Here Is The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan

Ever since it was introduced in 2009, the Volkswagen Tiguan has enjoyed steady success here in Canada. Its available all-wheel drive system is perfect for our harsh winters, it’s roomy enough to shuttle around four adults and all their luggage (or five people, although the 3 in the back will be somewhat cramped) and its European styling has convinced more than one customer to buy one.

But the SUV was starting to get old, which explains why we saw the all-new 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan at the Frankfurt Motor Show.

• Also: 2014 Volkswagen Tiguan: Perfect for a 3,000-km Ride
• Also: Volkswagen Cross Coupe GTE Concept: A New SUV For North America

Its styling is reminiscent of the rest of VW’s lineup, but there are also hints of the Cross Coupe GTE concept. The new Tiguan is 60 mm longer and 30 mm wider than the one it replaces, its rear passengers will enjoy more legroom (29 mm extra, to be exact) and rear cargo space has improved (145 litres more, for a total of 615 litres, or 1,665 litres with the rear seats lowered).

In Europe, there are no less than eight different powertrains; four gasoline-powered four-cylinders and four diesels. We will have to wait to find out which ones will make their way here, but one thing’s sure: the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system will be offered.

The 2016 Tiguan is built on the MQB platform, which is slowly becoming the baseline for every Volkswagen product. In this application, it enabled the SUV to lose around 50 kilos compared to last year, despite being slightly larger. The Tiguan will also be able to tow up to 2,500 kilos when properly equipped.

Depending on the version, Volkswagen's midsize SUV will be equipped with a myriad of useful gadgets. It will feature adaptive cruise control, lane-change assist and a set of cameras that allow you to see all around the vehicle.