VW Beduin
Currently testing in mule form the new Volkswagen Golf SUV dubbed "Beduin" uses the same naming strategy as the Touareg, named after a Saharan Tribe. The name was registered in Germany last August and worldwide this past January. The Beduin is planned to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Auto Show this upcoming September with press pictures slated to appear as early as late June. The previous name Marrakech was registered in early 2003, but Volkswagen decided not to use the name.
Two gasoline and diesel engines will be available, the 1.6 and 2.0 FSI and 1.9 and 2.0 TDI, both from the new Golf. The range topping model will be either the 2.8 V6 or the GTI's 2.0 FSI Turbo with 200 hp. DSG will be available as an option. The 4x4 system will be courtesy of 4Motion from the VW Golf with the platform taking components both from the Golf and New Passat. Higher suspension of 60 mm will allow the Beduin to tackle off-road conditions better than the Golf Plus.
Styling for the Beduin will be similar to the recently released Golf Plus with a few changes.  The small SUV features wider and beefier wheel arches, along with a restyled front and rear end. The headlights will be similar to the new Passat's, along with a similar once large shield grill.ÂÂÂÂ
The Beduin will be a serious off-road SUV to take on the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, BMW X3 and Landrover Freelander. Prices are unknown at this moment but should be $5000 more expensive than the comparable Golf Plus. Sales should begin in late 2005/early 2006 in Europe and possibly Canada. It is uncertain if Volkswagen will import the Beduin to the United States due to the high Euro/Dollar exchange but if a decision is made to import the Beduin, it will be sold along with the new Golf in the US in mid to late 2006.
