With the first pictures of the new Tiguan Volkswagen is starting to countdown for the debut of its 14th model series. The Tiguan represents the transfer of the globally successful Touareg philosophy to the class of the compact Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), a segment which has grown significantly in the last few years. The Tiguan will be presented to the public for the first time in September as part of the International Motor Show (IAA in Frankfurt). A combination of power and elegance characterises the design of the new Tiguan. It was conceived as a borderliner between the urban world and endless landscapes, between business and leisure time. The Tiguan is a multitalent with driving characteristics that are just as agile as they are comfortable, high utility value and groundbreaking technologies.
Like the Touareg, the second Volkswagen SUV also presents a self-confident design. Shaping the front of the new Tiguan are the sexy proportions that Volkswagen first introduced with the Concept A Study that garnered worldwide attention – a crossover of a coupe and SUV. On the sides an elongated and powerfully modulated silhouette spans between the extended wheel arches with a – typical Volkswagen – unmistakable C-pillar. A very short overhang characterises the steep rear end. Also significant are the front headlights and rear lights with matching shapes.
First facts on Tiguan engines: Volkswagen will offer the SUV – and this for the first time worldwide – exclusively with turbocharged direct injection engines. This “high-performance turbocharging” significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, yet immensely increases dynamics and driving fun.
Overall there are three TSI and two TDI engines. Of these the completely new developments are the extremely quiet TDIs with common rail fuel injection. They achieve 103 kW / 140 hp and 125 kW / 170 hp and at 1,750 rpm already output 320 Nm or 350 Nm in four-wheel drive. Both TDIs already meet the limits of the Euro-5 standard first coming into effect in 2009.
The TSI outputs are 110 kW / 150 PS, 125 kW / 170 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. New to the Volkswagen program are the 150 hp and 170 hp versions. A glance at the torque valves makes one sense that the TSIs are very high torque. The 150-hp TSI already develops a self-assured 240 Nm (from 1,750 rpm). In the 170 hp and 200 hp performance range it is 280 Nm (from 1,800 each).
A technical highlight on board the Tiguan is the completely new generation radio and navigation system which was developed in close cooperation with the most important local Volkswagen operations in Europe, Asia and America. Completely new electronic systems also simplify offroad driving in the Tiguan. The particularly agile and dynamic SUV uses an innovative network of assistance systems with the name of “Offroad Mode”. Just one touch of a switch activates a whole armada of safety features, supporting the driver in a multitude of situations.
“Tiguan Base” on the internet shows just how big the interest is in the new Tiguan. Visitors to www.tiguan-base.com can log in to the virtual world of the Tiguan. The development stages of the new SUV are presented in photos, films and facts. Within just 15 weeks more than one million have made use of it worldwide. It looks as though the Tiguan is developing into an exiting chapter in the history of automobile.
