MIMS: VW softroader arrives at under $34,000

Volkswagen looks set to continue its price-led attack on the Australian new car marketplace. After a record year of sales in 2007, the latest hot sticker price is attached to the maker's first compact SUV -- the Tiguan.

Now expected to go on sale locally in May in 103kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbodiesel trim, the handsome softroader was the star of the Wolfsburg marque's stand at Melbourne International Motor Show (MIMS) -- even if it wasn't the subject of a 'whip-the-covers-off' reveal.

Instead Volkswagen let the numbers do the talking -- the 103TDI turbodiesel model will target establish softroad models priced from $35,990 with six-speed manual transmission. A six-speed auto box will be offered as an option.

Standard equipment will include all the usual suite of driver aids including antilock brakes and stability control plus six airbags. The 103TDI also gets cruise control, semi-automatic air-conditioning, eight-speaker stereo and 16-inch alloy wheels.

The TDI shares its spec level with the entry-level Tiguan model, a 125kW/280Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol TSI variant that will underpin the SUV range from a super competitive $33,990. That price delivers you the manual version, but again, an auto six-speeder will also be offered.

The 125TSI will arrive later in 2008, alongside the range-topping Tiguan -- the 147kW/280Nm turbocharged petrol 147TSI.

The 147TSI steps up the specification level to include rear parking sensors, dual-zone climate control air, auto headlamps and wipers, alcantara-trimmed seats and chrome upgrades, plus 17-inch alloys and privacy glass. It will sell from $42,990.

All Tiguan versions feature Volkswagen 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The auto gearboxes are true autos, rather than the DSG twin-clutch sequential boxes offered in some Golf models.

Volkswagen says it will offer an offroad pack (including hill descent control) as an option and well as the usual goodies such as leather, satnav, wheel upgrades and so on. Prices for the options will be revealed closer to the car's launch date.