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All-New 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan Looks Like a Baby Touareg in Latest Spy Photos

This is the first time the test prototype for the VW Tiguan II was seen in such detail. It's not a mule, but a fully built production model with all the little bits added. Looks like the Tiguan II will be the most important car launched in Frankfurt this year.
2016 Volkswagen Tiguan 26 photos
Photo: SB-Medien
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The biggest different between this Tiguan and the old one is the width. About 10 centimeters or 4 inches were added between the mirrors, making this one of the biggest models in the segment.

Underneath the camo is the same MQB platform that underpinned the new Passat, so we expect up to 100 kilos (220 lbs) to be shed across the model range. Body stiffness will be increased, allowing engineers to use softer, more compliant suspension.

The design is also completely different to what we've come to expect from a Tiguan. At a glance, it looks almost identical to the 2015 Touareg Facelift and a few concept crossovers Volkswagen showed, such as the CrossBlue. The horizontal lines of the grille flow into the headlights, thus creating a more robust front end. Around the back, we notice a twin exhaust system that's positively enormous. However, this could just be a fake piece of trim, like on the Passat.

Being wider and probably a little lower, the Tiguan II has a tremendous performance potential, so the huge exhaust might denote a performance model. Could we see a 280 horsepower version powered by the same engine as a Leon Cupra? Possibly. Might we even see the 240 horsepower twin-turbo 2.0 TDI? Let's hope so!

Both these engines have been specifically developed for the MQB platform. However, most buyers will be just as happy with more "vanilla" engines. For Europe, Volkswagen will rely on the 150 and 190 PS. America, meanwhile, will benefit from the 1.8 and 2.0 TSI turbos. It will be interesting to see if they launch the 10-speed DSG with this car since the old Tiguan also came with an innovative cog-swapper.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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