New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS): German automobile giant Volkswagen Thursday launched new versions of its sports utility vehicle (SUV) Touareg and small car Beetle. It also unveiled its concept hybrid car XL 1.

"The new Touareg will have a more efficient engine and the body is lighter and more aerodynamic. It is the first in its class to have an eight-speed automatic gearbox," Volkswagen board member Ulrich Hackenberg said at the 11th Auto Expo here.

"The Touareg will be available from April this year," he added.

The new Beetle has the stylish reference to the original car but looks more mature, courtesy the masculine design, especially at the rear.

"The new Beetle has rear spoiler, chrome-plated tail pipes, aluminium trim strips and many more features which makes it look like a top level sports car," added Hackenberg.

Meanwhile, the XL 1 -- similar in size to the popular Volkswagen hatchback Polo -- has a 0.8 litre engine giving 48 ps of power.

"The plug-in hybrid concept is the world's most efficient concept car in the world today," Hackenberg said.

The 11th edition of the Auto Expo, being held at the sprawling Pragati Maidan exposition grounds, will conclude Jan 11.