Curious koala cools down in air conditioned car and refuses to leave in hilarious video

A curious koala cooling down in an air conditioned car has been filmed in a hilarious stand-off with the owner after refusing to exit the vehicle.

The footage, which was recorded by Australian winemaker Tim Whitrow, shows the marsupial relaxing in the back seat, apparently taking advantage of the air conditioning.

Mr Whitrow, who was visiting a vineyard, had left the aircon on inside his car with the door open to allow his pet dog to stay cool in the high temperatures of McLaren Vale, South Australia.

Mr Whitrow tried various techniques to persuade the animal to leave his car, including offering it water, after returning to his vehicle.

"It took a fair bit of convincing to get the feisty little fella out", Mr Whitrow said.

The koala moved from the back to the front seat in a bid to evade capture and damaged the car's interior with its large claws in the process.

It eventually leaves the car and climbs up a tree where it is "supposed to be" after Mr Whitrow tried and failed to remove it himself.