Volkswagen has begun testing the second-generation Tiguan SUV in Europe. The new TIguan SUV will be previewed at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2015, And for the first time, will be made available in a 5-seat and 7-seat configuration.
While the standard 5-seat Tiguan will have a wheelbase, expected to be identical to the current model, the 7-seat version will get a stretched wheelbase, to offer more legroom and interior space for another row of seats.
For India, VW will bring the 7-seat version to rival the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the new Toyota Fortuner. The India-bound Tiguan will be locally assembled to keep prices competitive. It is likely to be powered by the new Passat’s 187bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine.
The Tiguan will be based on Volkswagen group’s MQB platform, that underpins many current and future group models, including the new Passat and the recently-unveiled next-gen Audi A4 sedan. Volkswagen expects most of the global sales of the Tiguan to come from the front-wheel-drive variant, however it will be sold with the company’s 4MOTION tech in some markets.
The German carmaker is keen on aggressively expanding its global SUV portfolio. There are two new models in the pipeline — the new Volkswagen CrossBlue Concept-based SUV which will sit above the new Tiguan internationally, will be unveiled early next year; and the smaller Volkswagen T-Roc Concept-based SUV, which has already begun testing, will be positioned below the Tiguan.
Along with the Tiguan, Volkswagen will bring three more offerings in the next two years. Read all on that here.