During this year NAIAS Detroit, Volkswagen is showcasing the new Tiguan GTE Active, aconcept that anticipates the future hybrid version of the compact crossover. Compared to toher plug-in hybrid cars unveiled by Volkswagen, the new Tiguan GTE Active is a little different, as it uses an efficient plug-in hybrid system with two electric motors and a gasoline engine, which can supply all four wheels with power, either automatically or by the push of a button.
The five-seat concept is based on the second-generation Tiguan, which will arrive to the U.S. market in 2017 with a longer wheelbase and available seven-seat functionality. The Tiguan is the first SUV to be based on the Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB)
The concept car starts every journey in all-electric E-mode as a zero emissions vehicle. Normally, the rear wheels are driven, but if there is loss of traction, the front wheels are engaged within fractions of a second.
Four-wheel-drive is also activated when the driver selects 4Motion Active Control or when GTE-mode is selected, for instance. The vehicle can cover up to 20 miles in all-electric mode. The driving range, based on a battery capacity of 12.4 kWh and a 16.9-gallon fuel tank, is 580 miles.
The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is equipped with safety systems such as Front Assist with Autonomous Emergency Braking and pedestrian monitoring, an active hood for pedestrian protection, Lane Assist and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
Another highlight of the concept car is its infotainment system: the Tiguan GTE Active Concept features the top level of the latest generation infotainment systems and is equipped with a 9.2-inch touchscreen, gesture control (implemented for the first time in this class), an Active Info Display (fully digital instruments) and a head-up display.
