Tweaks to the have been announced at the Auto China show in Beijing, with engines improved to meet new emissions standards and a new lower grille to match its badass hot-hatch sibling the Scirocco.

In Volkswagen's own words; "the lower air inlet now forms a stylized "A" instead of a "V" that transitions into the side air inlets to the right and left." An "R-Line" is joining the range as well, with glossy air intakes, even more wheel options, and a sporty steering wheel. Whatever letters are involved they definitely did succeed in making their SUV look a little more like a high-performance hatchback. Is this the beginning of the end of the ?

Other aesthetic tweaks are even more subtle; the rear bumper is tucked a little bit and 18" "Arica" alloy wheels or 20" dubs VW calls "Masafi" are available. Some interior illumination was switched from red to white.

In the US, new Touareg engine options will be a 276 hp V6 FSI, A 375 hp Hybrid drive system and a V6 TDI with 236 hp. A V8 and an additional diesel engine exist for other markets.

Volkswagen claims the powerplant adjustments and aerodynamic improvements improve the SUVs fuel economy by "up to 6%," and it certainly looks sharp.

Does the Scirocco face suit the Touareg, or has Volkswagen created some weird bastardization of two styles never meant to coexist?

Images: Volkswagen