The Volkswagen Tiguan (pronounced Tig-wan) made its much-anticipated debut at this week's show. Think of it as something of a miniature Touareg. The new model will compete with the likes of the Land Rover Freelander and Honda CR-V, and the Golf-based SUV is expected to go on sale in Ireland in early February.
The Tiguan is just a little bit larger than the Touran compact MPV, and has the usual purposeful appearance that you associate with a vehicle of this type. It has many of the styling cues of the larger Touareg model, especially at the front, but looks much more compact in appearance and promises to have a more car-like drive.
In Ireland, the Tiguan will be initially available with two engines - a 2-litre 140bhp TDi diesel engine and a 1.4-litre 150bhp TSI petrol engine, which is likely to be a big seller here. Later in 2008, a 170bhp TDi and two further petrol engines will become available to order. Both diesel engines meet the Euro 5 emissions standard that comes into effect in 2009.
Initial deliveries of the car will be in 4x4 only, with two-wheel drive models following on later in the summer.
All models will come with 4Motion four-wheel drive and an 18-degree angle of approach, a figure that defines the size of obstruction the vehicle can drive over. For owners who intend to use their Tiguan off-road, they can choose a 28-degree angle of approach front end. This model will come with a radiator protection grille, underbody protection, hill descent control and a compass.
No prices have been revealed just yet, and the distributor tells us that price negotiations "are at a delicate stage" but expect a starting price of around €38,000 for the 1.4-litre petrol TSI.
Expect this to be a big seller, as the Volkswagen badge carries a lot of prestige on these shores and with the overwhelming success of SUV-esque vehicles such as the Nissan Qashqai, the Tiguan is virtually assured of being a top seller, so the best advice would be to get orders in early.