Volkswagen: Golf-Based CUV May Slot Under Next-Gen Tiguan
With the Volkswagen Tiguan going bigger for the United States market in 2017, senior execs believe a smaller entry-level crossover could soon take its place.
Ward’s Auto reports the new crossover would be Golf-based, and would become the fourth crossover in VW’s U.S. lineup alongside the aforementioned Tiguan, the upcoming midsize CrossBlue, and the larger Touareg. The smaller crossover could take its cue from the T-ROC two-door crossover that bowed in Geneva last year, and may likely be built at the automaker’s facility in Puebla, Mexico, where the Golf, Jetta and Beetle are assembled.
Speaking of the CrossBlue, that seven-seater will likely add more models to the lineup, such as one similar to the Cross Coupe GTE PHEV from this year’s Detroit Auto Show. Both of those models would be produced in Chattanooga, Tenn.
As for the next-gen Tiguan, production is expected to begin in North America in 2017, possibly joining the Golf-based crossover in Puebla, as well. The Tiguan will also grow to over 185 inches in overall length, gain a third-row seat, and be able to hold seven passengers, all to better market the crossover to consumers in the U.S.
Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.
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I admit that I have never really looked into VW's Tiguan, but I was always under the impression that it was a Golf based CUV. It certainly looks similar in dimension with added ride height. I actually quite like the last gen Toureg V8, but sadly, I think VW is way out in left field with pricing on a lot of its products. German does not equal premium.....or even quality for that matter.
I also have purchased a 2013 Tiguan for my wife and she loves it. Short length with high roof provides great maneuverability with a back seat very comfortable for two adults. High roof provides big frontal area that hurts fuel economy on highway and this is the tradeoff for short length that aids maneuverability. The turbo engine provides good power with low revs on highway and good NVH which confirms premium feel. Every time I drive it I am impressed with the level of refinement which I don't think is common in small CUVs. Would like the latest VW 2.0T with additional 50 ft. lb of torque though. New Tiguan will have to get dramatically longer to get third seat in. This will create a new vehicle that would not be of interest to me. Also don't get two door CUV proposal either. Two doors will be kiss of death. Need to work on styling as the Audi Q3 is gorgeous, however lowering the roof over the rear seat would be a deal breaker for me.
Cool the return of the Suzuki Amigo.
I'm not a great CUV fan but if they built a TROC 2 door with a targa I would be interested. After all the only vehicles that currently have a targa are the Corvette and Porsche 911.