Volkswagen AG experienced a little bit of a setback when their partnership with Suzuki went a little bit sour. And the setback caused them to lose some time developing their latest modular crossover platform. Much like the brand’s new MQB modular platform, Volkswagen’s Polo-based MQB-A0 platform will be the one used to provide the backbone for a variety of mini-crossovers.
According to a new report from Automobile, the MQB-A0 platform will also be used to undercut the new Up! Alltrack, a larger Golf Alltrack variant, and possibly even the new Tiguans in 2015. Tiguans is plural because Automobile also reports that Volkswagen is planning on releasing a Tiguan CC and a long wheelbase version just for China.
To add to the mix and further illustrating how flexible the modular platform is, Volkswagen also plans on basing the next Passat Alltrack on the MQB-A0 platform. Should all plans successfully proceed, a Touran Alltrack MPV may also follow in 2015.
The heavier detail surrounds the Tiguan, particularly for the US, since we currently receive the Tiguan. The Tiguan II isn’t expected to be released until 2014 with the CC and longer version just for China in 2015. It will share most of its components with the latest Mk7 Golf—not surprised since the Tiguan was essentially a five-door Golf on stilts.
Expect the usual mix of gasoline and diesel engines with reasonable power and high fuel efficiency. Though enthusiasts might be interested in hearing that Tiguan R would receive the same treatment much like the Golf R will be getting, which means unique appointments and a 280hp and 295lb-ft 2.0L turbocharged four-banger.
Lastly, Volkswagen’s collaboration with Audi on the new full-size SUV architecture, internally dubbed the MLBevo, will be available sometime in around 2014. So expect changes to ensue around the same time with Volkswagen’s Touareg, Porsche’s Cayenne and Lamborghini’s Urus.
– By: Chris Chin
Source: Automobile