Crucial stuff here from Volkswagen, as it is unveiling its all-new Tiguan SUV at the Frankfurt Motor Show right now. This second-gen Tiguan is the first Volkswagen SUV to be based on the MQB platform and as Wolfsburg has sold 2.64 million of the things globally so far, it's vital this version continues that successful trend.
Exterior
There can be no escaping the fact that this Tiguan looks far nicer than the old one. It wears the angular look that Volkswagen has shown on the rest of the range, like the Polo, Golf and specifically the Passat, with the same broad grille, sharp light clusters front and rear, and crisp swage lines. A total of 50kg has been stripped out of the Tiguan model-for-model, impressive given it's bigger in every dimension bar height. The Volkswagen SUV is 61mm longer at 4,486mm, with 76mm added to the now-2,682mm wheelbase. Width is up 30mm to 1,839mm, although the Tiguan sits 33mm lower at 1,633mm overall. That last measurement probably plays a big part in the SUV's coefficient of drag standing at a respectable 0.31Cd; well, that and the 40 per cent reduction in air drag losses on the bodywork.
Such exterior growth means more cabin and luggage space. Big numbers are bandied about on subject of the boot: a basic 521 litres of space (up 51 litres on the old car) can be extended to 617 litres if you slide the rear seats forward to their fullest extent. Maximum capacity is 1,656 litres with the seats down, an increase of 144 litres.
LED lights are standard fit front and rear on the Tiguan, and in Europe the car will be available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline equipment specs, while R-Line styling and kit is also on the cards. Seen on one of the Volkswagen stand show cars at Frankfurt, this sports-oriented trim brings at least 19-inch alloys to the party, although 20s are an option.
Interior
The cabin is 25mm longer than before but clever packaging trickery means the rear passengers have 28mm more kneeroom. The dashboard has been totally redesigned and features a large central infotainment screen angled towards the driver, while the 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit will be an option and a whole raft of electronic safety systems will be incorporated into the Tiguan range. Top models will benefit from luxuries such as adaptive cruise control and a 360-degree all-round view camera.
Also fitted will be three-zone Pure Air Climatronic climate control, a panoramic sunroof, an automatic tailgate and touchscreen controls. Smartphone connectivity should be no issue, as MirrorLink is part of the Volkswagen's tech make-up and App Connect means Apple CarPlay and Google Android Auto can also be integrated. Finally, R-Line cars get specific interior upgrades on a sporty theme.
Mechanicals
Four diesels and four petrols, all turbocharged and EU6 compliant, make up the Tiguan powertrain choices, although confirmed units for Ireland are unknown at this stage. The TSI motors develop between 125- and 220hp, while the TDIs range from 115- to 240hp. Some models will be front-wheel drive but 4Motion all-wheel drive will be either standard fit or an option on the more opulent versions. Fuel economy is said to be improved by up to 24 per cent over EU5 Tiguans, and 10 per cent over the old EU6 variants. An off-road pack, improving the SUV's front approach angle only to 25.6 degrees from 18.3 as standard, can be specified, while the Tiguan can tow up to 2,500kg.
Anything else?
Four models of Tiguan are on show in Frankfurt: an R-Line; a standard road-going car; one equipped with the off-road kit; and the GTE plug-in hybrid concept, using a 218hp drivetrain as seen in the Passat GTE. Expect this last one to get a production greenlight sooner rather than later.
Intriguingly, Volkswagen says the new Tiguan marks the beginning of an SUV product offensive. Currently, just the Tiguan and Touareg exist in Volkswagen's line-up but more models are on the way. Furthermore, a long-wheelbase Tiguan is likely to be offered in markets where it'll get good take-up, like the US and China.