SHARPER SUIT FOR NEW VW TIGUAN
Wolfsburg’s compact SUV to gain plug-in hybrid at a later stage
Vee- dubs keep getting edgier lines...
That’s the latest design philosophy of Volkswagen cars: sharp and tidy. And the all-new Tiguan becomes the latest VW to receive such DNA.
Note the heavy accents in the front bumper and chunky mag wheels that help give the second-generation Tiguan a muscular appearance. Special thanks also go to the R-Line package, as pictured here, which also gains a two-tone ambience for the interior.
Volkswagen says the Tiguan has a roomier cabin than the outgoing model yet manages to be 50kg lighter in overall weight model-on-model.
Is it powered by that scandalous diesel?
Diesel power has mostly been the main choice of propulsion for the Tiguan in European markets, as well as in Thailand when the first-gen model was launched.
A range of four-cylinder diesel and petrol engines with enhanced efficiency continue in the new Tiguan with outputs ranging from 115hp to 240hp via dual-clutch automatic and four-wheeldrive options.
How severe the 2.0-litre diesel engine reception will be affected by the ongoing scandal in the US remains to be seen. But there will always be other options like petrol power.
But petrol isn’t frugal as diesel power...
On that end, VW is preparing a petrol-electric hybrid with plug-in ability at a later stage for buyers needing economy in mind.
At the Tiguan’s world debut in Frankfurt last month, a concept version bearing the GTE badge was previewed with a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol-turbo engine and electric motor producing a combined 218hp. The Tiguan would become the third VW to go GTE after the Passat and Golf.
Speaking of plug-in petrol hybrids, Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz are continuously extending such drivetrains to their respective model lineups. You could consider this as a new alternative for buyers who aren’t in for diesel technology.
But it won’t sell in Thailand anyway...
True, the first Tiguan in 2.0-litre TDI form didn’t sell in large numbers because it couldn’t clearly identify its position in the Thai market at 2.95 million baht. Also, it was a fully built-up import.
Weighing up the Tiguan against the Asean-built Honda CR-V or Mazda CX-5 makes no sense at all in price terms. That’s why VW tried to pitch it at the premium positioned BMW X3 and Volvo XC60, both powered by diesel.
A plug-in GTE version might help create a unique selling point for the Tiguan. Plus, special taxes for hybrid-powered cars in Thailand are here to stay.
But for now, the new Tiguan is still some time away from Thai showrooms.