Two new trim levels have been added to the Touareg range, offering even better value for Volkswagen’s luxury off-road vehicle. The Touareg SE and Touareg SE Sport are fitted with additional specification compared with the 2.5 TDI and 2.5 TDI Sport models on which they are based, but are priced to give customers additional value.

The SE and SE Sport models include all the generous standard specification of the 2.5 TDI and 2.5 TDI Sport models, but with the following extra items:

* ‘Cricket’ leather upholstery, including heated front seats and heated windscreen washer jets
* Navigation/radio system with 7" colour screen, including a six-disc CD autochanger

This represents £2,945 of additional value for only £1,000 (both prices RRP) over the equivalent 2.5 TDI and 2.5 TDI Sport models. On top of this, the new models feature standard Touareg specification, such as: 2Zone climate control; 17" alloy wheels (18" on the Sport models); multifunction computer; electric windows and mirrors; and a multifunction steering wheel with cruise control.

The new trim levels are offered with the 2.5 TDI engine – the most popular powerplant in the Touareg range – which produces 295 lbs ft of torque, at a usefully low engine speed of 2,000 rpm. This sophisticated diesel engine uses much of the technology seen in the award-winning 5.0-litre V10 TDI, including Volkswagen’s leading ‘Pumpe Düse’ unit injector technology.

Competing in the large 4x4 segment, the Touareg is designed to deliver class-leading performance in all situations. Features such as permanent 4XMOTION four-wheel drive; a low-ratio gearbox; electronic traction control linked to an auto-locking centre differential; optional, selectable mechanical rear differential lock; optional decoupling anti-roll bars; hill start and descent assist; and short front and rear overhangs, all contribute to its impressive ability when venturing off road. When back on it, ABS, ESP (Electronic Stabilisation Programme) and HBA (Hydraulic Brake Assist system) boost safety on every model.

The Land Rover Discovery Series II has won an Auto Express Used Car Honour for the fourth consecutive year with the ‘Best 4x4 Off-Roader’ accolade for 2005.

Judged as the best vehicle in its category, the Discovery beat off competition from BMW’s X5 and the Kia Sorento, having sold over 200,000 in the UK since its launch in 1989. The Range Rover was also highly commended in the ‘Large Executive Car’ category.

Commenting on the Discovery’s award, Auto Express editor-in-chief, David Johns, said: "Still the best used buy in this sector, the recently replaced Discovery is king off the road, with amazing mud-plugging abilities and a rugged image that few of its rivals can even dream of matching."

He added: "Land Rover’s marketing men have done a brilliant job over the last decade of bringing Land Rover to the forefront of luxury brands, where it now happily mixes with the most prestigious German makers."

The full Land Rover model range is available from over 130 dealerships in the UK, all of which sell used vehicles under the commended Land Rover Approved Used Car Programme.