Photo: SB-Medien
Modular platforms are key to Volkswagen's future success and so are SUVs. The company currently makes only two, the Touareg, which was followed in 2007 by the Tiguan. But by the end of the decade, VW will have no less than six SUVs, including an all-new Tiguan based on the MQB platform.
Like in the case of the new Passat, development is taking place under the guise of a current generation test mule. However, engineers have had to beef up the wheelarches, a clear sign that the Tiguan will become wider. All the other dimensions will remain pretty much the same, but about 2 centimeters added to either side will increase stability and create a roomier cabin.
At 1,808 mm, the current Tiguan is one of the narrowest SUVs in the C-segment. By comparison the RAV4 is 1,844mm and the Honda CR-V is 1,819 mm, and that's because they're newer models.
That's not the only change on the horizon though. The same MQB platform used by the Golf 7 will result in an average reduction in weight of 70 kg (154 lbs). Just like the previous PQ platform, VW is working around at least two different versions, one for the Golf and Tiguan and another stronger, larger version for the Passat.
Engine choices will begin with the 1.6-liter TDI diesel in Europe, a new version of which we believe is coming out in 2015, with 120 horsepower instead of the current 110. There should also be two 1.4 TSI petrol base engines, one with 125 hp and the other with 150 hp. But the bulk of the engines will be 2-liter ones, ranging from a 150 hp TDI to a 220 hp TSI stolen from the Golf GTI.
A plug-in hybrid or conventional hybrid is very likely, after VW CEO Martin Winterkorn announced last year in Frankfurt that he wants to lead the biggest electric mobility company in the world. From the start, the MQB modular platform was designed with this in mind and a 205 hp 1.4-liter system borrowed from the Golf GTE is likely to be implemented.
We don't yet know when the new Tiguan will be ready for production, but all signs point towards the later part of 2015 or early 2016. The SUV's design has not yet been finalized and should first be previewed by a concept car as early as January 2015's Detroit Auto Show. All signs point toward two members of the Tiguan family, a regular 5-seater and a 7-seater.
At 1,808 mm, the current Tiguan is one of the narrowest SUVs in the C-segment. By comparison the RAV4 is 1,844mm and the Honda CR-V is 1,819 mm, and that's because they're newer models.
That's not the only change on the horizon though. The same MQB platform used by the Golf 7 will result in an average reduction in weight of 70 kg (154 lbs). Just like the previous PQ platform, VW is working around at least two different versions, one for the Golf and Tiguan and another stronger, larger version for the Passat.
Engine choices will begin with the 1.6-liter TDI diesel in Europe, a new version of which we believe is coming out in 2015, with 120 horsepower instead of the current 110. There should also be two 1.4 TSI petrol base engines, one with 125 hp and the other with 150 hp. But the bulk of the engines will be 2-liter ones, ranging from a 150 hp TDI to a 220 hp TSI stolen from the Golf GTI.
A plug-in hybrid or conventional hybrid is very likely, after VW CEO Martin Winterkorn announced last year in Frankfurt that he wants to lead the biggest electric mobility company in the world. From the start, the MQB modular platform was designed with this in mind and a 205 hp 1.4-liter system borrowed from the Golf GTE is likely to be implemented.
We don't yet know when the new Tiguan will be ready for production, but all signs point towards the later part of 2015 or early 2016. The SUV's design has not yet been finalized and should first be previewed by a concept car as early as January 2015's Detroit Auto Show. All signs point toward two members of the Tiguan family, a regular 5-seater and a 7-seater.
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