By having such a broad lineup, Volkswagen has always felt like it might be giving its cars a mid-cycle facelift or transitioning them to the next generation. 2023 will usher in the new Tiguan, but in the meantime, the compact crossover is undergoing cold weather testing to work out the kinks ahead of its market launch. The cleverly camouflaged prototype was spotted by our spies, trying on (but failed) to look like the current model.
The stickers you see on the headlights and taillights are put there to give the illusion that it’s nothing more than a Tiguan sold today. Apart from that, the silver strip on the front grille does the same thing, as does the C-shaped accent on the front bumper. More fakes of the same can be found along the bottom of the doors as well as on the rear bumper. It seems like VW would have us believe we’re looking at eHybrid versions of the current crossover, specifically the R-Line with its dummy quad exhaust.
Ignore the deceptive disguise and you’ll see a larger-looking prototype of the Tiguan we all know. Also, the boxy shape is largely gone, replaced by a more curvaceous look like the pure electric ID.4. It’s too soon to say whether VW will release another Allspace derivative or will build the vehicle in just one size. This test vehicle has a full production body, which tells us that a third-generation model is fast approaching.
Interior shots weren’t available on this set, but a different prototype was captured by car paparazzi in September with an ID-esque touchscreen. Infotainment is no longer as neatly integrated into the center console as it is on the current model, but the silver lining isn’t sticking out over the dash like a sore thumb. It’s a compromise we agree to, provided we see the final layout.
Despite the significant design changes planned inside and out, the 2024 Tiguan should be more of the same in terms of foundation. Volkswagen is putting all its eggs in the electric basket, which means hardware development for combustion engine cars is slowing down. The new crossover is expected to use the evolution of the MQB platform along with cleaner petrol and diesel engines to comply with the upcoming Euro 7 regulations.
Logic tells us that mild hybrid technology will be used throughout the range, and VW engineers have likely found a way to increase the plug-in hybrid model’s electric range. A pure electric Tiguan makes little sense considering that it will clash with the ID.4 and its recently announced high-riding ID.3 derivative. A more powerful US-bound Tiguan has been promised, but it’s unclear if it will ever become a full-fledged R model.
The closure could slip in the second half of 2023.
