Spy shots 2011 Volkswagen Touareg

The good news gets better because the same basic upgrade work - much of it done by the engineering team at Porsche - will be passed to the next-generation Audi Q7 and Porsche Cayenne.

The Volkswagen is expected to come first and, although currently known as a 2011 model, the Touareg is set for renewal some time next year. A hybrid model will be part of the lineup following a petrol-electric preview at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year.

The Touareg development program is expected to mirror the work that produced the latest Volkswagen Golf, with the emphasis on cost- effective production and visible quality improvements - particularly inside - to win customers.

The Carparazzi scoop team has been photographing development mules across Europe for more than a year but today's pictures show a vehicle which is much closer to production.

The styling of the Touareg is much more sporty this time around and the most significant changes appear in the front fascia, grille, headlamps, tail end and lamps. The interior will be new.

The body itself is even bigger than the current Touareg, mostly to boost space for third-row seating, but the car is expected to be at least 100 kilograms lighter.

Powertrains should include updated versions of the 3.6-litre V6 and 4.2-litre V8 petrol engines, together with a pair of turbodiesels.

The hybrid Touareg should run a turbocharged 3-litre V6 _ already seen in the latest Audi S4 and A6 _ coupled to an electric motor.

Carparazzi sources say the new Touareg will be cheaper, although that change might not make the trip to Australia. Even so, when production begins midway through 2010 there is likely to be less standard equipment with more options.