2010 VW Sharan next gen spy photos

The next generation Volkswagen Sharan has been spied during hot weather testing in the American Southwest.  Due to be released as a 2010 model year vehicle, the van should get its debut in Geneva next year.

We have seen this van work its way through various test runs since 2006.  The new model looks to have a flattened roof, while keeping the same short-length front end that connects the lineup to the VW Golf.  Overall, the Sharan will likely be bigger in almost every way, with third-row retractable seats being introduced on the next generation.  The new model is expected to get dual sliding doors for the rear passengers, something not currently on offer.  Despite this improvement, these pictures seem to show that the van will have the same large side-windows on the current model.

VW should make a full range of petrol and turbo-diesel engines available for the next-gen Sharan.  Base level gasoline-powered vehicles will output as much as 200+ hp, while the TDIs will top out around 160 hp.

A US-Spec version is also being rumored as a possible replacement for the VW Routan.  Official word on that could come in the next few months, once marketing for the 2010 Volkswagen Sharan begins.