Autoblog

SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept rocks the house CUV

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:57:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, SEMA Show, Tuners, Crossover, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the VW Tiguan Performance Concept

The Volkswagen Tiguan, already a hot little CUV, added some bodywork and an APR turbo to go with its Super CC and Jetta TDI Cup Edition Street Concept show car siblings, and then threw in a Rockford Fosgate system to raise the bar further. The little big guy wears fender flares connected by side steps and contrasting rocker panels. Inside is a two-tone leather job with some very attractive speaker enclosures in the doors. Under the hood goes APR's 3-stage turbo to boost output to 295 hp and 300 lb-ft. And out back: a 1,400-watt Rockford Fosgate system with dual 10-inchers taking up the rear floor. And as we learned at the press conference, you can play a guitar through the amp. Of course, you can't store anything back there, but this is SEMA, not a PTA meeting. Read all about it in the press release after the jump, and check out the gallery of high-res photos below.

Gallery: SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept

Continue reading SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept rocks the ~~house~~ CUV

SEMA 2008: VW Tiguan Performance Concept rocks the ~~house~~ CUV originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 12:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Review: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Sam Abuelsamid — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:56:00 EST

Filed under: In the Autoblog Garage, Crossover, Volkswagen

2009 VW Tiguan S - Click above for high-res image gallery

Over the past decade, virtually every automaker in the world has first introduced an SUV (or two) and more recently a crossover utility vehicle (or two) in an attempt to address every possible market niche. Volkswagen is no exception, although the German brand was a relative latecomer to the party. Its first attempt, the mid-sized but decidedly heavy-weight Touareg was the first entry, and earlier this year VW added a second smaller CUV called the Tiguan. Unlike the Touareg, which was built on an all-new platform shared and co-developed with Porsche, the Tiguan is more closely related to VW's mainstream car models.

When the Tiguan was introduced in Europe at last years Frankfurt Motor Show, VW made a big deal of the fact that it was the only CUV in the world powered exclusively by "charged" engines. Technically this is not true, as the Acura RDX currently has only one powertrain available, a 2.3L turbocharged four-cylinder. Nonetheless, all five of the engines available in the European Tiguan have either turbocharging or both a turbo and supercharging. While Europeans get a choice of four-cylinder engines running on gas or diesel, buyers here in the U.S. are stuck with only the most powerful gas engine, a 200-hp turbocharged and direct-injected unit. Find out what it's like to live with VW's new compact soft-roader after the jump.

Gallery: Review: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Continue reading Review: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S

Review: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 03 Nov 2008 11:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Jetta TDI = hotcakes, Tiguan, not so much

Dan Roth — Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:15:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Hybrid, Green, Volkswagen

Despite the fact that Volkswagen's 2009 Jetta TDI sedan and Sportwagen cost more and have yet to get here, plus fuel prices in the five-dollar range, customer desire for the sparkless VeeDubs is running high. Perhaps buyers don't realize that these ain't the old Rabbit rattlers that cost three cents to run and would rack up a billion miles with five tanks of fuel. TDI maintenance costs are not insignificant, but the allure of inherent efficiency has folks putting their money where their mouths are and some dealers have sold out before even taking delivery. All in all, an auspicious start for the latest TDI Jetta.

Not faring as well is the Tiguan, VW's smallest 'ute. While we find the Tiguan delightful to drive and well executed besides the smallish cargo area (Jetta Wagon FTW), the launch hasn't gone as swimmingly as Wolfsburg had hoped. Maybe the TDI powertrain could add some sales sparkle to the Tiguan. It would fit, being on basically the same platform as the Golf.

[Source: Automotive News]

Jetta TDI = hotcakes, Tiguan, not so much originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 14 Jul 2008 21:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW Tiguan buyers get a Golf... temporarily

Jeremy Korzeniewski — Tue, 27 May 2008 19:02:00 EST

Filed under: Car Buying, Europe, Crossover, Hatchback, Volkswagen

Click the image above for a gallery of live shots of the Volkswagen Tiguan

In a rather odd yet intriguing move, Volkswagen in Germany is handing out a new fifth-generation Golf to anyone who orders a Tiguan. The customer will keep the Golf until their new Tiguan utility vehicle is available, which, at current rates, will not be until next January at the earliest. In an effort to cover the cost of giving away a new car and getting it back used, VW will be providing its dealers with a one-time payment of €1,000 for each Tiguan sold. Unfortunately for the affected dealers, that won't be enough to recoup the lost value of the Golf, but it shows how eager VW is to sell its new small-ute in the face of similar new models coming from its key competition, namely the Mercedes-Benz GLK.

We've previously reported that the Tiguan will start at $22,490, which equals $23,840 after the expensive shipping cost is tacked on. After AWD is added, though, the price climbs to $29,515. Considering that seemingly lofty price point, Volkswagen isn't expecting to face such sales shortages in the U.S. where it is marketing its lil' ute as the GTI of CUV's.

[Source: Automotive News Europe - sub. req'd]

VW Tiguan buyers get a Golf... temporarily originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 27 May 2008 19:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW says Tiguan is the 'GTI' of CUVs

John Neff — Mon, 19 May 2008 11:28:00 EST

Filed under: Crossover, Volkswagen

Click above for high-res gallery of the Volkswagen Tiguan

The Volkswagen Tiguan compact CUV is a hot seller elsewhere in the world, with waiting lists to purchase the Honda CRV competitor already filling up. It probably won't be that way in the U.S. since the weak U.S. dollar and high feature content of the Tiguan will jack its base price up to $23,840 for a four-cylinder, front-wheel-drive model with a manual transmission. The base price for an AWD model is higher, much higher, at $29,515, and VW expects 60 percent of U.S. sales to be AWD.

In order to justify the premium price, VW will be positioning the Tiguan as the GTI of CUVs. Much like the VW GTI is a feature laden and higher performing version of the less expensive Rabbit, the Tiguan will be the same to its less expensive competition from Honda, Toyota and Ford. It features the same 200-hp, turbocharged 2.0L four-cylinder as the GTI, but the compact CUV segment is already filled with examples offering more power from an assortment of four- and six-cylinder engines. Being a VW, we suspect the Tiguan will handle well, but we're not sure there's much of a market for GTI-like CUVs in the U.S. as gas prices continue to go up and up. VW hopes to sell only 20,000 - 25,000 Tiguans in the U.S. per year, which is certainly doable, but it won't be threatening the CRV for the crown of best-selling CUV.

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan

[Source: Automotive News - sub. req'd]

VW says Tiguan is the 'GTI' of CUVs originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 19 May 2008 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.?

Chris Shunk — Sat, 17 May 2008 13:33:00 EST

Filed under: Green, Crossover, Volkswagen

All-time high gas prices have made Americans intensify their searches for top-shelf fuel economy, as evidenced by 15-year-old Geo Metros selling on eBay for $7,200. Apparently even capitalistic insanity isn't enough to convince Volkswagen to bring a diesel engine Stateside in the hotly anticipated Tiguan, as the ultra-efficient 2.0L oil-burner likely won't be available for MY 2009.

Part of the problem lies in the fact that the Tiguan is selling extremely well in Europe, which negates the need to rush additional models to the US, where a weak dollar is cutting into the German automaker's profits. VW is also trying to keep the price down on the new crossover, and diesel engines add thousands to the sticker. We wouldn't be surprised if the constant delays surrounding the 2.0L TDI have anything to do with the decision, either.

If a price war can break out on eBay in an effort to buy a turquoise 49 hp deathtrap, we're more than certain that Americans are willing to shell out $30k for an efficient CUV. Without a diesel powerplant, however, the Tiguan is just one more of the many mediocre-mileage tall wagons from which to choose.

[Source: Winding Road]

Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 May 2008 13:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Alex Nunez — Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST

Filed under: Aftermarket, Tuners, Coupe, Sedan, Performance, SUV, Europe, Supercars, Audi, Volkswagen, Misc. Auto Shows

Click image for a gallery of Abt's Essen roster

German tuning house Abt Sportsline brought everything and the kitchen sink to the Essen Motor Show, and rather than present it piecemeal, we figured we'd put the whole megillah out for you in one shot. From A4 to Touareg, the latest hardware from VW and Audi has been worked over with appearance and suspension mods. Most boast notable power upgrades as well. Yes, we'll even revisit the (unfortunately) red-and-green-trimmed Abt R8, which we first talked about last week. If you're looking for a Christmas-themed supercar, or if you're a really nostalgic New Jersey Devils fan, it might just fit the bill.

Follow the jump for the rundown on all things Abt at Essen.

[Source: Abt Sportsline]

Gallery: Abt Sportsline: Essen 2007 Lineup

Continue reading Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show

Roundup: Abt Sportsline at the Essen Motor Show originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 02 Dec 2007 18:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

Frankfurt 2007: Volkswagen's production Tiguan graces the stage

Damon Lavrinc — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:29:00 EST

Filed under: Frankfurt Motor Show, Crossover, Volkswagen

Click the image above for a gallery of live shots of the Volkswagen Tiguan.

Lost in the fray surrounding the reveal of the Up!, Volkswagen's entrant into the cute 'ute segment officially debuted in production guise in Frankfurt. The Tiguan, which will go on sale early next year, will initially be equipped with either a 140 HP two-liter TDI or a 150 HP 1.4-liter TSI, with larger engines to follow. There will be three models available -- S, SE and Sport - all of which will offer 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.

V-Dub is quick to point out that the Tiguan should be able to hold its own both on-road and off, citing an 18-degree angle of approach on standard models, or an optional front-end that allows for 28-degrees of cambered madness. Along with the additional off-road competence, buyers opting for the heavier-duty package get underbody cladding, a radiator protector, hill descent control and a compass.

Volkswagen's full press release can be viewed after the jump, and we've got a full gallery of live shots below for your viewing pleasure.

Gallery: 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan

Continue reading Frankfurt 2007: Volkswagen's production Tiguan graces the stage

Frankfurt 2007: Volkswagen's production Tiguan graces the stage originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 14 Sep 2007 16:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments

VW says nein to boring design

Chris Tutor — Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST

Filed under: LA Auto Show, Volkswagen

While Volkswagen's Tiguan is more radical-looking than most small SUVs out there, the rest of VW's lineup might best be described as German. Not necessarily ugly, mind you, just not envelope-puching, cutting edge stuff.

But that could change in the coming years, says VW product head Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard. In an interview with UK media at the L.A. show, Doc Bernhard said the Scirocco and Tiguan are good indicators of how future VeeDubs might look.

'We have to shape our own destiny rather than trying to fit in with everyone else,' he said. 'The fun-to-drive part of our cars has to be on the surface.'

Bernhard went on to promise the Brits a Passat-based competitor for Mercedes' CLS, a more luxurious Touareg and a "bolder" replacement for the current Beetle.

First, how will the CLS competitor be different from the not 100% unsuccessful Phaeton (remember, it lives on in Europe)? Second, aren't Porsche and Audi both already marketing more luxurious Touaregs? And, third, we're looking forward to how the Beetle redesign is handled. It will be one of the first automotive retro makeovers and promises to pose a challenge for VW.

VW probably won't go so far as the design study shown here, which, by the way, is a fantastical creation by Hussein Al-Attar at Husseindesign. Click on the rendering for a high-res, desktop-worthy sized version.

[Source: What Car]

VW says nein to boring design originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 03 Dec 2006 14:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments