While still on the works, the German tuning house released the first renderings and information on the upgrades that will be available for VW's compact model. Beginning with the performance modifications, ABT Sportline will offer a variety of power kits for the entire range of the European model's engines.
The 2.0 TDI 140HP gets a jump to 170HP, while the more powerful 2.0 TDI 170HP to 195HP. The 1.4-liter TSI petrol is bumped from 160HP to 210HP, the 2.0 TSI 180HP to 210HP, and the 2.0 TSI 210HP to 250HP.
A sport suspension, a four-pipe exhaust system and a variety of alloy wheel designs will also be on offer.
As for the exterior, ABT Sportsline is preparing a new body kit with front and rear aprons, side skirts, carbon fiber trim decorations and a bespoke grille.
Look for ABT Sportsline' VW Tiguan at the forthcoming Frankfurt Motor Show in September.
With this thought in mind it seems that Volkswagen was able to time the launch of their compact 4x4 to perfection especially as they have sat back for a number of years and waited to see what the competition was doing and then simply breezed in with the Tiguan.
This was a masterstroke on the part of VW as they were able to assess all the shortcomings of the other vehicles in this class and introduce new technology that was way ahead of anything else on the market. Some would argue that the Tiguan was a little late to arrive at the party but I believe that by biding their time VW has been able to offer a vehicle that is simply light years ahead of its rivals.
Sure there have been successful offerings from other manufacturers in the meantime, not least Honda with its CR-V, Mitsubishi with its Outlander which has spawned the Citroen C-Crosser and Peugeot 4007 and Nissan with the Qashqai. However, it is the Land Rover Freelander that the Tiguan has its eye on.
