Five especially popular SUVModels are going to the next round at the IAA. The absolute star among them is the second edition of the Tiguan. But other hopeful newcomers advertise for the favor of the unabated shopping-loving SUV clientele.
Eight years Tiguan is already built. Almost every single month, he ranked number one in the bestseller list in his segment. There is no reason for big changes in the new edition. As usual with VW, evolution is on the plan instead of revolution. The steeper radiator grille with wider chrome trim and a large brand logo make the compact SUV seem more confident than the comparatively petite predecessor. The cockpit no longer leans directly against the gulf, but at the Touran. Technically, the Tiguan is based on the Group's platform construction kit, which increases space and reduces weight. The engines are already known from other models. The diesels cover a band from 85 kW / 115 to 177 kW / 240 PS, the gasoline engines range from 92 kW / 125 PS to 162 kW / 220 PS. The compact SUV is coming onto the market towards the end of the year and prices are likely to start at around 26.000 Euro.
One of the strongest challengers of the Tiguan is a duo from Korea: While the Hyundai Tucson is already on the market at the beginning of the fair, its sister model Kia Sportage is showing its face for the first time in Frankfurt. Where the Hyundai optically sets full-blown bullishness, the Kia comes along a bit more playful due to the youthful positioning of the brand. Technically, both are identical, to the innovations include a dual-clutch transmission and a new turbo gasoline engine with 130 kW / 177 PS. Four-wheel drive is available at extra cost. The basic models should cost well 20.000 euros and as usual offer attractive warranty conditions.
But it is not only the volume manufacturers who are fighting for market share, but the competition is also intensifying among the premium brands. At the IAA, Jaguar is now entering the booming segment with the F-Pace. The British promise a particularly sporty interpretation of the SUV concept. Also, to chase away their customers rather comfort-oriented sister brand Land Rover. Jaguar wants to generate momentum mainly through lightweight construction, using the aluminum technology of the sedans XE and XF. The design of the 4,73 Meter's long five-door model is also based on its dynamic siblings - the classic off-road vehicle style of sister company Land Rover can not be seen in the F-Pace. Fits to the four-wheel drive to provide more for driving dynamics than for traction on loose ground. It is standard on the strong V6 models with 221 kW / 300 PS (diesel) and 280 kW / 380 PS (petrol engine) on board. The economy fueled four-cylinder diesel (132 kW / 180 PS) drives with rear-wheel drive, consumes according to the standard only 4,9 liters of fuel. The market launch will take place in spring 2016 at prices from 42.390 Euro.
If Jaguar has struggled to build an SUV for a long time, it may have been even more difficult for Bentley's one of the more aristocratic compatriots to plunge into the lowlands of the mud car trend. With the Bentayga, the VW subsidiary now wants to have built at least the finest SUV in the world. A twelve-cylinder engine, the handcrafted interior and prices beyond the 200.000 euros cover up effectively that it is essentially a revamped version of the Audi Q7. The customers at least like to access them. The first annual production of 4.000 vehicles has already been sold.
Author: Holger Holzer / SP-X