Volkswagen Tiguan Plug-in Hybrid Concept debuts at 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show

Kuala Lumpur: Volkswagen has dropped the covers from the European Tiguan ahead of the Frankfurt Motor Show, previewing a production version of the replacement for a model that has been on sale since 2007. The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Concept is the first plug-in hybrid SUV from VW.

The core of the Tiguan's engine line-up is a total of eight Euro-6 compliant engines, all of which have turbocharging, a stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. With the diesel engines, the most powerful TDI used to make 184 PS. The TSI gasoline engines produce a maximum power output in the range of 125 PS to 220 PS. Compared to previous Tiguans with Euro-6 engines, there is up to 10 percent better fuel efficiency.

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Being the first plug-in hybrid SUV from Volkswagen, it is presented with a system power of 160 kW/218 PS and can cover a distance of up to 50 km in E-Mode. The fuel consumption count Tiguan delivers with this Hybrid concept is a mere 1.9 litre/100km. The electric driving range gets an external chargeable lithium-ion battery and a solar module integrated within the roof.

To build the Tiguan GTE concept, Volkswagen integrated an electric motor into the six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. This is paired with a 1.4 liter turbocharged direct injected gasoline engine for an overall rating of 218 horsepower.

“Under ideal conditions, the energy that it generates annually is sufficient to add up to 1,000 km of driving range (Germany 500 km, Southern Europe 800 to 1,000 km), depending on the regional solar radiation power,” Volkswagen clarified.

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This latest version of Volkswagen Tiguan rides on Volkswagen's MQB platform and has a growth spurt. Also, it has shed 110 pounds in the process. It looks more aggressive and expands to 2.4-inches longer, 1.2-inches wider and 1.3-inches lower. There's also three more inches of wheelbase than the outgoing generation.

Volkswagen Tiguan is the first VW SUV to be equipped with dual LED headlights and having a significant wider stance. The waistline is higher compared with the previous model. The completely redesigned interior of the Tiguan has a dedicated an SUV character with clever packaging, seating space and improved connectivity.

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In terms of tech and safety features, Tiguan will feature Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and pedestrian monitoring, Automatic Post-Collision Braking System as well as a lane-keeping assist system. For the first time, Volkswagen is also offering Security & Service, which can be used to request assistance from the vehicle via a call center. Guide & Inform lets users access services such as latest traffic warnings, information on available parking spaces and information on filling stations (prices and exact location).