Volkswagen intends to become a much bigger player in the SUV market in coming years and leading the first offensive is the all-new Tiguan.
Dealers have now opened order books for the second-generation Tiguan, which will replace a car that is now the brand?s third best-seller on the UK market, having increased sales in every year since its launch in 2007.
Initially the new model is on offer powered by the 2.0 diesel of 148bhp, in front and all-wheel-drive form, and an AWD variant of the 2.0 petrol of 177bhp. These two are expected to take 75 per cent of all UK sales.
Within months this range will extend to four diesel and three petrol engines, with power outputs from 114 and 123bhp offered in front and all-wheel-drive, with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearboxes. All engines are EU6 emissions compliant and all will offer both power and efficiency gains over their predecessors,
The new Tiguan is the first VW SUV to make use of the highly versatile MQB platform, also used by such wide-ranging models as the Golf and Audi TT, and also the basis of the forthcoming Ateca SUV from sister brand SEAT.
Those updating from a previous Tiguan will find more interior space, thanks chiefly to a wheelbase extended by 77mm to 2681mm, and increased overall dimensions. The length goes up by 60mm to 4486mm, width by 30mm to 1839mm. However the vehicle?s height is shaved by 33mm to 1632mm, giving it a less upright look.
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