Volkswagen Tiguan Concept: 2006 L.A Motor Show

Motoring Channel Staff - 30/Nov/2006

Los Angeles, USA — Volkswagen has revealed the Tiguan concept in sunny Los Angeles, which is a compact SUV (4x4) smaller than the Touareg off-road vehicle that VW currently sells in both petrol and diesel guises.

What you see here is ostensibly a 'concept', but the production version that will be sold to people like you and me (and will be initially unveiled in the first quarter of 2007) is expected to look very much like this model, only without the massive wheels, garish colour scheme and over-the-top seat upholstery.

As the images reveal, the new 'Mini Touareg' adheres to Volkswagen's current design plan, by integrating the now familiar VW headlights, seen on vehicles like the Eos and Passat, along with other features including the grille and large VW badge and also the brake lights.

When built, it's rivals will include vehicles like the BMW X3 along with other luxury SUVs of a slightly smaller and more city-friendly nature, like the Lexus RX400h. Volkswagen says the first production models will be on sale in late 2007, so an Australian market launch can be expected in late 2008, or possibly into early 2009 if the vehicle's demand outstrips supply.

Exterior Design

While there are many people who agree that the BMW X3 is a waste of metal and plastic, and that a Volkswagen rival for such a vehicle would be even more of a waste of metal and plastic, the Tiguan concept from VW has a much less boxy look than the Beemer, and if it launches in Europe, the Americas and Asia at a competitive price point, it could even steal sales from vehicles like the Toyota RAV4, Subaru Forester and other high-volume Japanese soft-roaders.

The Tiguan concept is smaller than the Touareg, measuring 4.4 metres long, 1.85m wide and 1.69m high. Klaus Bischoff, who was responsible for the exterior design of the car, had this to say: "It was very important for us to have the car appear powerful and muscular. For us that was a higher priority than anything else. An off-roader needs a long hood and an upright position. That lends the vehicle self-assuredness and power."

There's some smart people working at Volkswagen, because a significant majority of new car buyers know very little about features, power outputs, or engines, or 4WD systems. Many new car buyers purchase their vehicles solely on image or word of mouth - and the consensus around the Web Wombat office is that this is one of the leading compact AWD designs. It looks good.

The lead exterior designer, Klaus Bischoff, added: "We gave the insignia front grille a powerful contour. Although we have taken a step forward, we still retain the same symbols introduced on our new models of the recent past."

One thing that won't be seen on the 2007 final production version Tiguan are the 19-inch prototype tyres. Developed by Continental, they have an orange radial stripe beneath the tyre profile which matches the car's paint colour, and as VW explains, this colour is not simply painted on: it penetrates the rubber layer as a 'baked in' component of the tyre's casing. This feature looks cool, but costs a bomb, though Volkswagen did admit that the anthracite-coloured alloy rims seen on this concept model are likely to feature in the production vehicle.

Interior Design

The black, silver and orange colour theme continues inside the Concept Tiguan, says Volkswagen, with vintage style black leather seats trimmed with an orange pattern which mirrors that of the tyre tread. A panoramic sunroof adds light to the spacious interior which can seat up to five occupants, and to improve versatility, the rear bench seat can slide fore and aft and be folded down to increase loadspace. When folded down the Concept Tiguan can handle objects up to 2.5 meters in length, though it is unclear whether this nifty feature will carry through to the production model.

Engine & Transmission

Not all Tiguan models will be AWD, some will be front-wheel drive, which will mean a much cheaper base model can be offered by VW, and the engine range will be largely diesel when the vehicle is launched in Europe. Because the Tiguan will be sold in North America, petrol engines will also be offered though the exact type and displacement of these units is unknown at this stage.

However, Volkswagen explains that under the bonnet, the concept car features a completely new type of diesel engine, called BLUETEC. Developed in partnership with Audi and Mercedes-Benz and presented for the first time at the LA show, this new BLUETEC engine system employs a modular concept of different systems to reduce emissions significantly. These BLUETEC diesel engines include a system whereby the NOx is stored in the catalytic converter which cuts nitrogen oxides by up to 90 per cent over current diesel units.

Volkswagen is describing the new BLUETEC diesel technology as 'Clean TDI' and states that it will comply with the strictest emissions standards in the world.

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