The new VW Tiguan is here. An SUV with design parallels to the larger Touareg. In Germany, the perfected Tiguan will arrive on the market in mid-June 2011; other European countries will follow at the beginning of August, and overseas markets at the end of August. The front end design was completely reinterpreted. The Volkswagen Tiguan is still the only SUV in its class that can be ordered in two different versions: one for on-road use and one specially tuned for off-road driving. Visually, the two models differ in their front ends ("On-road" has an 18 degree angle of approach, "Off-road" 28 degrees). Both models now show greater independence, better dynamic performance and more stylistic precision. In addition, like the on-road version, the off-road version is now also available with a top equipment line. In this case, the off-road specialist is known as the Track & Style (on-road: "Sport & Style"). Powertrain technologies have become even more fuel-efficient.
Three of the seven engines offered in Europe - all of them charged four-cylinder direct injection engines - are new to the Tiguan line-up. The four torque-strong petrol engines (TSI with 1.4 to 2.0 litres displacement) produce between 90 kW / 122 PS and 155 kW / 210 PS. The three powerful diesel engines (TDI) span a power range from 81 kW / 110 PS to 125 kW / 170 PS. Also available as an option on the new Volkswagen Tiguan is the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG) - one of the most efficient and sporty automatic transmissions. All BlueMotion Technology versions of the Tiguan have a Stop/Start system and battery regeneration. The results: even with all-wheel drive, the 103 kW / 140 PS Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4MOTION BlueMotion Technology, for example, consumes just 5.8 l/100 km! Clearly, this Volkswagen is one of the most fuel-efficient SUVs in the world.
As before, entry-level engines are being offered with front-wheel drive. And the 140 PS TDI is also available with front-wheel drive as an alternative. That is how this Volkswagen, as a TDI, was even able to break the 5.5-litre barrier with the noted 5.3 l/100 km fuel economy. The new Tiguan is replacing a model that has experienced an exceptional history of success: in Germany, after its market launch in 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan sprinted from a standstill to become the SUV market leader. And it never gave up this position: Although the launch of the new Tiguan was announced by Volkswagen in February 2011, the "old" model continued to rank first in new car registrations for all SUVs in Germany. Even more impressive: until shortly before its production stopped it was the fourth best-selling passenger car after the Golf, Polo and Passat. Very few cars - wherever they may be located in the world - experience such a successful finale!
Internationally, the VW Tiguan has long been one of the most sought after Volkswagens as well. Its highest volume markets are all of Europe, Russia, the USA, China, Brazil and Australia. In Germany, its average market share in the compact SUV segment was about 21 percent in 2010, while it was 12 percent across Europe. In total, nearly 700,000 Tiguans have been delivered worldwide since Autumn 2007. The smaller brother of the Touareg is now poised to continue this success with a new look and further advanced technologies. The Volkswagen Tiguan is one of the most successful automobiles of its kind. Since the bestseller debuted in Autumn 2007, nearly 700,000 units have been delivered across five continents. Key reasons for the SUV becoming a global success were its technical properties and great economy. In parallel, the Volkswagen scored highly with its distinctive, timeless and appealing styling. Nonetheless, Volkswagen has further developed the lines of the Tiguan - which is always a four-door model.
In particular, the front and rear sections were redesigned to reflect Volkswagen's new design DNA. Like the previous model, the new Volkswagen Tiguan is also once again offered in two body versions with different angles of approach. Because their front ends differ, the two versions have different lengths: the Volkswagen Tiguan with an 18-degree front measures 4,426 mm, while its counterpart with a 28-degree front measures 4,433 mm. However, they are identical in width (1,809 mm without door mirrors and 2,041 mm with door mirrors) and in height (1,686 mm without roof rails, 1,703 mm with roof rails). Also identical are their wheelbases (2,604 mm) and track widths (front 1,569 mm, rear 1,571 mm). The new styling differentiates the two body versions more than before. Yet, both VW Tiguan versions have adopted the Volkswagen "design DNA" that is marked by a dominance of clear horizontal lines. Like on the larger Touareg, the grille is upgraded with two double chrome louvres. Especially distinctive are the optional bi-xenon headlights with masked main beam (Dynamic Light Assist); the standard daytime running lights of the xenon version are formed by a band of 14 LEDs integrated in the headlights.
