VW to offer coupe version of Tiguan SUV, says German magazine

As coupe-styled sports utility vehicles gain a following among customers around the world, carmakers are also racing to offer sports activity coupes (SAC), as these vehicles are called. While the Volkswagen Tiguan is currently becoming one of the best-sellers in the world, it wouldn’t be a big surprise if the German carmaker adds a coupe variant of the VW Tiguan.

Just recently, German automotive magazine Auto Bild published a report saying that VW is indeed planning to sport a coupe version of the Tiguan SUV. Auto Bild added that the VW could launch the Tiguan coupe-SUV as early as next year (2018). The magazine quipped that the German carmaker is seeing an opportunity to introduce the coupe-SUV version after it launched a now larger Tiguan, which is capable of accommodating an optional third-row seat.

The coupe-SUV version would mean that the Tiguan could now cater to more groups of potential customers. For instance, the coupe-SUV version of the Tiguan would be a great proposition to customers who don’t need the extra space offered by the now-larger SUV. These customers are willing to give up the extra room for the sake of driving a Tiguan that looks more chic and stylish. Featuring a smaller interior, the coupe-SUV variant of the VW Tiguan would also be less practical and less utilitarian. Its chic and stylish exterior would be matched by a premium-looking trim while its rear bench would be replaced by two more luxurious seats.

As for its styling, the coupe-SUV variant of the Tiguan could adopt a number of design details from the VW Cross Coupe GTE concept that the German carmaker unveiled at the 2015 Detroit Auto Show. When this concept was unveiled, VW said that the Cross Coupé GTE -- a plug-in hybrid with all-wheel drive -- previews the carmaker’s new design language for the United States while fusing German engineering with the American way of life. As for power, the R variant of the Tiguan coupe-SUV could be powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that delivers up to 300 hp (224 kW) of output and 280 lb.-ft. (380 Nm) of torque.

If realized, the coupe-SUV variant could cater to a niche of Tiguan customers looking not just for sportier or sleeker looking SUV, but it will also be ideal for those seeking a sportier ride and a higher level of driver engagement common with SACs. However, it remains up to VW whether it sees enough reason or customer demand to start the development and production of a coupe version of the Tiguan. There might be a low chance for VW to offer a coupe version of the Tiguan, but the chance is not zero given the increasing demand for SACs.