The Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover is about to be renewed, with a completely redesigned model debuting at the 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show.
And right alongside the production versions of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a concept with a plug-in hybrid powertrain.
The second-generation Tiguan adopts the MQB platform used by numerous other VW Group models, including the Volkswagen Golf and Audi A3.
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While exterior styling hasn't changed dramatically from the version launched in 2006, VW says the new model is longer, lower, and wider than its predecessor.
U.S. versions are also expected to get a third-row seat--making room for seven occupants--that may be a standard feature on this side of the Atlantic.
Powertrain options will vary by market, with European models like the ones shown here getting four gasoline engines delivering between 90 and 217 horsepower, and four diesel options ranging from 113 to 236 hp.
New Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line (European-spec)
For the U.S., a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine will likely be standard, but could be joined by a diesel engine option for the first time.
As with the current Tiguan, front-wheel drive will be standard, with all-wheel drive optional.
Both manual and dual-clutch automatic transmissions will be offered globally, but the dual-clutch gearbox will likely be the only offering in the U.S.
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On the inside, the Tiguan gets a tech upgrade, with a 12.3-inch digital display replacing the traditional gauge cluster.
There's also an available head-up display, adaptive cruise control, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, blind-spot monitoring, a 360-degree camera system, and a system that can detect whether the driver is unconscious and bring the vehicle to a halt if necessary.
In addition to the production second-generation Tiguan range, Volkswagen also showed the Tiguan GTE plug-in hybrid concept.
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show
The concept uses a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine and six-speed dual-clutch transmission with integrated electric motor. Together, they're rated at a combined 215 hp.
This allows the Tiguan GTE to do 0 to 62 mph in 8.1 seconds, and reach a top speed of 124 mph in "GTE mode"--sportiest hybrid driving mode.
A 13-kilowatt-hour lithium-ion battery pack provides enough capacity for 31 miles of electric-only driving, at speeds up to 80 mph.
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The GTE also features a solar roof that can provide a supplementary source of electricity.
Under ideal conditions (presumably maximum sunshine), Volkswagen claims it can add up to 600 miles of electric-driving range per year. That would be 12 miles a week.
While the GTE hasn't been confirmed for production yet, VW has said it plans to offer a plug-in hybrid version of most of its models, so it seems more than likely (though perhaps minus what would be a pricey solar roof).
Volkswagen Tiguan GTE concept, 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show
The new Tiguan lineup will go on sale in Europe next spring. The compact crossover will then arrive in the U.S. in 2017, with our latest information being that it will be deemed a 2017 model.
The U.S. version could differ from the European models shown here, including the addition of that third-row seat.
Second-generation Tiguan models will be built in Puebla, Mexico.
For more 2015 Frankfurt Auto Show coverage, head over to our show news hub.
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