Volkswagen’s Touareg has been awarded top marks – five stars – after the latest round of Euro NCAP barrier testing.

This puts Volkswagen’s award-winning 4WD at the top of its segment in terms of safety.

Touareg scored top marks, a total of five stars, for frontal, side and mast impact to achieve the highest possible score within the Euro NCAP safety tests.

Euro NCAP also classified Touareg’s child safety as outstanding, awarding it four stars.

The result highlights the perfect interaction between Touareg’s strong bodyshell and standard safety features which include two-stage front airbags, seat belt pre-tensioners on all outer seats, side airbags and curtain airbags.

In Australia, the Touareg was awarded the 2003 ‘4WD of the Year’ by Overlander magazine to join other similar awards from respected American publications Motor Trend and Car & Driver.

Priced from just $69,900 (V6), there are six Touareg models offering a choice of V6 and V8 petrol engines plus five cylinder and V10 turbo-diesel powerplants.

Announcing the Euro NCAP result, Volkswagen Group Australia’s Managing Director, Mr Rainer Grimm said: “Top marks in the Euro NCAP testing is a result of Volkswagen’s dedication to advancing vehicle safety with every new model and provides real peace-of-mind for Touareg customers.”