Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 Review Released; GTE Active Concept Unveiled At NAIAS 2016

The Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 was unveiled at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS) in Detroit. Here's a gist of the various reviews by Auto Geeks.

The model is the next gen compact SUV that demonstrated potential capabilities of plug-in hybrid systems and the advanced features expected in the coming future.  It is likely to hit the markets of U.S.A by 2017, estimates tflcar.

The GTE Active Concept boasts a plug-in hybrid system that is equipped by  a gasoline engine, two electric motors, and an all-electric range of 20 miles.

A new 4MOTION Active control drive system is used to enhance the off-road performance and all-weather capabilities.

It produces 148 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque with its direct-injection TSI gasoline engine that is turbocharged.

Power is sent to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions and when there is a loss of traction detected, the front wheels are engaged as soon as within a fraction of a second. Upon selecting 4MOTION Active control or GTE-mode, Four-wheel drive can be manually activated.

The front electric motor is held by a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (designed especially for hybrid powertrain).

The default setting of the Tiguan GTE Concept always starts off in zero-emissionsE-mode. A 12.4 kWh lithium-ion battery can be charged externally or recharged on-the-go by the gasoline engine. Highest speed when driven in E-mode is 70mph and the total driving range based on battery capacity and 16.9 gallon fuel tank is 580 miles.

Based on TopSpeed's review, the Volkwagen Tiguan 2016 is "A six-speed DSG transmission is integrated with the hybrid system for efficient packaging".

See the official press release below, as quoted from the source above. 

"The Volkswagen Tiguan GTE Active Concept makes its world debut at the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS), in the country that popularized the Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)," it read. "The vehicle's most striking innovation is its efficient plug-in hybrid system that uses two electric motors and a gasoline engine, which can supply all four wheels with power, either automatically or at the push of a button."

"This concept proves how much potential plug-in hybrid systems have," adds the release "The all-wheel-drive system's technology ensures that this SUV can offer supreme off-road performance, even in all-electric mode."

The fully redesigned second generation Tiguan is a five-seater concept that has 105.6 inch wheelbase and an option to seat seven passengers.

The interiors are designed in such a way that it matches the all-terrain theme of the external parts. The brushed, dark aluminium, Dragon Red strips that frame the air vents and Black Night chrome accents carryover from the outside. While the Rhodium Grey and Dark Graphite Leather upholstered seats and panels follow a 3-D pattern.

Undoubtedly, the Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 concept review gives us a good look at the tougher styling as well as hinting strongly at a hybrid version that will have an available third-row seat and potential capabilities of plug-in hybrid systems and advanced features in the near future.