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NAIAS

VW Tiguan gets more radical with the GTE Active

Hybrid vehicle aims to increase the off-road features of the SUV from the German brand

The GTE Active shows the technology to be used in a production version that will reach the market in late 2016

Volkswagen remains in the path in its hybrid models offensive with the unveiling of the Tiguan GTE Active concept, which also serves to take the attentions off of the scandal with the tampering of fuel consumption and emissions of the diesel engines of the brand. The GTE Active is a concept with a more off-road design showing the technology to be used in a production version that will reach the market in late 2016.

The concept is equipped with a modified version of the hybrid petrol/electric system which was first disclosed in the Golf GTE. This technology allows drivers to opt between front, rear or all-wheel driving modes.

Thanks to the two electric motors, the Tiguan GTE Active can be driven in all-wheel drive mode exclusively powered by electricity, but only in short distances (32km at a maximum speed of 112km/h). This is one of the characteristics that Volkswagen is marketing to highlight the environmental credentials of the new five-seat SUV. Combined with a 1.4-liter four-cylinder petrol engine, the electric motors allow the Tiguan GTE Active to offer a combined fuel consumption of 3.1l/100km. In hybrid mode the vehicle has a range of 933km.

In addition to demonstrating the application of hybrid technology in the SUV, the Tiguan GTE Active also demonstrates the intention of Volkswagen to offer a more off-road package for the second generation of the model. According to the German brand, the front and rear bumpers with protective plate, the modified contours of the headlights, the wheel arches cladding, the black coating of the door mirrors, the aluminum roof with additional LED lighting and roof bars as well as the larger door sills, a more significant rear spoiler and the 16-inch wheels are elements that are technically ready for a production version.

These changes aim to increase the Tiguan's model all-terrain features which will enable it to become a more suitable rival for the Land Rover Discovery Sport. The ground clearance of the vehicle increased from 180mm to 225mm.