Riding on Volkswagen’s modular MQB platform, the next Tiguan will stretch about 185 inches long, making it nearly ten inches longer than the current model (pictured). The extra sheet metal will allow it to offer 17.6 cubic feet of trunk space, up from the 13.9 cubic feet found in today’s model, and an optional third row of seats. However, Volkswagen warns that space will be limited and that the third row will be best suited to carrying small children.
In Europe, the second-gen Tiguan will be offered with a gas-burning turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with cylinder deactivation technology and with several turbodiesel TDI engines whose outputs will range from 110 to 184 horsepower. The crossover will come with either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG unit, and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system will be available at an extra cost.
The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan will greet the public for the first time at a major auto show in late 2016 or in early 2017 and it will go on sale shortly after. Michael Horn, the CEO of Volkswagen’s U.S. division, has confirmed that the U.S.-spec Tiguan will be built locally in Chattanooga, Tennessee.
Crossover Offensive
SUVs and crossovers are a big part of Volkswagen’s plan to become the world’s number one automaker by 2018. The range-topping Touareg was modestly updated last fall and is expected to soldier on until 2016 at the earliest. Interestingly, the next Tiguan could spawn a two-door crossover inspired by the T-Roc concept that was presented at last year’s Geneva Motor Show.
On the other end of the spectrum, Volkswagen has reportedly given the up!-based Taigun concept the green light for production. Slated to slot beneath the Tiguan in select global markets, the Taigun will stretch about 151 inches long and use downsized gasoline- and diesel-burning engines. Reports indicate the Taigun will not be offered in the United States due to its diminutive size.
Finally, Volkswagen will round out its crossover portfolio with production versions of the full-size CrossBlue and the mid-size Cross Coupe GTE concepts. Built in Tennessee, the two models will arrive in 2016 and 2017, respectively.
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