SPY PHOTOS: VW Tiguan

Baby Touareg Crosses our path

Look out Land Rover – VW is stalking your new Freelander! These are the first ever pictures of the firm's entry into the compact SUV market, the Tiguan. And don't be fooled by the comical badge on the grille – we caught this model undergoing final development in Finland. The shots reveal how the styling is influenced by its Touareg big brother.

However, a rakish stance gives the new SUV a sportier look. And behind the disguise lies a much bolder face, derived from the Concept-A show car seen at the Geneva expo in March. It features an H-shaped chrome grille, distinctive lights and deep air intakes. Chunky C pillars and Touareg-style tail­lamps finish off the rear, which is also likely to feature a split tailgate.

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

Inside, there's a high-level console which 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 wraps come off the newcomer at Geneva next year, and a starting price of 14 000 Euros is likely.