VW SUV Tiguan makes its China debut at Beijing auto show

Shanghai, April 24 (Gasgoo.com) Volkswagen's SUV Tiguan has made its China debut at the 2008 Beijing auto show. It is the German carmaker's second compact SUV after Touareg to blend the crossover pleasures in the city and the wilderness.

Tiguan was well received for its excellent performance and sophisticated technology after its release at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show. As a model that combines strong power with an elegant body, Tiguan was designed to fulfill the dual pursuit of customers for urban and country driving exhilarations. Its name is a hybrid from Tiger and Iguana, an exotic mix of boldness and wildness.

Tiguan has two engine options: 2.0-liter TSI and 2.0-liter TDI. It also has two gearbox options -- six-speed DSG and six-speed manual. The 2.0-liter TDI version accelerates from zero to 100km per hour within 8.5 seconds. The Tiguan is 4,427mm long, 1,809mm wide and 1,686mm high with a 2,640-mm wheelbase.

Volkswagen has improved the active interface between SUV and car with the Tiguan. Along with plenty of off-idle torque from gasoline or TDI engines, the Tiguan will automatically park itself with the park assist, and exhibit van-like interior cargo room. A Haldex 4Motion all-wheel-drive system sends power to the road or rock.

Shanghai VW, a China joint venture of Volkswagen, is likely to make the VW Tiguan under a Chinese name "Tuhuan" (meaning "Happy Journey"). The imported and locally-made Tiguan / Tuhuan will be available in the China market later this year for about 500,000 yuan ($71,430).