The Touareg was awarded the maximum five star rating for adult safety in the Euro NCAP crash tests along with a four star rating for child protection. It comes with stability control (ESP), trailer stabilisation, rollover sensors (which deploys head/thorax airbags if a rollover is imminent) and hydraulic brake assist (which reduces braking distances).

The top of the range Touareg also has six airbags along with Isofix mounting points.

Although the rear seats in the R50 split 60/40 they don’t slide and can’t be removed which hampers practicality. However, there is a ski-hatch (allowing you to slide long items through a gap in the seats) while up front stowage includes a large air-conditioned glovebox, cupholders and various cubbyholes. The boot is 555 litres with the seats in place – that’s plenty big enough for a few large suitcases, but compared to alternatives like the BMW X5 and Mercedes M-Class it lags behind.

However extra storage is available in the R50 as it comes with a tyre mobility pack instead of a spare wheel, thus freeing up space. The large tailgate also incorporates a separate opening window – ideal if you’re in a multi-storey car park or need quick access to the boot. When it comes to towing the R50 is one of the best around, capable of pulling up to 3,500kg while a factory-fit towbar with trailer stabilisation is available as an option.