2017 VW Golf based compact SUV to complement Tiguan - Report

14/08/2015 - 19:02 | VW Golf, Volkswagen, Renderings | Riza Rizvi

Would sit below the Tiguan.

Unlike Ford or Renault-Nissan, Volkswagen does not have a wide range of SUVs despite being the world’s largest car manufacturer. It is however working on a range of them, which includes a Golf-based compact SUV that is expected to be seen in showrooms by 2017, reports French magazine L’Automobile.

VW Golf SUV 2017 rendering — Earlier reports said that the Golf-based SUV would come in two wheelbases - a longer version designed for China and USA.

The compact SUV will not be a hardcore off-roader but will also not be a Golf with crossover elements, says the report.

By the time this car comes to market, the eighth generation of the Golf would already be launched and therefore the design would be new. It is likely to be positioned in the range below the Tiguan and above the Taigun. The former will move to the next generation this year following its debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, and the range will be diversified with a 7 seater and a stylish CC version, say reports.

VW T-ROC SUV concept dashboard Geneva live — The T-ROC's equipped with 3 different driving modes: 'Street', 'Off-road' and 'Snow.'

The company showcased the T-ROC concept at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and this five-door Golf SUV is expected to retain the dimensions of the concept, which was around 4.2 meters in length. The Golf-based SUV will come in two wheelbases, the standard for Europe and the lengthened for the US and Chinese markets, said an earlier report.

The compact SUV will likely come with 4Motion AWD system, a raised suspension, larger wheels with all-season tyres, extended sills, flared arches, front and rear underbody protection, roof rails and additional driving lights. As in the concept, a 2.0-liter TDI engine could be the top-spec powertrain.

Off-road capabilities will be consolidated by hill descent control, shock absorber adjustment with off-road calibration, navigation with off-road memory and a bigger fuel tank.

VW T-ROC Concept front three quarters at Geneva Motor Show — Volkswagen said that the T-ROC is a "Golf-format concept car positioned a step down from the Tiguan."

The compact SUV will be based on VW’s MQB platform and it should not come as a surprise if a hybrid variant (related to the Golf GTE) is offered alongside four-cylinder TDI and TSI engines. Just like most of its competition, the entry level variant will be front-wheel drive and the range will likely start at 25,000 Euros (INR 18.16 lakhs) for the entry-level 2WD variant.