Meet the VW Tiguan. Weird name. Cool car. Coming to the states next year.

The word on the street is that the name Tiguan (pronounced teeg-wan) is a combination of Tiger and Iguana.  Um, ok, moving on.  Essentially, Volkswagen is looking to break into the compact SUV market.  There is a lot of conflicting information out there regarding what exactly we are going to get with the Tiguan next year...here's a sampling...

From CarandDriver.com

European Tiguans will have a range of five available engines, but here in the U.S., we’ll initially get only one—the 200-hp, 2.0-liter turbo—with the 140-hp, 2.0-liter TDI with 236 pound-feet of torque to follow at the end of 2008. Both engines will be available with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission, which will be bumped from the options list by VW’s brilliant six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox about a year after the trucklet’s launch. Tiguans will be front- or all-wheel drive.

From J.D.Power.com

Volkswagen is expected to release a version of the Tiguan with the 2.0L "Clean TDI" BLUETEC diesel some time after the launch of the gasoline version. This four-cylinder turbodiesel is designed to meet stringent emission requirements for all 50 states using a special NOx trap catalytic converter and particulate filter. While final figures have not been released, the 2.0L diesel is expected to make 140 hp and more than 200 lb.-ft. of torque. Available transmissions will include a 6-speed manual or 6-speed DSG.

From Edmunds.com

Although the way the Tiguan drives is unique, the interior is exactly what you already expected. The modest ride height makes it easy to take a seat, and once you're behind the wheel you feel like you're in a Rabbit, only larger. The tall roof is the primary explanation, while the tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel helps carve out some extra room if you're still feeling cramped.

Outward visibility is excellent, and the front seats gave us no problems (although we didn't get to drive for more than a few hours at a time). With a full 6 inches of fore and aft adjustment, the rear seats offer reasonable room for adults in back as long as you don't need all the available capacity of the 16.6-cubic-foot cargo bay.

The interior design and trim is all standard-issue stuff from the Rabbit/GTI parts bin. Same gauges, same switchgear, and it's all in the same place. The only real departure from the formula is the faux metallic trim around the new navigation unit. Such shininess would look more at home in an Accord or a Camry, although perhaps only Volkswagen enthusiasts are likely to find it offensive.

Other noteworthy facts...expect pricing in the mid 20's, MPG in the mid-20's, and the first Park Assist system option on an SUV.

VW's official Tiguan website.

Comments

[Steph]

So what's the deal with vw bringing back diesel?

[Bryan Lane VW Sales Manager]

The New 2.0L Diesel will be available in August 2008. EPA rating of 60 mpg. I will be taking orders in May. It will be available only in the Jetta Sedan and the Jetta Sport Wagon.

[Steph]

60 MPG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Seriously? Where do I sign up??????