Volkswagen Tiguan: In Detail

Press Release

Body

• One car, two front ends, highest quality standards
• High torsional rigidity for the best comfort and ideal crash properties
• Newly designed trailer hitch swivels out of the bumper with lightning speed

For the first time in the SUV segment buyers of the new Tiguan can choose from two different front ends. The equipment versions Trend&Fun and Sport&Style were designed specifically for mostly on-road duty. It reflects precisely this goal in its classic front end with maximum entry angle of 18 degrees.

They leave tough off-road duty to the Tiguan Track&Field. It was designed especially for life outside of the paved trails. Different than its counterparts for the “urban jungle” this particularly adventure-friendly version exhibits a more extreme entry angle of 28 degrees in front. The lower bumper area and engine underbody protection therefore exhibit a very steep angular profile. This is precisely why the vehicle can climb a ramp or level embankment up to the specified 28 degrees without the front end of the Tiguan contacting this ramp when approaching from the horizontal. Identical on all models: The rear departure angle of 25 degrees and the so-called ramp angle between the two axles of 20 degrees. Ground clearance is a uniform 195 millimeters here.

Torsional rigidity

In the structural layout of the body the primary focus was on two aspects: Optimal comfort and the best crash properties. The fact is: The characteristic values of 45 Hertz each for static and dynamic torsional rigidity influence parameters such as driving dynamics, vibration behavior and acoustics in an extremely positive way. Even in tough off-road duty no torsional twisting whatsoever is detectable on the body.

Roof carrier and trailer load

Both the Tiguan Sport&Style and the Tiguan Track&Field equipment lines offer standard roof rails; it can be loaded with up to 100 kilograms payload. Far greater transportation tasks can be mastered with the swiveling trailer towing unit. If necessary, the Tiguan can pull a maximum of 2,500 kilograms (braked trailer at 12 percent incline) from its hitch, putting it in sole position at the top of its vehicle segment.

Trailer hitch

The trailer hitch itself is manually swiveled out or folded back in just seconds by cable pulley technology. This eliminates complicated and time-consuming assembly of the trailer hitch with slot engagement and locking. Dirty hands are also passé, since the cable pulley with ergonomic knob is located at the upper left, housed directly on the bumper under a separate cover. When the tailgate is closed this protects the unit from dirt and makes it inaccessible to unauthorized persons. The mechanism operates so smoothly that just a small push with the foot is sufficient to securely lock the system in place. An LED lights green in the actuating knob as soon as the hitch is securely locked in place and ready for operation.