VW Touareg

The next-generation Volkswagen Touareg has been spotted hot-weather testing in America. Despite being heavily disguised the prototype SUV seems to have a longer chassis than the current model, which will provide a more spacious interior and a third row of seats. Weight reductions due to lighter construction materials will keep the next-gen Touareg economical and agile.

The new model receives a larger front grill and newly designed headlights at the front, whilst at the rear re-designed lights and revised styling complete the update. The 3.6-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8 petrol engines from the Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne are likely to power the new Touareg and more fuel-efficient turbo-diesels will also be offered. VW has previously hinted that the new line up may feature a hybrid model, taking the Touareg into direct competition with the Lexus RX-hybrid vehicles.

Sources have revealed that the new Touareg could be priced at around £30,000, making it an alternative to the Land Rover Discovery, when it enters production late in 2010.