Europe's largest car manufacturer, Volkswagen, has debuted its most technically innovative 'VW' - the new Touareg - at a special show broadcast live across the globe. The new Touareg will be available to regional customers in mid-August, establishing the Middle East as one of the first markets to distribute the new era SUV with petrol engine.

The completely redeveloped flagship SUV - which unites the world of off-road vehicles with the comfortable dimensions of a luxury sedan and the dynamic attributes of a sports car - was unveiled at the world premiere recently in the presence of Volkswagen representatives and international world celebrities, including Qatari Volkswagen motorsport rally champion, Nasser Al Attiyah.

Taking the multipurpose SUV concept into the future, the new Touareg boasts a range of engines that are nearly 20 per cent more fuel efficient, with a large variety of new assistance and safety systems. The Touareg will also be the first and only SUV of European origin to be available in a hybrid version.

"The new Touareg sets a new benchmark for off-road capable SUVs with petrol engines, the Touareg Hybrid can be driven emissions free up to 50 km/h in purely electric mode," said Stefan Mecha, managing director of Volkswagen Middle East.