Volkswagen Debuts New Tiguan in Europe; U.S. to Get Long-Wheelbase Version
Volkswagen’s smallest SUV hasn’t been redesigned in quite some time, but the automaker just unveiled a new version at the Frankfort Motor Show. There’s one catch, however: It’s not coming to the U.S. Instead, Volkswagen spokesperson Mark Gilles told Cars.com that the U.S. market will get a long-wheelbase version. It’s likely to have three-rows.
Related: New Volkswagen SUV to Be Built in U.S., Still Two Years Away
The Tiguan that debuted overseas is based off VW’s new “modular transverse matrix” platform and gets lightly revised styling, more cargo room and more efficient powertrains.
The model that will come to the U.S. is likely to wear much of the European version’s styling: Although VW says it’s sportier, the exterior updates are minor. The new Tiguan’s face has more of a blocky look with a narrow grille similar to the outgoing model’s and new LED headlights as well as additional chrome on the front end and more angular fog lights. One of the biggest changes is to the profile, where a strong character line runs the length of the body for a more chiseled look. In back are standard LED taillights with a sharper design.
The European Tiguan features eight engines, including four diesels, though the U.S. version will not have as many powertrains. In the U.S., the most likely powertrains for the new Tiguan are the model’s turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine and a 2.0-liter TDI turbo-diesel four-cylinder.
The new Tiguan goes on sale in April 2016 in Europe; Volkswagen has not yet announced a U.S. launch date but Gilles told us that the long-wheelbase version is “at least a year away.” What’s the fate of the U.S.’s current-gen Tiguan? That’s unsure, but it’s never been a favorite of U.S. compact SUV shoppers. The Honda CR-V outsells it by about 12-1 according to Automotive News.
