Volkswagen’s new Touran MPV reaches dealers’ showrooms in December, and is priced from £22,240.

Built on Volkswagen’s MQB platform, the seven-seater Touran promises a sleeker look, dramatically reduced running costs and a host of new comforts and safety equipment, says the carmaker.

New Touran is 130mm longer than the outgoing model,  up to 62kg lighter, and with the second and third row seats folded, it has a maximum cargo capacity of 1,857 litres.

The Volkswagen Touran launches with five engines (two petrol and three diesel) that are up to 19% more efficient than the units they replace, and have power outputs ranging from 108 to 187bhp.

The petrol line-up consists of a 1.2-litre 110 PS TSI with a six-speed manual gearbox and a 1.4-litre 150 PS that is offered with a choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Diesel options consist of a 1.6-litre 110 PS with six-speed manual or seven-speed DSG (111g/km CO2), a 2.0-litre TDI 150 PS with six-speed manual or DSG, and a range-topping 2.0-litre TDI with 190 PS and standard six-speed DSG transmission.

Highlights on the entry-level S include automatic post-collision braking and pre-crash systems, seven airbags, 6.5-inch media system with DAB and Bluetooth, air conditioning, roof rails .

Starting from £23,630, SE models add 16-inch alloys, Front Assist with city emergency braking function, front and rear parking sensors, iPod connectivity and rain sensor, while the new SE Family trim adds an extra-large panoramic sunroof with integrated lighting, Discover Navigation with Car-Net Guide and Inform and rear window blinds. Reflecting its family-friendly status, this model also features remotely activated child locks and a voice amplification system that allows the driver to be heard clearly by all rear passengers.

At the top of the range, SEL models add Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Profile Select and App Connect, 17-inch alloy wheels, three-zone Pure Air air-conditioning with allergen filter and Driver Profile Selection.

Connectivity is also taken to a new level with numerous features that allow owners to take advantage of real-time information delivered straight to the infotainment display. These include Car-Net ‘Guide and Inform’ and Car-Net ‘App-Connect’ that seamlessly integrates CarPlay (Apple) and Android Auto (Google) and MirrorLink.