The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV has been revealed overnight at the Frankfurt Motor Shows with VW showing off a concept petrol/electric hybrid Tiguan GTE. 

THE 2016 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN (SUV) has been revealed in full overnight at the Frankfurt Motor Show and, as predicted a petrol/electric hybrid has also been revealed. Four variants are on display at Frankfurt, an on-road version, off-road version (we’re seeking more information about this one), the Tiguan R-Line and the 160kW petrol/electric Tiguan GTE concept.

A design sketch was released earlier this week… looks pretty close to the production model. What do you think?

This is the second-generation Tiguan to be based on Volkswagen’s MQB platform which can be made bigger or smaller to suit the vehicle. According to Volkswagen, “The body proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are perceptibly sporty, and the design shows charisma from all perspectives”. 

As expected the Tiguan is now 50kg lighter than its predecessor and offers more room in the boot, with 615 litres (up by 145 litres) of storage space on offer with the rear seats in place. Fold them down and this grows to 1655 litres of storage space.

While there are eight engines available, it’s unlikely they’ll all be available when the new Tiguan arrives Down Under early next year – power ranges from 85kW to 176kW. According to VW, the engines are up to 24% more fuel efficient than those fitted to the previous model.

The new Tiguan features VW’s latest-generation 4MOTION Active Control which allows for the driver to adjust the all-wheel drive system to suit there driving style and the conditions. And for those looking for a small SUV to tow a camper trailer then the Tiguan should be on your shopping list when it arrives, given that some variants are rated to tow up to 2500kg (the towball download hasn’t been confirmed).

The Tiguan boasts an impressive range of active safety systems, although whether all of them will be available in Australia, or perhaps just as cost options, remains to be seen. We’ll have more information, hopefully with an Australia focus in the next few weeks.