Automotive Crystal Ball: VWs Beduin Compact SUV on the Way

Lightweight Sport Ute to Incorporate Light-Duty Off-Road Capability

Riding on the coat tails of success from the popular Touareg midsize luxury sport utility vehicle, Volkswagen is making a second pass at the SUV market with plans for a compact SUV, based loosely off of the all-new fifth-generation Volkswagen Golf.

All around the world, compact SUVs are proving to be a profitable market to be in. They combine the desired traits of traction, ground clearance, extra space and better visibility without the big engines, heavy weight, poor fuel consumption and clumsy on-road dynamics of larger, mid- and full-size utes.

The idea of a Golf-based SUV isnt new; the concept has been tossed about for several years now. Aside from the Touareg, VW has often toyed around with vehicles capable of traversing off the beaten path. In the early 90s, Volkswagen offered the comical Golf Country outside of North America, a Mk. II Golf with its Syncro AWD, a raised suspension, massive spot lamps and a hatchback-mounted spare tire. It was (somewhat) capable off-road, but was the laughing stock of the range. The same concept was also applied to the 80s rear-engined Vanagons, which to this day remain cult favorites.

The idea off a Golf-based crossover resurfaced in 2003, when VW registered the rugged name, “Marrakech”, however, the idea never made it past corporate bean counters that sacked it in favor of more sensible propositions.

Volkswagen appears to be back on course with the project, taking the same route with naming its new compact SUV, as it did with the Touareg. The compact SUV, reportedly christened Beduin, the non-North American spelling for a nomadic Saharan tribe, the Bedouins, is in this respect akin to the meaning behind the name Touareg. More recognizable than the previously selected name, albeit less generic than the proposed “CrossGolf”, VW registered the name in Germany nearly a year ago and applied for a global trademark for it this past January. Instead, the name CrossGolf will be applied to a European-spec front wheel drive Golf five-door hatchback with extra body cladding and a slightly raised suspension, a similar idea as with the Polo Dune.

The Beduin, as well as two other vehicles will be built off a new platform, a hybrid between the Mk. V Golf/Jetta PQ35 and the larger Passats PQ46 platform. While its true that the PQ46 is essentially a stretched and modified version of the PQ35, the Beduin will use the Golfs compact 101.6 inch wheelbase, combined with the 60.6 inch front and 59.8 inch rear track widths of the larger Passat.

Like the cars which the new platform draws its DNA from, the Beduin will utilize an electro-mechanical power steering system as well as a MacPherson strut and multi-link suspension layout for decent on-road comfort. As for the vehicle itself, insiders are reporting that the junior-sized SUV will measure in at around 170.1 inches long, 68.5 inches wide and 66.9 inches tall.

Though it shares the majority of its components with the Golf, the Beduin is said to take its image from the recently released Golf Plus, a slightly taller and more upright version of the Golf hatchback. This general shape will feature Volkswagens new corporate nose, complete with Passat-like headlamps and the oversized chrome grille. Cladding will be limited to the cars lower extremities, which will provide extra protection through metal accents, and matte-finish fender edges. Around back it will feature rounded LED tail lamps to add a bit of modern flair to its hatchback-like liftgate.

Where the Touareg is a proper off-roader, complete with the 4XMOTION 4X4 system, locking differentials, transfer case and the option of an air suspension to lower and raise ride height and therefore ground clearance, the Beduin is expected to be less hardcore. To help it retain an affordable price tag, VW has opted for Haldexs multi-plate clutch unit, which delivers the performance and traction of all wheel drive without the excessive weight of differentials and expensive locking components. Essentially, this is the same system that has been used in all 4Motion and Quattro vehicles that were based off the A4 compact platform, including the Audi TT, Audi A3, and all 4Motion variants of the Golf and Jetta.

While the Haldex system has been used in road-going cars so far, with applications in VAG, Volvo and Ford products, the Beduin should fair reasonably well off road with this system. The electronically controlled setup, which automatically adjusts power delivery before distributing it through the front and rear axles, uses the cars brakes to control slipping and tire spin. The addition of at least 60 mm (2.4 inches) of ground clearance, steeper approach and departure angles, plus knobby all-terrain tires should elevate the Beduin to Land Rover Freelander/BMW X3 capabilities off road.

As for power, VW is considering many of the engines from the Golf/Golf Plus European range, as they allow a direct fit. These include three four-cylinder FSI direct injection engines, ranging from a tiny 113-hp 1.6-liter inline-four to the 200-hp turbocharged FSI four-cylinder engine as featured in the VW GTI and Audi A3 Sportback. Also under consideration are two more powerful V6s, including a 250-hp 3.2-liter FSI and the potential for an even larger narrow angle 3.6-liter 280-hp V(R)6, the latter of which will be introduced in the Passat later on in the year.

As for diesels, expect VW to offer the 100-hp 1.9 TDI, as well as the new Pump Düse 2.0-liter TDIs in 140- and 170-hp guise. Depending on the engine selected, VW will offer a choice of three different six-speed transmissions, a manual, an automatic with Tiptronic mode, and the twin-clutch DSG paddle-shift gearbox.

With Volkswagens push up market, as well as a wide variety of powertrain and trim options, its expected that the Beduin will be able to target the entire compact sport utility spectrum, from Toyota RAV4s and Honda CR-Vs, to BMW X3s and the upcoming Volvo XC50 and Mercedes-Benz MLK premium compact SUVs. While many details about the car have yet to be announced, including its exterior styling, engine lineup and transmission options, the project appears to be falling into place, piece by piece at a rapid rate; its already been caught cold weather and performance testing on the Nurburgring circuit.

Volkswagens plan to diversify its range with mass- and niche-market products, such as the Beduin compact ute and the upcoming Concept C-based folding metal roof convertible respectively, should be completed by the end of the decade, although some insiders suggest that the Beduin could be ready as soon as 2006 rolls around, making its global debut at the Frankfurt motor show this September.

Unlike the Golf and Jetta, the Beduin will most likely be built in Germany. Taking this fact, as well as the additional mechanical components and design into consideration, expect prices to start at roughly $2,000 to $2,500 above that of current Jetta Mk. V prices.

Whatever the case may be, the Beduin is the kind of product that VW needs to increase brand popularity, and reverse its current sales slide.