Volkswagen is unveiling a plug-in hybrid version of its Tiguan SUV at the Detroit Motor Show this week.
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is said to combine its efficient petrol-electric powertrain with high levels of off-road capability.
Whether a production version will be seen in the UK in the near future is open to conjecture, some reports suggesting it could go on sale as early as late 2016.
The concept debuts an all-new powertrain design, combining a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine of 148bhp with electric motors of 40 and 85kW mounted on the front and rear axles. On start-up the car is always in electric mode and can drive for up to 20 miles in all-wheel drive without using the engine ? according to VW the engine is present to add extra power. It can also drive in a number of different modes. With a fully-charged battery it can operate as a rear-wheel-drive car, and when off-roading it can operate in a hybrid mode in which the engine powers the front wheels and the front electric motor acts as a generator for the rear motor.
The driver can select one of six driving programs from a rotary control on the centre console. On offer are Onroad (in Comfort or Eco versions), Offroad (with sub menus of Rocks, Sludge & Sand or Gravel), Sport, Snow, Charge (which replenishes the battery while driving) and Battery Hold (keeping the battery charged for when zero-emissions driving is most needed, such as in city centres).
Volkswagen claims a total range of 580 miles and a fuel economy ...