Volkswagen Tests Tiguan in Namibian Desert

Volkswagen’s forthcoming compact sport utility vehicle, the Tiguan is turningout to be more of a baby Touareg and less of a Rabbit on stilts. New technical details were revealed about the production version of the little 4X4 earlier this week after testing concluded in the Namibian desert.

Because the Tiguan will place an emphasis on off-roading capability, Volkswagen decided to offer two different versions, a city version and an off-roading version, which feature different bumpers. The standard one is good for an entry angle of 18-degrees, while the “Track and Field” off-road special yields an extra 10-degrees. The latter also offers a better approach angle than almost everything in its class, but for the Land Rover LR2.

As was established with the concept, the Tiguan is based off of the same architecture as the Eos, which means a short overall length yet the width of the Passat. In fact, the rear suspension system will be the same as the one used in the Passat 4Motion Wagon, although it’ll be made out of steel forextra strength when off-road. A redesigned electromechanical steering rack enables the Tiguan to isolate bumps and dips over rough terrain. It will also incorporate VW’s latest self-parking gizmo, making it the first SUV to feature such a system.

Like the Jeep Patriot, BWM X3, and the new LR2, much of the Tiguan’s off-roading skill resides in its computer-controlled electronics. The Tiguan’s 4X4 system is based off of the Haldex-derived 4Motion system, making it one of the more intelligent all-wheel drive setups around, but when it’s assisted in “Offroad Mode”, it’s a completely new ball game. The “Track and Field” versions will be equipped with electronically locking differentials, hill ascent and descent control, ABS adaptation for improved braking on loose surfaces, plus uphill engine braking for improved climbing capabilities. VW wanted to make the system easily operable, even by off-roading novices, soeverything is controlled via one simple switch.

The Tiguan will be powered solely by forced aspiration engines; initially, it’ll be available with three different TSI and FSI fours making 148, 168 and 200 horsepower, plus two inline-four TDI models, a 138-hp and a 168-hp version. North American cars will feature the 200-horsepower 2.0T motor, and most likely the 138-hp turbodiesel.

The interior of the Tiguan be very much like what was featured on the concept, featuring a dashboard design that’s similar in nature to the European Golf Plus tall-form hatchback. It does have a few neat touches, such as a newly designed navigation system with a larger screen, a built-in 30-gb hard drive and a reverse camera. On the “Track and Field” models equipped with navigation, the system is capable of leaving up to 500 digital markers, allowing adventurous types the ability to find their way back to civilization, sort of like using a virtual breadcrumb trail. Unlike a breadcrumb trail, however, it can be digitally edited!