With rising fuel prices curbing sales of big trucks and SUVs, it’s almost surprising to hear VW is adding another SUV to its line-up. But news comes from Europe of VW developing an all-new SUV that will slot in above the Tiguan but below the Touareg in its range, and it will have room for seven, with a possible on-sale date some time in 2011.
Not surprisingly, VW’s decision to build the new SUV is believed to have been spurred by US dealers who complained the Tiguan is too small and expensive for North American SUV buyers. As it’s supposed to be a competitor of the Volvo XC60, we expect it will be marketed as another crossover with ‘all-weather capability,’ thanks to an all-wheel drive system, as an alternative to a minivan.
According to Autocar, the new, yet unnamed SUV will ride on a low-cost next-generation Passat platform, code-named PQ47 and not share a floorplan with the Audi Q5. Likewise, the use of the Passat platform, a shorter variation of which will also underpin the new Golf / Rabbit, features a transverse engine layout, which will likely result in a FWD-biased “active” AWD system and the possibility of just FWD in base models.
The use of the low-cost platform and resulting production line availability could also lead to Skoda and Seat SUVs based on the same platform and mechanicals in Europe, further offering mass-production cost savings.
04/15, 11:21 AM
posted by:
A4
it seems like this might be a little much
04/15, 11:34 AM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Wow I guess VW is trying to become a company with a full line of vehicles
They need to figure out whether they want to be Toyota or MB
They have the CC for the CLS ? yet they have Minivans and Beetles
Is the Toureg selling that well for them to make a 7 passenger ??
I think the Tiguans interior looks cheesy
I always thought BMW should have an X7 SUV instead we get a 4 seat X6 that seat 4 at 56grand ?Hmm
Either way Im happy that they are rebadging an Aspen
04/15, 11:58 AM
posted by:
A4
ill guarantee you the tiguans interior isnt cheesy. VW wins awards year after year for their interiors and while it may be a bit more of the same, it will be far from cheesy.
04/15, 11:59 AM
posted by:
A4
and mercedes has a minivan, that stupid ass R-class
04/15, 12:04 PM
posted by:
tripleonefive
Im not saying all the interiors are but the Tigs was very plain and just a radio and three knobs
I like the Touregs interior and the Passats I figured they would make them look similar
I would love to see links to these awards that VW has won. If you have any let me know
Change your name to A5 thats the best Audi in the lineup
04/15, 12:08 PM
posted by:
dr.W
I don’t get it, it will be bigger than the Touareg (7 seats compared to 5) but slot in below it. So that means they are going to downgrade the interior/offer fewer options. I guess they do not feel that they can sell a longer version of the Toureg as it would compete with the Q7 in the same price range.
On a different not, I agree with tripleonefive that BMW should make and X7, it would be far more practical than the X6 and sell better to boot.
Also, the R-class is not stupid it is a very well put together and well thought out car. It offers more space and amenities than most of its competition. Unfortunately, MB just could not decide how to market it so they chose not to market it at all, that is the stupid part. They should have marketed it as a tall S-class wagon, in the same vein as the Audi Allroad. We have one and everyone who rides in it loves it and then they say, how come I’ve never seen a commercial for it?
04/15, 12:25 PM
posted by:
enthusiast89
almost as good a decision as the phaeton!
04/15, 12:29 PM
posted by:
TomF
How come the vehicles get bigger and beefier as gas prices rise? Wouldn’t a smart car company be planning in the other direction?
04/15, 12:35 PM
posted by:
savedsol
Where’s my GX3?!
04/15, 12:35 PM
posted by:
jackjimturkey
A good idea.
1115: I prefer the A8
TomF: this isn’t a “bigger vehicle,” it’s an alternative to giant truck-based SUVs.
04/15, 1:04 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I foresee the Minivan making a comeback. What out there is more practical, has easier access to the back row and gets better fuel economy? Wait, VW already knows this which is why they have the Routan. So what exactly is the point of this new SUV/Crossover, other than some attempt to cover virtually every niche imaginable.
04/15, 1:22 PM
posted by:
cookie4me
Low Cost? Since when has a Passat been low cost?
04/15, 3:06 PM
posted by:
El Aleman
tripleonefive:
I totally agree on the X7, I read about BMW thinking about it shortly after the first generation X5 came out, but I guess with today’s eco-madness and high gas prices it’s less likely than ever..
Still I think the X6 will prove successful, not that it makes any sense, but it’s just pretty damn cool.
dr.W:
I think it will slot in underneath because it’s more of a car-based crossover than an SUV.. The Touareg has independant suspension and a unibody construction, but a longitudional engine layout and amazing offroad capabilities (which nobody ever uses). So the new crossover would be more of a Ford Edge, I guess.
cookie4me:
Never, that’s why VW is gonna build a low-cost sedan for America, and that’s what it’s gonna be based on..
04/15, 8:10 PM
posted by:
autonut
Another one bites the dust…
Does not look like product managers at VW know which way wind blows. I think quality of existing fleet is in much dire need of repair then any future mistakes.
04/15, 8:10 PM
posted by:
autonut
It actually makes me feel good and patriotic: look Nazis are as dumb as Ford and GM!
04/16, 2:18 PM
posted by:
Get Real
VW is as lost as Ford.
Sad to see once mighty companies lost in the world market.