2008 Volkswagen Tiguan

Given the massive popularity of the sub-compact SUV market you knew it was just a matter of time before Volkswagen decided to jump in. The market at this level is very crowded with almost every manufacturer having a vehicle competing. That being said there is also a clear demand for vehicles in this class so the future of the company likely required them to produce a competitor. Fortunately Volkswagen do have something that allows them to standout with the Tiguan. Surprisingly enough it is the first diesel to enter the sub-compact SUV market. This could give them a competitive advantage that allows them to carve out a piece of the market.

Of course everybody knows that sport utility vehicles aren't really designed for off roading. They give them 4x4 transmissions but nobody really expects that they will be driven anywhere but the road. This applies as much to the Volkswagen Tiguan as anything else. The vehicle is actually based on the company's very popular Golf models. A fine car but hardly the platform that you would expect for an off road vehicle. On the other hand it does give the Tiguan very impressive performance on the road. Since that is really all anybody is ever likely to use it for this seems like a good fit.

The 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan comes with three different engine options. The standard option is the company's clean 2.0 liter diesel engine. This is an engine that can provide very good performance while at the same time meeting the stringent new emission standards. This engine can produce 140 horsepower and at the same time reduce emissions by up to ninety percent over previous diesels. There is also a turbo version for those who want more power. Since diesels are not particularly popular in North America they also offer a gasoline powered V6 to appeal to buyers in these markets.

Volkswagen have built a reputation over the years for building good looking cars. The Volkswagen Tiguan is a stylish car that avoids being gaudy like some of its competitors. Most people would describe it as cute. The vehicle comes with all of the standard features that you would find on an SUV in this class. Certainly they are more limited than what you would find on a luxury vehicle but for something in the sub-compact SUV market the Volkswagen Tiguan is really quite well equipped.

The 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan is the manufacturer's first attempt to enter a new segment of the market. Whether or not they are successful remains to be seen. They have built an excellent vehicle but the sub-compact SUV market has some fierce competition. The fact that they are able to offer a clean diesel may be their ace in the hole but you know that if they are successful with it they will soon find their competitors offering it as well.