The all-new European-spec Volkswagen Tiguan has officially broke cover at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show, introducing sharp new styling, more powerful engines and longer, lower and wider dimensions to the successful nameplate.
Volkswagen says the new Tiguan is the first VW Group SUV to be based off of its new MQB vehicle platform. As a result, the Tiguan is now 2.4-inches longer than the outgoing model as well as 1.2-inches wider and 1.3-inches taller. Despite this, it’s also 110 lbs lighter before, aiding in both performance and fuel economy.
The exterior is recognizably Volkswagen, though notably sportier and more chiseled than the outgoing model’s. The wide, three-bar grille lends to the Tiguan’s now wider dimensions and extends to its LED headlights- the first dual LED lights ever fitted to a VW crossover. The side boasts a higher beltline and the greenhouse is also much more sharp and angular looking than before.
In Europe, the Tiguan will be offered with four gas and four diesel engine options ranging in output from 123 to 237 horsepower. On average, the Euro 6 compliant engines are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient than the Euro 5 engines in the previous model despite being more powerful, VW says. A new 4MOTION all-wheel drive system is also available and helps to adapt the Tiguan to all possible road surface conditions.
Occupants of the cabin will notice a completely redesigned interior following a ‘form follows function’ principle, VW says. The interior is also larger, offering 1.0-inch more in total length and an additional 1.1-inches of more knee room for back seat passengers. The luggage compartment has also grown by 1.8 cu. ft. for a total capacity of 18. 4 cu. ft., or 21.8 cu. ft. if the rear bench is slid forward and 58.5 cu. ft. if it is completely folded down.
Alongside the standard Tiguan, VW also introduced a plug-in hybrid Tiguan GTE concept. Powered by a 215 horsepower hybrid power system, the Tiguan GTE can travel up to 31 miles in all-electric ‘E-Mode’ before switching to hybrid power. This is thanks to the 13 kWh lithium ion battery, which can be charged through an external module or through the roof mounted solar panels.
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