Autoblog

Click on the image above to view in high resolution

The new Tiguan cute-ute factored big into Volkswagen's press conference at this year's LA show. And no wonder, as Vee-Dub is hoping its new small sport-ute sells big, especially in the all-important US market, and especially in California where nobody needs a truck yet everybody has one (and parks it next to their Prius).

Volkswagen of America revealed that Tiguan is priced to sell with a starting MSRP of just $22,490. With just two sport-utes in its lineup, that gives VW a huge price-point spread that stretches all the way up to $68,320 for the bigger Touareg 2 with the jumbo-jet-pulling V10 TDI.

Volkswagen is evidently hoping that the Tiguan will become the Golf of the sport-ute market after it hits US dealers this coming summer. Check out our gallery of the US-spec Tiguan below, and VW's official press release after the jump.

[Source: Volkswagen]

Press Release

VOLKSWAGEN SHOWCASES PRODUCTION VERSION TIGUAN AT L.A. AUTOSHOWLOS ANGELES -

Volkswagen of America, Inc. introduced the production ready Tiguan compact sport utility vehicle today at the Los Angeles International Auto Show. The Tiguan represents a new entry in a new segment for Volkswagen.
"Tiguan is a new reflection on the three pillars of the Volkswagen brand promise: innovation, responsibility and value," commented Volkswagen of America CEO, Stefan Jacoby. "Growing our business as a volume player in the US market will require new product entries in new segments for Volkswagen. The premium compact SUV Tiguan is the first of these new products," he added.
Tiguan brings new standards of design aesthetics, driving dynamics, salient safety features, and a host of luxury and convenience attributes to an emerging category.
Tiguan offers distinctive European design characteristics such as a sophisticated and eye-catching face, an available Panoramic sunroof enabling almost 13 square feet of sunshine, and three trim levels allowing personalized configurations for a wider range of CUV shoppers.
Tiguan features the "fun to drive" handling and performance expected from a Volkswagen. A standard 2.0L TFSI engine delivers turbocharged acceleration while still delivering highly responsible fuel efficiency. European tuned suspension enables connected handling, while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Both front wheel drive and 4Motion all wheel drive is available to suit any weather or road condition.
Tiguan is also unique in the category by offering a choice of either 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission options.
The legendary Volkswagen GTI shares its 2.0L TFSI engine with the Tiguan. This spunky turbocharged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs –ft of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy.
Like all Volkswagens, the Tiguan includes the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, consisting of 45 safety features. As standard equipment, the Tiguan includes six airbags, with rear side airbags available as an option.
The Tiguan was designed with driver and passenger convenience in mind. Flexible seating, with reclining rear seats with six inches of fore and aft travel, allow for additional legroom or cargo space depending on individual needs. The front passenger seat also folds flat for carrying longer objects, as well. The interior also includes various clips and storage bins ensuring safe space for all types of items that travel in the vehicle.
Tiguan also features the state of the art RNS 510 navigation system, combining a sophisticated radio with a precise touch screen navigation system and easy to use map views through its 6.5 inch high resolution wide screen display. The system includes a 30GB hard drive to store map data and audio files that can be brought into the device via the optical drive or SD card slot. The optical drive is capable of reading CD, DVD and DVD Audio formats. In conjunction with the media device interface (MDI), the system can interface with an ipod or USB stick. The system offers available Sirius Satellite Radio audio services and Sirius Traffic service, streaming real-time traffic data into the navigation system.
Tiguan will be based priced at $22,490, reflecting the Volkswagen brand commitment to value. Tiguan will be available in United States Volkswagen dealers in summer 2008.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Rabbit, New Beetle, New Beetle convertible, GTI, Jetta, GLI, Passat, Passat wagon, Eos, and Touareg through approximately 600 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at vw.com.