Tiguan first with clean diesel tech

Monday, December 04, 2006

Tiguan uses new Bluetec technology
First VW to benefit from Merc collaboration
Model available with two- and four-wheel-drive

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Volkswagen believes it can remove the stigma attached to 4x4s by some critics with the Tiguan.

The concept, unveiled at the Los Angeles motor show last week, is the first VW to benefit from the collaboration agreed between Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen-Audi to develop the world's cleanest diesel engines under the Bluetec label.

Tiguan's 'clean TDI' engine, which has an extra exhaust catalyst to remove soot particulates, is one of several power units which will be available when production begins.

As the Tiguan is Golf-based and will be built in Portugal alongside other Golf derivatives like the Eos coupe-cabrio, it can use any of the engines and gearboxes that fit into VW's best-selling hatchback.

VW also revealed that it is considering offering front-wheel-drive versions of Tiguan as a further means of cutting fuel consumption and emissions, although most models will have permanent four-wheel drive using VW's 4Motion transmission.