VW's versatile compact SUV will arrive in 2016 and be previewed by a thinly disguised concept car this September
Volkswagen is looking to an expanded second-generation Tiguan line-up to provide a sizeable increase in sales as it further establishes itself as the world’s largest car maker by volume.
The new Tiguan will be produced in three variants: a standard-wheelbase five-seater that’s due late this year, a long-wheelbase seven-seater (due next year) and a five-seat coupé model that’s planned for 2017.
The three-strong range is aimed at providing the Tiguan with a far broader appeal than that of the first-generation model, which was launched in 2007. The standard Tiguan will feature a wheelbase close to the 2605mm of today's car and an interior with two rows of seats accommodating five passengers.
The seven-seat version, meanwhile, will feature an extended wheelbase, adding rear legroom and enough interior space for a third row of seats.
Volkswagen sees value in bringing more seven-seat variants to this country and recently took the decision to bring its new Touran to the UK in seven-seat form only. There's a growing market for seven-seat SUVs in Europe, with the likes of Land Rover's Discovery Sport and Volvo XC90 already cashing in. Honda's next-generation CR-V is also set to offer seven seats.
The new Tiguan will use VW’s MQB platform, which uses more hot-formed high-strength steel than the PQ35-based underpinnings of the existing Tiguan to provide the new model with a claimed 80kg reduction in kerb weight over that of its predecessor.
The standard model, seen here testing in prototype form, is slightly longer and wider and is set to offer greater space and versatility than today’s Tiguan. Sources also suggest it will offer over 500 litres of boot space and a greater towing capacity.
As with today’s model, the new SUV is planned to be sold exclusively with turbocharged four-cylinder engines, including 1.4 and 2.0-litre petrol units, along with 1.6 and 2.0-litre diesels.
Also planned is a plug-in hybrid driveline option in a new GTE model that is said to provide an electric range of up to 31 miles. It uses an electric motor and a 1.4-litre petrol engine to provide a claimed 170mpg combined.
The new Tiguan will be previewed by a thinly disguised concept at the Frankfurt motor show this September before the production car is shown at either the Detroit motor show in January or the Geneva motor show in March.
Read more:
New Volkswagen Tiguan R Coupé planned for 2018
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