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Touareg's 'little brother' the Tiguan is still alive
by Benjamin Hudson
It was in the year 2006 when Volkswagen Touareg's little brother Tiguan appeared before a cheering crowd at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Unfortunately, after its public presentation the little Tiguan disappeared. There was no news about it---nothing. But all is not lost since according to Volkswagen the Tiguan project is still alive, as a fact a concept version of the Tiguan is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2007.
The Concept Tiguan will maintain its baby Touareg appearance that the crowd at the 2006 Los Angeles Auto Show loved about it. The little Tiguan is 4.4 meters long, 1.85m wide and 1.69m high. It is actually closely similar to the size of the Touran compact MPV. According to Klaus Bischoff, responsible for the exterior design of the Tiguan,"It was very important for us to have the car appear powerful and muscular. For us that was a higher priority than anything else. An off-roader needs a long hood and an upright position. That lends the vehicle self-assuredness and power."
The Tiguan is unmistakably Volkswagen starting from its 'face' up to its side profile it is unmistakably Volkswagen and yet it has successfully set itself distinct from all the other existing models in the range. The Tiguan's dark-anodized metallic tone of the front grille which is in contrast with body color while its grid pattern together with the two dominant cross fins found at the left and right of the Volkswagen roundel complete the overall look. Another distinct feature of the Tiguan is its tire design which includes 19-inch prototypes developed by the Continental. These tires have an orange radial stripe found beneath the tire profile which matches the car's paint color.
The orange radial stripe is not an ordinary paintjob since it penetrates the rubber layer as a baked in component of the tire casing. Likewise, the stunning anthracite-colored alloy rims are expected to appear in the production vehicle. The lights at the rear are also integrated into the shoulder section of the Tiguan similar to those on the Eos and Passat. The steeply sloping tailgate of the Tiguan which extends right down to the bumpers provides it with an SUV look.
The interior concept for the Tiguan comprised of black, silver, and orange color theme. The black vintage leather seats are attractively trimmed with an orange pattern which looks like a continuation of the orange radial stripe found on the tire profile. The Tiguan is also equipped with a panoramic sunroof that adds light to the spacious interior which can accommodate at least five occupants and at the same time enhances the Tiguan's versatility. The rear bench seat that can slide to and fro can be folded down to increase load space.
Under the hood, the Tiguan is equipped with a new type of diesel engine which utilizes the BLUETEC initiative. The BLUETEC initiative was produced in partnership with Audi and Mercedes-Benz and was launched for the first time during the 2006 LA Auto Show. The BLUETEC initiative employs a modular concept comprising of different systems that are geared to reduce harmful emissions. This BLUETEC initiative involves the use of NOx storage VW catalytic converters which are designed to reduce nitrogen oxide emission by up to 90 percent over other current diesel units. The NOx storage VW catalytic converter completes the entire components for the Clean TDI engine of the Tiguan which will help it to comply with the strictest emissions standards in the world.
About the Author
Benjamin Hudson works as a supervisor at one of the top engineering firms in the business district of Louisiana. He is also a freelance journalist and has passion for anything automotive.
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