ON THE ROAD: VOLKSWAGEN has completely revamped the Touran. It certainly looks fresher and more purposeful, which is not always easy with something that is pretty much utilitarian in nature.

More than 99,000 examples of the MPV have been sold in the UK up until this latest version, so they must have been doing something right.

What they planned to do with this latest incarnation was, in VW's words, create a vehicle that "boasts maximum interior space on the small possible footprint" and while the Touran can never be described as compact, it is neither unwieldy for something capable of carrying seven people.

There are two petrol and three diesel versions, putting out between 108 and 190bhp. VW claim the units are up to 19 per cent more efficient than those they have replaced.

We tried the 1.6 litre diesel with the six-speed gearbox. It had enough oomph away from the line, though we never filled all seven seats.

Being slightly smaller than some other MPVs, the Touran handles like a large hatchback. It soaks up bumps well and you can flow through bends without having to suddenly try and correct your direction.

ON THE INSIDE: THIS is where the Touran will score heavily over the majority of its rivals. There isn't a VW out there - or at least one that I have driven - that has compromised on interior quality. It simply wouldn't happen.

I genuinely could just sit in the front seat and look at what lays in front of me. It is understated perfection. Symmetrical heaven for someone who like me loves simplicity in design.

There's a lot of glass in the Touran and that means that you can see pretty much anywhere you want in any direction you care to choose.

WHAT DO YOU GET: THERE are four trim levels - S, SE, the new SE Family and SEL. Entry-level S includes automatic post-collision braking and pre-crash systems, seven airbags, Composition Media system with DAB and Bluetooth, air conditioning, roof rails and seven seats.

Moving up to SE adds 16ins alloys, Front Assist with city emergency braking function, front and rear parking sensors, iPod connectivity and rain sensor. The new SE Family trim features family-friendly elements such as an extra-large panoramic sunroof with integrated lighting, three-zone Climatronic air conditioning, Discover Navigation with Car Net Guide and Inform and a cargo management system.

At the top of the range, SEL adds Adaptive Cruise Control, Driver Profile Select and App Connect among other items.

HOW PRACTICAL IS IT: PLENTY of thought has gone into what space there is and how best to maximise it. There are plenty of places to put drinks and other items that require stowing, including a storage area on top of the dashboard. In addition, on our car there were drawers under the front seats. There are no complaints about legroom up front and there should be few flying elbows in the rear given the amount of space here too. All the seats move independently of each other and folding them down is simplicity itself. The third row of seats disappear into the floor until needed and while not of the same quality as the middle row, they are nevertheless eminently useable. Wide doors and the aforementioned sliding middle row meaning getting into those seats is less of a hassle than it might otherwise be.

The boot has a 917 litre load area with the third row flat, rising to 1,857 litres at its most spacious.

RUNNING COSTS: THE VW is not the cheapest out there to buy, but you definitely get what you pay for. According to the company's figures, our diesel should return around 64mpg. As is commonplace we managed a little less. CO2 emissions range between 111g/km and 132g/km depending on the engine. Our car’s figure was 116 g/km.

VERDICT: A BENCHMARK for the sector

ALTERNATIVES: VAUXHALL Zafira, Kia Carens, Ford Grand C-MAX