A year ago, almost to the day, it was reported that Volkswagen was introducing a mid-size crossover to be built in Chattanooga, TN. This new CUV, based on the CrossBlue concept from 2013, was delayed due to concerns about how it would fit in the crowded market.
As of July 2014, the CrossBlue got the greenlight for production, which left me–and maybe other VW enthusiasts–wondering what that means for the Touareg and Tiguan.
The Touareg received a face lift for 2015; a sportier front end, a more elegant back end, an upgraded interior, and chassis improvements with driver assistance technology. For any of you who have ever driven the premium SUV, it has maintained it’s on-road poise and it’s off-road prowess, keeping it right in line with the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Now it comes in an even more attractive package.
As for the Tiguan, we haven’t really heard much about the second generation of the aging compact crossover. Until now.
In light of the Cross Coupe GTE unveil at the Detroit Auto Show, WorldCarFans.com has reported that a 2016 Tiguan has been rendered based on the aforementioned concept. According to the rendering from R.M Design, there is a strong family resemblance with the new Volkswagen design language. There are ties to the new Golf in the rear, the European Passat in the headlights and grille, and even the A-frame fascia is derivative of the new Touareg.
Now, going back to what the CrossBlue means for Volkswagen’s SUV lineup. Having filled the gap between the sporty SUV and the premium SUV, the CrossBlue gives the Tiguan and the Touareg more of an identity in the American market. If you visit VW.com you’ll notice every model serves a purpose (i.e. Jetta; the compact sedan, Golf; the modern hatch), and that is exactly what the new CUV does, fills that void.
In the utilitarian nature of the brand, VW has designed a true contender to the Honda CR-V and repositions the Tiguan into a growing compact crossover market. With the Honda HR-V arriving in dealerships soon, the new Tiguan can’t come soon enough.
Update: On March 9, 2015 Volkswagen announced it will invest $1 Billion in the Puebla plant to build a three-row Tiguan for the North American market due to be launched in 2017.
Volkswagen de Mexico to Produce New Three-Row Tiguan at Puebla Assembly Plant
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Photo Credit: R.M Design
Sources: FastLaneDaily, WorldCarFans.com, VW.com
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