Photo: X-Tomi Design
Few people in the world can say they love the VW Tiguan. It looks awkwardly tall, and the driving dynamics are not the best in the world. However, the second generation model could strike an emotional cord. Besides a 7-seat version, it will also have a coupe derivative, the latest reports say.
The Tiguan Coupe has already been previewed by the 2015 Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE concept. It's now headed for mass production in 2017 and is very likely to have an R version, launching a year later.
British magazine Autocar says the Tiguan Coupe R will debut with the same sort of powertrain as the Golf R. The 2-liter turbo engine will develop 300 horsepower and will deliver the goods through a 6-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Specially tuned MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension will be combined with bigger brakes and adaptive suspension.
Meanwhile in Audi land, we already have the RS Q3 with 340 horsepower. By the end of this decade, there should be S and RS versions of the Q1, Q3 and TTQ (crossover TT).
What we don't get is why Volkswagen needs the Tiguan to be chopped before they can add the R version. Most Volkswagen buyers want practicality and performance mixed together. That's why the company developed so many fast versions of the Golf Variant.
Either way, the Tiguan Coupe will be an interesting car. We already know it will be quite a lot wider than the current model. The styling will be mature, and the technology package will be among the best in the compact segment.
But there's no hiding from the fact that the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is like a box of matches on top a box of a gas can, a 381 hp bomb that cannot be ignored.
British magazine Autocar says the Tiguan Coupe R will debut with the same sort of powertrain as the Golf R. The 2-liter turbo engine will develop 300 horsepower and will deliver the goods through a 6-speed DSG gearbox and 4Motion all-wheel drive system. Specially tuned MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear suspension will be combined with bigger brakes and adaptive suspension.
Hardly surprising
The fact that Volkswagen is preparing a hot SUV is not surprising in the least bit. The Tiguan Coupe won't have a shortage or rivals, including the most powerful version of the Evoque, the 285 hp Dynamic Autobiography.Meanwhile in Audi land, we already have the RS Q3 with 340 horsepower. By the end of this decade, there should be S and RS versions of the Q1, Q3 and TTQ (crossover TT).
What we don't get is why Volkswagen needs the Tiguan to be chopped before they can add the R version. Most Volkswagen buyers want practicality and performance mixed together. That's why the company developed so many fast versions of the Golf Variant.
Either way, the Tiguan Coupe will be an interesting car. We already know it will be quite a lot wider than the current model. The styling will be mature, and the technology package will be among the best in the compact segment.
But there's no hiding from the fact that the Mercedes-Benz GLA 45 AMG is like a box of matches on top a box of a gas can, a 381 hp bomb that cannot be ignored.
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