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Audi and VW target Nissan JUKE
Due in 2016, next-gen Tiguan will spawn a CC model with low roofline, echoing Audi's Q1Audi and Volkswagen are both gearing up to take a slice of market share off Nissan's radically styled JUKE SUV.
And as these computer-generated images from Automedia show, the all-new Tiguan CC and Q1 will be like two peas in a pod. Both cars are expected to be based on Volkswagen's MQB modular platform, which will also underpin the next Polo, due late in 2015.
Externally, the Tiguan CC – one of three different body styles for the 2016 Tiguan range – will adopt an even softer, rounded look. The low-roof CC will chase the cross-over crowd, and may even be the volume seller in North America, whereas the standard Tiguan will remain closer to the current car's packaging. There will also be a long-wheelbase version for the Chinese market.
Audi's take on the Tiguan CC is the Q1, which will also feature a relatively low roofline, but in contrast the Q1 will be more angular, with some busy-looking sculpture lines. Audi's single-frame grille will remain, but the move to straight lines and creases in the bodywork and headlight clusters is a step change from the firm's current styling theme – and may be previewed in the A9 concept car slated for its world premiere at the Los Angeles motor show later this year.
Automedia anticipates the Q1 will feature a new infotainment touch screen, which leads us to suggest it will also gain the 'Virtual Cockpit' functionality recently introduced with the new TT.
According to Automedia, the Q1 range will likely expand with the arrival of a high-performance SQ1 model. Drivetrains across the Q1 range are expected to be shared with other Audi models, and the Q1 may also offer a quattro option, although the sales split is likely to be skewed heavily in favour of front-wheel drive models. It will be positioned upmarket of the Tiguan CC, but both the German cars will be aimed at the heart of Nissan's Juke, which has been highly successful in Europe to date.
Automedia's artist drew heavily on the Volkswagen Cross Coupe, which none other than Dr Ulrich Hackenberg confirmed for motoring.com.au was a show car based on the next generation Tiguan. According to Automedia, the new Tiguan is likely to carry over existing 2.0-litre diesel and 1.8-litre petrol engines, but with some tweaks for refinement, performance and fuel economy.
While the Taigun SUV, which is smaller still than the current Tiguan, has been effectively ruled out for Australia, the Tiguan CC is a strong prospect for the local market, since it's likely to exceed the four-metre length Dr Hackenberg believes is the minimum acceptable length for an SUV in Australia.
And if, as expected, the Tiguan CC is priced at a higher level in the Tiguan range, there should be no landed cost issues to hinder the car's launch here. But word from Volkswagen Australia is that the next Tiguan (and the CC if it comes here) will be at least two years away.
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Written byCarsales Staff
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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