VW unveils Golf-sized SUV for 2008 launch

This is Volkswagen's answer to the Land Rover Freelander. It has been confirmed by VW as its compact SUV entrant due for launch in 2008. As reported in the Motors supplement (August 16th) the name is Tiguan and it's designed to be the smaller sibling to the full-size Touareg SUV.

As such, styling is similar to the larger VW but this is aimed at Golf owners seeking to move into the popular SUV market.

It is derived from the Concept-A show car seen at the Geneva expo last March and features an H-shaped chrome grille, distinctive lights and deep air intakes.

Under the skin is a platform derived from the current Golf, with toughened suspension, a raised height and a four-wheel-drive system that's a development of the 4Motion set-up.

Inside, there's a high-level console that incorporates an LCD screen to control the sat-nav and stereo. As with rivals such as Toyota's RAV4 and the Honda CR-V, the Tiguan seats five. Power will be taken from a choice of engines, including FSI and TSI petrols, plus TDI diesel units.

The new model was unveiled at the Los Angeles Motor show in the US and will begin production at the end of next year with a planned market launch in 2008.

According to a company spokesman: "When it becomes available, it will be powered by a low emission 'clean' TDI engine. This engine originates from an initiative launched jointly by Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Volkswagen aimed at establishing a uniform label for clean, low consumption cars and SUVs with diesel engines."

At 1.85 metres wide, 1.69 metres high and 4.40 metres long, it exudes a clarity of form and proportion that sets it apart from most of the big city SUVs. It's the Golf-sized SUV for the hatchback owner seeking to get a little lift in terms of their position on the road. While there is no official comment yet, we can expect prices here in the region of €35,000.

Details of the new model come after a month of boardroom dramas at the German brand, who will be happy to distract attention with the announcement of a new model - albeit one that will not appear for another year.

On November 7th, chief executive Bernhard Pischetsrieder stepped down after an unexpected no-confidence vote by VW's board. It was quickly followed by Porsche increasing its shareholding in the company from 21 to 27 per cent, fuelling speculation that the European carmaker might be taken over by the highly profitable sports car firm.

The man behind all these developments is VW chairman Ferdinand Piech, scion of the legendary Porsche family, and a tycoon in his own right with a net worth of some $7 billion.

Since the departure of Pischetsrieder, Piech has appointed a close colleague, Dr Martin Winterkorn, as chief executive of the entire group.

Winterkorn is in charge of the successful Audi brand, with whom Porsche are particularly keen to build alliances.

Whatever about the confirmation of the Tiguan, the rough and tumble in the boardroom at VW looks set to continue over the next few months as Piech stamps his authority on the board and redirects the firm's efforts.