Volkswagen has revealed the new Tiguan SUV ahead of its Frankfurt motor show unveil. The new VW Tiguan is longer by 60mm, wider by 30mm and lower by 33mm than the outgoing model. Compared to its predecessor, the wheelbase has also increased by a good 77mm.
Additionally, VW also claims that the rear-seat kneeroom has increased by a reasonable 29mm owing to the redesigned split-fold rear seat which now offers 180mm of longitudinal adjustment. That's not all for the trunk volume, with the rear seats up, has increased by 145 litres to a massive 615 litres. By folding the rear seats, the trunk volume rises to 1655 litres.
In select countries, the new VW Tiguan will offer buyers a range of engines to choose from including a 114bhp, 1.6-litre diesel and a trio of 2.0-litre units with outputs of 148bhp, 178bhp and 217bhp. Some countries will also have a choice of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged petrols as well.
This is the five-seater version unveiled at Frankfurt, there will be a seven-seater version with a longer wheelbase as well, which will join later. It will rival the likes of the Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, Chevrolet Trailblazer and the new Toyota Fortuner.
Also, VW will locally assemble the Tiguan in order to keep the prices competitive. In India, the Tiguan is likely to be powered by the new Passat’s 187bhp, 2.0-litre diesel engine.
VW is working on aggressively expanding its global SUV portfolio and it has two new models in the pipeline. There's the new CrossBlue Concept-based SUV which will sit above the new Tiguan internationally. This will be unveiled early next year. A smaller T-Roc Concept-based SUV that VW has already begun testing, will be positioned below the Tiguan.
Glenn Noronha
Dhruv Dhaka
Dipan Sur
Hormazd Sorabjee
