India-bound VW Tiguan SUV to get a seven seat, coupe bodystyle

Volkswagen will add more models to its Tiguan line-up in the next two years. Currently, the Tiguan is available only in one conventional SUV bodystyle that comes with a standard wheelbase which is showcased at the ongoing Auto Expo 2016 in Delhi.

This model will be joined by a new long-wheelbase model with up to seven seats in 2017 globally, while a style-led coupé variant is planned to reach international showrooms in 2018. All three new Tiguan models are based on VW’s MQB A2 platform and will come with the choice of either front or four-wheel drive.

The standard model and new coupé variant share the same 2,681mm wheelbase, while the upcoming long-wheelbase model is set to adopt a 2,791mm wheelbase. The long-wheelbase version will be built in China and Mexico. Plans to extend the Tiguan line-up beyond the single model have provided the basis for both Skoda and Seat SUV models with the upcoming Kodiaq and Ateca. The three Tiguan models will be joined by a production version of the CrossBlue concept.

The production CrossBlue, which stretches to more that 5,000mm in length and seats seven, will be produced at Volkswagen's Chattanooga plant in the US. It is based on the so-called MQB B platform, which underpins the Passat. It is not planned to be sold in Europe, but will reach the US, China and other selected countries.

Greg Kable (Autocar UK)