VIDEO: Volkswagen Tiguan concept
For all it's flashy orange hue and muscular styling, nobody seems to much care about the Volkswagen Tiguan as it just cruises around. Looks pretty bitchin' to us, though, with that hulking profile and flared out fenders. You certainly don't think "prettied-up tall Golf" when you watch the video. The Tiguan is intended to take on the RAV-4 and CR-V, as well as European competition from the likes of BMW and Volvo. The Tiguan's end of the CUV market is heating up, and it will be interesting to watch how VW positions it in terms of pricing and options. Oh, and dig that "Clean TDI" diesel clatter we hear at the end.
Thanks to tipster Mikhal.
[Source: Volkswagen via AutoMotoPortal]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Brian Krahmer 2:54PM (4/08/2008)
For those who object to the TDI's noise level, I dare you to test-drive any TDI model. Within seconds of driving it, you will forget about the noise. Besides that, they are not actually that loud. It's the distinctive noise signature that draws attention from those not used to it. I left my TDI idling about 25 ft from a PT cruiser one day, that was also idling. Though you could hear the distinctive knock of the TDI, the Chrysler conventional 4-banger was actually louder overall. And, under any load whatsoever, the diesel knock disappears. Besides, nothing beats torque for driving experience. You can take about any mountain pass at 55 in top gear in a TDI. Try doing that with your Toy or Sub.
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Brian 10:22AM (11/30/2006)
If you can buy it in the US with a diesel, a manual transmission, and 4-motion for about $25-27k, it'd be a hit. I'd buy one.
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Scott Markle 11:41AM (11/30/2006)
Me, too! For some reason this just really speaks to me... I currently drive an Element, although I wouldn't really consider myself an SUV (or CUV) guy. My last two cars were both MINIs if that's any indication. It's just hard to beat the utility of something like this. I don't need a huge hulking, gas-guzzling monstrosity -- The Element is perfect save for being too utilitarian... I could really go for some leather, more gadgets and maybe a sunroof and heated seats. I was excited about the RDX until I found there was no manual tranny option. Same for the new CR-V (whose swoopy styling also speaks to me for some reason, I know I'm in the minority there -- I just really like Honda's new design language). Gimme a nicely fitted out interior, a manual tranny and good gas mileage for under $30K and I'll put my order in now.
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Scott Markle 11:41AM (11/30/2006)
Oh yeah -- My wife drives a brand new Rabbit... Fantastic car. Almost as nice inside as my Dad's '05 Audi A4. I don't know why VW won't let you add more options (heated seats, but no available leather or steering wheel controls) -- I imagine it would steal too many sales from the A3. If VW can just lick their quality issues they could really kick a$$!
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Stephen 10:52AM (11/30/2006)
Volvo has a very similar-looking offer, but I think I like this Volkswagen better.
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curtis 11:19AM (11/30/2006)
That sounds disgusting, I hate the sound, extremely loud, far more obnoxious than those unpainted-body-kit/fart-can-muffler sporting wannabe racers around town. At least make the car shut up, then I'll take it seriously.
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submachine 11:19AM (11/30/2006)
#1 - Manual transmission is quickly becoming irrelevant.
Now this does LOOK great, but its partly of those graphite 20" rims. Ever see a Rav4 on dubs?
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Andrew 11:51AM (11/30/2006)
There's nothing better than the VW diesel engine. Sign me up for a Tiguan!
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Derek J. Punaro 11:39AM (11/30/2006)
Nobody cares about it because they threw away all the interesting styling of the Concept A. Other than the orange tires, which won't make it to production, it's no different stylistically than any other small SxV.
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Steiner 12:11PM (11/30/2006)
Hate the noise, that alone puts me off from ever buying it. No matter how clean it may be.
The looks are also not that great. I prefer some other similar models out there.
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mulad 1:24PM (11/30/2006)
Hmm, I sort of wonder if they bumped up the sound level, or if that's even original audio. Well, I'm not a huge fan of how TDIs sound at low revs, but I find the growl enjoyable up around 3k (nevermind that my horsepower is already dropping by that point, but whatever ;-)
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Popy 2:07PM (11/30/2006)
Chances are all those that hate the diesel sound we will not hear it here in the states anyways. More than likely the US will see the 2.5 5cyl and 2.0T, both which are in the Gen V cars out now...
Production has been rumored to be in Wolfsburg so quality on these units should be top notch.
This will be a great addition to the VW family!!
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Dom 1:41PM (11/30/2006)
To each his own. I love love LOVE the sound of the TDI diesel engine. Quiet/flat sounding engines are sooo boring. Mind you I'm not a racer, I just like a car with a little personality, and the TDI's definitely have that.
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felonious monk 2:01PM (11/30/2006)
I like everything about it except for the front end; a bit too busy.
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Andre 12:44AM (12/01/2006)
It's time for hi-def web players like the DivX web player so we can enjoy these concept cars more on the internet..
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Nick 8:33PM (11/30/2006)
For a little over 4 years now I have been driving a Golf TDI and loving it. I only wish it was just a little bigger inside and had some decent ground clearance. Well, I see this Tiguan and I'm thinking PROBLEM SOLVED!
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David 10:50PM (11/30/2006)
Hell yeah that sounds like my car. If it didn't sound like that, something would be wrong ;)
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spider 10:53PM (11/30/2006)
sounds like a tractor
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Car videos & Motorcycle videos 5:39AM (12/02/2006)
The diesel engine sounds too loud :(
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ebm14 6:33PM (12/02/2006)
I wish it was starting at $ 20,000 since the RAV and CRV start in those areas, but the Germans seem to want more cash. I would be happy with the 2.0T engine, AWD for that price range. I do hope they make in in Wolfsburg, but I also heard Portugal.
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