With the refreshed Volkswagen Touareg just around the corner, our artists have come up with a likeness of what we may expect to see in 2010 from the new generation model.

The new version will be smaller and considerably lighter than the current model in an effort to improve fuel consumption, coupled with a range of efficient engines.

Its new underpinnings will be shared with the next-generation Porsche Cayenne and Audi Q7 SUVs, with increased use of aluminium to shed unnecessary weight.

Earlier spy shots of the interior revealed that the new Touareg had adopted similar features to the Golf MkVI, a trend which is expected to carry over to the exterior.

The engine line-up will begin with a 208kW 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine, topping out with a 257kW 4.2-litre petrol V8 along with two diesel offerings – a 2.7-litre and 3.0-litre.

All engines will be mated to a six-speed automatic transmission as standard; although Volkswagen’s new seven-speed DSG could also be added to the range.