driver and front passenger airbags, full length curtain airbag system plus front and side impact airbags while driver safety aids include advanced braking and stability systems.
The SE Sport adds heated and electrically adjustable leather seating, six-disc CD autochanger, satellite navigation with seven-inch colour screen while extra exterior chromework and front fogs add further to the quality look of, what is, a handsome, businesslike, yet quite svelte looking, performer.
Well-placed grab handles front and rear plus wide-opening doors, which register that thunk of quality when closing, make for easy entry into a classy-looking cabin well appointed with high quality materials which are satisfying to the touch.
Oceans of space help to create comfortably manoeuvrable room for five hefty adults while the fixtures and fittings provide quite generous amounts of cubby hole space in the shape of centre armrests front and rear and a good sized air conditioned glovebox, plus, there are further handy hidey holes adjacent to the gearshift and the usual standard issue cupholders.
Boasting one of the largest luggage bays in its class, the VW Touareg offers a symmetrically-shaped hold which can swallow up 555 litres of cargo with all seats taken, a holding area which extends to 1,570 litres with the 60:40 split rear seats folded, while the individually opening tailgate window can prove a boon for shoving those last-minute items into an already well-packed boot.
The high command driving position - facing lots of good quality switchgear and tastefully used Myrtle wood trim - provides good overall visibility and, while the Touareg is relatively easy to park up for such a big car, some drivers may prefer to invest £425 in front and rear parking sensors.
The Touareg TDI SE Sport is powered by the 2.5-litre 172bhp turbo diesel engine paired with a smooth-switching six-speed automatic gearbox fitted with manual gear selection via clutchless tiptronic-style change.
As you would expect from a car that shares its chassis set-up with the Porsche Cayenne, the Touareg delivers some particularly impressive grip and fine levels of handling plus comfortable ride quality .
While, the 0-62mph time is largely irrelevant here, it does come in at a rather conservative 12.9 seconds.
While Volkswagen's 4MOTION permanent four-wheel-drive system spreads the power evenly between front and rear axles under normal driving conditions, if the going gets tough the centre electronic differential's multi-disc lock channels increased power to whichever axle has the most grip.
When faced with really demanding terrain, the Touareg can also call on the low transfer gearbox to help keep you on the move.
Overall, the VW Touareg is convincing on and off road and, in a market where prestige models still account for a large slice of worldwide 4x4 sales, it has much to offer in its dual role of daily workhorse and luxury limousine for the evening or just a quality family motor.
FAST FACTS
Volkswagen Touareg 2.5 TDI SE Sport
Price: £33,840
Mechanical: 174bhp, 2,460cc, 5cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd automatic gearbox
Max speed: 114mph
0-62mph: 12.4 secs
Insurance group: 15
Combined mpg: 28.8
CO2 emissions: 265g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles; 3yrs paint; 12yrs anti-rust