Spy Shots: Volkswagen Robust pickup caught in Austria

While others are killing their pickup plans due to fuel-economy standards and increasing gas-prices, Volkswagen seems to be testing its prototype for the Robust pickup that is expected to debut in 2010.

Robust will be offered in a number of variants including single cab and double cab with four-wheel-drive and a cheaper 2wd version. The V-dub pickup will be powered by a range of common-rail diesel and V6 gasoline engines.

Photographed by spies in Austria the pictures expose the new grille for the first time. There is no word whether the Volkswagen Robust will reach the U.S. market to take on the American pickups, but we wouldn’t doubt it.

Head over to Jalopnik to see the full shot.