Volkswagen has christened its new compact SUV, as previewed by the Concept A at last February’s Geneva motor show, Tiguan following an internet poll of European automotive magazine readers .

A combination of the words Tiger and Leguan, the Tiguan name was chosen over a list of nomenclatures dreamt up by Volkswagen’s Wolfsburg-based marketing department, including Rockton, Nanuk, Samun and Namib.

Some 350,000 readers were involved in the poll conducted over the internet, according to the German car maker which plans to unveil a second, more production orientated concept of its compact Golf-based SUV at the Los Angeles motor show in December before unveiling a definitive production version at the Frankfurt motor show in September 2007.

Commenting on the poll, Volkswagen boss, Wolfgang Bernhard, said, "This is demonstrative of how Volkswagen is opening up: we made a clear appeal to the market - potential buyers could help choose the name Tiguan. The positive reaction shows that this is the right approach."

Volkswagen's oddly named Tiguan (hey, the people have spoken), has broken cover on the current issue of Germany's Auto Bild magazine. Although clearly a computer-generated interpretation of VW's cute 'ute, the cover shot gives a more realistic rendering of what is to be Volkswagen's answer to the RAV4 and CR-V. Worthy items of note include the high and tidy belt-line, minimalist C-pillar and pseudo-spoiler, ala Touareg/Cayenne.

As a reminder, the Tiguan will be based off the current Golf platform and make it's debut at the Los Angeles auto show this coming November. Production is slated to begin in 2008.

The very first photos of the Volkswagen Tiguan were snapped by spy photographers this week. The car appears to be further along in the development process than one might expect. Codenamed VW416, the Tiguan is riding on a PL/PQ48 platform – a combination of the Golf/Rabbit and Passat platforms – one which will eventually be shared with Audi’s A4, A5 and Q5. In mid July, Volkswagen released the first official sketch of the Tiguan, which will arrive as a 2008 or 2009 model. Production will begin in Wolfsburg at the end of 2007, at the soonest

by Hans G. Lehmann
Copyright by Lehmann Photo-Syndication
10-17-2006


New SUV Ready for Launch

Volkswagen is about to release the new 4x4 model Tiguan at the upcoming Los Angeles Motor Show in December this year. Here are more photos showing a prototype of VW’s new compact SUV during hot weather testing in the Californian desert. Although still disguised, the shape and styling of the new model – previously dubbed “Marrakesh” - is clearly similar to VW’s bigger off-roader, the Touareg.

The new Tiguan sits on a platform derived from the current Golf, however with a heavy duty suspension, higher ground clearance and VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system. The dashboard includes an LCD screen controlling satellite navigation and stereo. The Tiguan is a five passenger car and set to rival the likes of Toyota’s RAV 4, Honda’s CR-V , LandRover Freelander and BMW X3. Power comes from a choice of fuel and Diesel engines, starting with a 1.4 litre TSI 150hp fuel engine, probably another 2.0 litre delivering 170 to 200hp, and two 140 and 170hp 2.0 litre Diesels.