For the first time, we’ve spotted VW out in the open testing a 2016 Tiguan prototype in a production body. Our previous tete-a-tete with the Tiguan was last year when VW was still evaluating the car through test-mules..
Although the compact SUV is heavily camouflaged, we can tell that it’s both wider and longer than the current model, while the design seems to fuse the shape of the larger Touareg with styling elements from VW’s line of recent crossover concepts like the Cross Coupe GTE, CrossBlue Coupe and T-Roc Concept.
Underneath the body you’ll discover VW’s ever-present MQB modular platform and a similar selection of engines as the latest Golf, ranging from small turbocharged diesel and gasoline units delivering around 120-horses, to larger 2.0-liter units, possibly even an “R” sports version with close to 300hp.
Since the Tiguan is related to VW’s compact hatch, we wouldn’t be surprised if it gets the GTE’s 201hp (204PS) plug-in hybrid powertrain and a version of the e-Golf’s electric mill down the line as well.
VW has already officially confirmed that there will be at least two versions of the next Tiguan, a regular five-seater and a longer seven-seater, which will be produced in Mexico, while there’s also talk about a sportier “four-door” coupe model in the mold of the BMW X4.
Aimed at the Mazda CX-5, Toyota RAV4, Ford Escape/Kuga and Nissan Qashqai, the new Tiguan could debut in Frankfurt and Los Angeles this fall, before it goes on sale next year.
Photo Credits: CarPix for CarScoops
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