2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is Larger and Lighter

The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has been revealed on the eve of the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show.

The Tiguan will arrive in the U.S. as a 2017 model year vehicle and is the first crossover from VW to ride on the new MQB modular architecture. This is the start of an SUV and crossover offensive from Volkswagen which will be facilitated by the new platform.

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Overall length of the Tiguan has been increased by 2.3-inches while width is up by 1.1-inches. Overall height has been reduced by 1.3-inches, helping to achieve better aerodynamics. On the inside, the trunk has been expanded to 18.5 cubic feet and 58.5 cu-ft with the rear seats folded down, while passengers in the back have been given 1.1-inches of increased knee room.

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Eight different engines, powered by both diesel and gasoline, will be available in total, ranging from 123 hp up to 238 hp. U.S. engine availability has not yet been announced, though VW does say that the entire engine lineup for the Tiguan is more powerful and up to 24 percent more efficient than today’s motors. That efficiency also comes from a lower curb weight, which has been cut by 110 lbs. compared to today’s Tiguan. All-wheel drive will be available while front-wheel drive remains standard.

2015 Frankfurt Motor Show Coverage

Technology found in the new Tiguan includes a 12.3-inch digital info cluster and an available head-up display. For safety, base model Tiguans are equipped with city emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring and lane departure warning. For top-trim models, the Tiguan comes with adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, lane-changing assist, pre-crash occupant safety and a 360-degree camera. For infotainment, a 5.0-inch touchscreen will come standard while an 8.0-inch display is available. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be available.

Volkswagen’s sporty R-Line package is still available for the Tiguan, bringing along 19-inch aluminum alloy wheels or optional 20-inch alloy wheels, body color exterior accents, new bumpers, a two-tone spoiler and a gloss-black rear diffuser. Inside, aluminum door sills, grey accent stitching, stainless steel pedals, a black headliner and leather-trimmed seats and steering wheel are all standard.

Those looking for more off-road adventure can order a new special version of the Tiguan which uses a redesigned bumper to increase approach angle from 18.6 degrees to 25.6.

A long-wheelbase version of the Tiguan is expected to be revealed in the Fall of 2016, while a plug-in hybrid version is also likely to join the lineup based on the Tiguan GTE Concept which was also revealed at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

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