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June 5, 2007
VW’s Cute Mini-Ute Exposed!
By Sean
ICE Merchandiser
Ignore the badges, this little guy is VW’s newest—the Tiguan. With an odd name actually chosen by the public, this mini-ute has been in testing for over a year now, with only computer renderings and heavily camouflaged testers ever becoming public. Designed to compete against RAV-4 and CR-V sized vehicles, the Tiguan is equipped with a 4Motion AWD system, and will more than likely come with the amazing 2.0L TSFI motor currently seeing service in the Golf GTI and EOS. And for those looking to run biodiesel, the 2.0L TDI will also be available. Now, it doesn’t quite match the aggressive styling of the concept vehicle, but it’s still a hot looking baby Toureg! According to the Germancarblog, these photos are sans camouflage, but it looks like there is still a bit around the head and tail lights. On the left is the Tiguan Concept, on the right is the recent spy photo. What do you guys think?
(Source: Germancarblog via Autoblog.it: click the links for more pics.)
Comments
Paul C.
Jun 7, 2007 at 3:26 pm
When did VW start borrowing production styling cues from Hyundai? They should have kept the chrome grill from the concept…to me the production model looks like the bastard child of the Hyundai Tuscon and Rav4.
Ted
Jun 7, 2007 at 4:00 am
The scIROCco concept’s rims also will not make it to the finish line, unfortunately.
If you saw those rims, you would feel my disappointment. Maybe they changed their mind, but I really doubt it. From what I hear, a couple other things (4-point harnesses, etc) won’t make it either, but the nose, grill, body lines, LED signal RV mirrors will. Not sure about the roof, though. I think it was glass and may not be in final production either. but I digress…
This SUV from the standpoint of looks has been seriously stripped. I hope that blue one’s a base model. VW is SUPPOSED to be shaking up their product line.
Sean C
Jun 6, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Ted–
I agree… Most OE’s usually tone down their concepts when they go into production. It’s pretty disappointing. However, I’d imagine the Rocco will stay pretty close to the concept IF it gets to production. The interior woudl more than likely be a little less “brave” and I’d imagine the front air damn will be a little less aggressive (a shame).
Thanks for the comment!
-Sean
Ted
Jun 6, 2007 at 8:29 pm
This is what annoys me most about concept cars. Look at the pics. The concept is bold, exciting, enticing. It’s anything but boring.
Now look at the greatly-neutered spooge that oozes out of the production end.
Time and time again, this happens. I hope the ScIrocco dosen’t look that crappy when it finally gets shipped.
Jesi
Jun 5, 2007 at 7:20 pm
I believe we have a winner! =]