Photo: S. Baldauf / R. Kah
As well as showing the all-new Tiguan, which is now a handsomer, bigger SUV, Volkswagen has also presented the GTE version. For now the Tiguan GTE is only a pre-production concept car, but once it reaches showrooms, this will be the third such model in VW's green arsenal.
Unlike the Golf, which has several performance versions in different body styles (GTI, GTD, R, R Variant, etc.), the Tiguan GTE is the only sportsman of its family. The powertrain is predictable, but we'd like to point out first that this is not the most powerful Tiguan model. That title belongs to the bi-turbo TDI, which has an insignificant 12 more hp.
There are many hybrid SUVs on the market, some of which will compete directly with the Tiguan GTE. However, the Lexus NX 300h or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can't match Volkswagen's battery tech.
You see, the Tiguan's floor has been filled (under the rear seats and boot) by a 13.0 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery. That's about half the "size" of the one used by the e-Golf. Running purely on electricity, the SUV is said to be able to travel up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
Unfortunately, the performance isn't in the same league as the Cayenne or indeed a Golf GTI. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 8.1 seconds while the top speed is 200 km/h (124 mph). We're not that impressed with that, and neither are we with the fact that "4Motion" isn't mentioned anywhere in the press release. Does that mean what we think it does?
TSI plus E plus DSG… the usual
Just like the Golf and the Passat, the Tiguan plug-in hybrid model packs a battery, electric motor and 1.4-liter turbocharged engine. This unit is the same as those on most VW models, but power has been increased slightly to 156 PS. In combination with the electric goodies, total output rises to 218 PS.There are many hybrid SUVs on the market, some of which will compete directly with the Tiguan GTE. However, the Lexus NX 300h or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid can't match Volkswagen's battery tech.
You see, the Tiguan's floor has been filled (under the rear seats and boot) by a 13.0 kWh lithium-ion high-voltage battery. That's about half the "size" of the one used by the e-Golf. Running purely on electricity, the SUV is said to be able to travel up to 50 kilometers (31 miles) and reach a top speed of 130 km/h (81 mph).
Green tricks and performance
Why would you buy the Tiguan GTE? Because it's like a miniature version of the Cayenne S E-Hybrid. VW says that combined fuel consumption is 1.9 l/100 km (123.8 mpg US), equating to CO2 emissions of 42 g/km. That's below the 79 grams of the Cayenne.Unfortunately, the performance isn't in the same league as the Cayenne or indeed a Golf GTI. 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 8.1 seconds while the top speed is 200 km/h (124 mph). We're not that impressed with that, and neither are we with the fact that "4Motion" isn't mentioned anywhere in the press release. Does that mean what we think it does?
Google News