Photo: Volkswagen
Volkswagen may have given up on some of its plans for world domination for the sake of conserving their profitability. But that doesn't mean they can't add a few more fresh models in the most lucrative segments. The latest reports suggest a new car for the people is planned for 2018, the first-ever Golf-badge SUV.
Car Magazine's recent report suggests this model is coming in 2018 and will fill the gap left by the second generation Tiguan's move upstream and upmarket. They also claim that a four year wait is necessary in order to finish development on an updated MQB platform that they need for the Mk8 Golf hatch, also due to come out in 2018.
Since the new Tiguan for 2016 is going to be a bit larger and will be available as a 6- or 7-seater, the Golf-badged softroader will likely have another job: tackle a growing number of premium crossovers. It's quite obvious that Volkswagen may be looking into its neighbor's yard only to notice how well the Mercedes GLA is doing, not only in Europe, but globally.
Just like the GLA, the Golf SUV will only be a 4x4 in name, as Car's report actually suggests 4Motion will be optional. But recent reports state that only about 4% of all SUV owners actually need to tackle the rough stuff, so it's a natural decision on VW's part.
The new model is also expected to be offered with two different wheelbases, a medium one in Europe and a large one in China and the US, where the Tiguan will be a 7-seater as standard, just like Land Rover's new Discovery Sport.
Our say: We still remember the days when a Golf had lots of ground clearance as standard. Pretty soon, we'll all be driving around town in "SUVs".
Since the new Tiguan for 2016 is going to be a bit larger and will be available as a 6- or 7-seater, the Golf-badged softroader will likely have another job: tackle a growing number of premium crossovers. It's quite obvious that Volkswagen may be looking into its neighbor's yard only to notice how well the Mercedes GLA is doing, not only in Europe, but globally.
Just like the GLA, the Golf SUV will only be a 4x4 in name, as Car's report actually suggests 4Motion will be optional. But recent reports state that only about 4% of all SUV owners actually need to tackle the rough stuff, so it's a natural decision on VW's part.
The new model is also expected to be offered with two different wheelbases, a medium one in Europe and a large one in China and the US, where the Tiguan will be a 7-seater as standard, just like Land Rover's new Discovery Sport.
Our say: We still remember the days when a Golf had lots of ground clearance as standard. Pretty soon, we'll all be driving around town in "SUVs".
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