VW TIGUAN 4x4 (New)

Volkswagen Golf

Wraps taken off new Golf 4x4
Check out VW's new Tiguan, a Golf-sized 4x4 aiming to go places the family car has never been before.

Unveiled at this week's Los Angeles Motor Show in California, it reveals how VW's designers have clearly been inspired by the company's full-size SUV, with squared-off lines from the Touareg.

Its boxy dimensions and chunky styling give the 4.4-metre long Tiguan a wide stance and ensure a spacious cabin, while a host of trademark design cues mean the 4x4 is unmistakable as a VW. The chrome grille, distinctive headlamps and neat rear light clusters all mimic those found on the Passat saloon and Eos coupé-cabrio.The Tiguan's contoured side panels feature large protective mouldings, while the sills and lower sections of the front and rear bumpers are unpainted to prevent damage from the rough and tumble of off-roading. However, designers have included a range of colour co-ordinated features elsewhere.Neat touches include massive 19-inch alloy wheels, which help to give the model a tough look. They're expected to make it to production, while the door mirrors and foglight surrounds will get the same gunmetal grey colour treatment. The Tiguan also wears special tyres which reveal a contrasting orange pattern to match the bold bodywork. The clever rubber was made by tyre company Conti­nental, and features a baked-in coloured layer, which is exposed by the grooves of the tread.While the fancy pattern is unlikely to appear on showroom models, the interior has a production feel, as much of the switchgear is from other cars in the German giant's line-up. The new off-roader also has a full-length panoramic glass roof, which is sure to be popular with family buyers. However, as with rivals such as Land Rover's Freelander and Toyota's RAV4, there are no plans to offer a third row of seats, so the Tiguan will be a strict five-seater. When the SUV reaches showrooms, it's expected that models featuring VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system will account for most sales, but bosses are also planning a front-wheel-drive-only entry-level variant. The engine line-up will have FSI petrol and TDI diesel engines, including a brand new environmentally friendly oil-burner. The so-called 'Clean TDI' unit will meet the toughest emissions regulations in the world. However, while the advanced system won't lead to tax breaks for UK buyers, it's big news in the US, where the 90 per cent reduc­tion in nitrogen oxide output means the diesel will meet strict anti-pollution requirements for the first time.VW fans won't have to wait long to get their first chance to see the roadgoing Tiguan. It will make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March, and arrive in showrooms in the UK at the beginning of 2008. Prices are yet to be confirmed, but entry-level variants are likely to start from around £19,000.