Launched in 2008, Volkswagen's Tiguan SUV made its official U.S. debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show in 2007. Slotting in several rungs below its big brother - the Touareg 2 - VW hails the small crossover as the "GTI of SUVs." The Tiguan is slated to hit dealer showrooms in the summer of 2008. VW hosted a vote for the SUV's name with 350,000 votes coming in from 10 countries represented as AutoBild group readers. Tiguan, a combination of the words Tiger and Iguana, won over Nanuk, Namib, Rockton and Samun, all brainstormed by VW's marketing department.

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Power for the Tiguan will come from VW's proven 2.0-liter turbo inline-four -- cranking out 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque - and will be sent through either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. This "high-performance turbocharging" significantly reduces fuel consumption and emissions, while delivering respectable performance. Front-wheel drive will be standard with an all-wheel drive system available. Maximum towing capacity for the Touareg's little brother is rated at 2,200 lbs. Other markets get a diesel engine option; the same 140 hp 2.0 liter unit the North American Jetta TDI will get in 2008.

The Tiguan is built on a modified Passat platform with some bits from the Rabbit thrown in on the ends. Interior space is maximized thanks to a car-like 60/40-split folding seat.

Pricing for the crossover starts at $22,490 and grows from there with a long list of available features, including a panoramic sunroof, 6.5-inch touch screen navigation system, rear-view camera, bi-Xenon headlights and even a parking assist program. The Tiguan is assembled at VW's Wolfsburg facility in Germany. The model will be available in dealers by the spring. Later on in its model life, VW's DSG automatic is expected to replace the conventional automatic, as well as a diesel engine. The former is expected to come ahead of the latter.