Two for one special: Buy a VW Tiguan in Europe, get a Golf…for now
05/28/2008, 10:37 AM
By Drew Johnson
Volkswagen’s new Tiguan SUV is rolling into U.S. showrooms as you read this, but the compact SUV has already been on the market in Europe for several months. Since it’s European launch, the Tiguan has been a sales hit for VW which has resulted in a lengthy wait time in several markets. Fearing that a long wait time will deter potential customers from buying a Tiguan, VW has devised a plan to lure buyers, even if they won’t get their SUV for several months.
Under the new program, VW will give anyone that buys a Tiguan a Golf to drive until their SUV arrives — which will be January 2009 at the earliest. In return, VW dealers will get a €1,000 bonus for every Tiguan sold through June. “This is certainly a good deal for VW,” a dealer in northern Germany told Automotive News. “It placates angry Tiguan buyers. And it pushes the fifth-generation Golf, which will be replaced by the Golf VI in October, out into the market.”
However, many dealers are upset with the program as the Golf will be devalued far more than the allotted €1,000 payment when they go to resell it.
VW doesn’t think it will see a similar situation in the U.S. because the Tiguan is priced at a premium over its competition. The base model Tiguan will list for $23,840, with all-wheel drive models starting at $29,515.
05/28, 10:41 AM
posted by:
Need4SSpeed
That’s kinda cool? I wonder if you can upgrade and get a GTI instead???
05/28, 10:55 AM
posted by:
Syrax
^^it’s probably a diesel.
05/28, 10:59 AM
posted by:
xyunya
The only Tiguan considered in Europe is diesel. The rent-a-Golf is probably gasoline, since diesel is much more desirable and gasoline models do not sell all that well in Europe. US version with 18/25 mpg on required premium gas puts this compact SUV directly into large SUV/CUV mileage and price range.
05/28, 11:24 AM
posted by:
snork
I priced out an AWD SEL (top trim) Tiguan…came to $32k+options. For that much I don’t see many people running out to buy this when you can get larger CUVs w/ comparable MPGs for the same or less (ie: CX-7, Edge, base RDX, mid-range Pilots, Outlooks, etc.). I really liked the looks of this car, but it’s just too much money.
05/28, 12:34 PM
posted by:
xyunya
I believe WV screwed up an opportunity. If they would call it an Audi Q3, there would be plenty of schmucks to buy this car and live happily thereafter, but WV in low 30’s to mid 30’s is not happening. BTW, when Carmann Ghia become very expensive, it was sold in US as Porsche 914. Nothing new.
05/28, 8:02 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
So, Europe will get Golf VI this Fall. I wonder how many years will North America will be stuck with Golf V, pardon, Rabbit for? Same thing happened with last generation, Europe hade Golf V for a number of years before we got it as Rabbit over here.