VW has pulled the wraps off the new generation of its Tiguan, the group’s first SUV to be based on the MQB platform, ahead of a Frankfurt Motor Show debut on Tuesday.



The second generation of the Tiguan enters the hotly contested compact SUV segment with rivals such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 with a larger and roomier, yet lighter body thanks to its fresh underpinnings, along with a sharper, and more mature and premium looking appearance both inside and out.

While up to 100 pounds or 50 kg lighter than the outgoing Tiguan, the new model is 60mm (2.4 inches) longer, 30mm (1.2 inches) wider, and 33mm lower (1.3 inches) lower, riding on a 77mm (3.0 inches) extended wheelbase at 2,681mm (105.6 inches).

As a result, VW says interior room has been improved, with rear passengers, for example, having 29mm (1.15 inches) more knee room. Furthermore, the rear bench seat is asymmetrically split and can be adjusted up to 180mm (7 inches) longitudinally. When the rear seat bench is pushed back, cargo capacity is up by 50 liters to 520 liters (by 1.8 cubic feet, to 18.4 cu ft), but it can reach 615 liters if you pull the seats forward, and 1,615 liters if you fold them down.

And that’s not all, because in the fall of 2016, VW will introduce a longer wheelbase version of the Tiguan for the USA and China, possibly with seating for seven.

While VW is holding back on information regarding other markets, such as North America, the German firm confirmed eight engines for Europe, including four TSI petrols producing 125PS (123hp), 150PS (148hp), 180PS (178hp) and 220PS (217hp), and four TDI diesels rated at 115PS (113hp), 150PS (148hp), 190PS (187hp) and 240PS (237hp) for the 2.0L biturbo unit.

The Tiguan will be available in both front- and all-wheel drive (for the more powerful engines) layouts, with the latter sporting an increased ride height and a new 4MOTION Active Control that allows drivers to adjust the all-wheel drive system more individually. All versions may be ordered with an off-road front end (25.6 degree approach angle instead of 18.3 degrees) as an alternative. The new model is now designed to tow loads up to 2,500 kg or 5,512 pounds.

Among the new safety features added to the range are the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, the Front Assist ambient monitoring system with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as standard.

VW has also released the R-Line edition of the series with a sportier look featuring 19-inch standard or 20-inch optional alloy wheels, body colored trims on the outside, different bumpers, a two-tone roof spoiler, plus sport seats, steering wheel and interior décor.

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