Next Volkswagen Tiguan to get radical

The next-generation Volkswagen Tiguan will be far braver in the design stakes, new reports suggest, with the third-generation mid-size SUV set to switch to a more radical 'coupe' shape.

According to

With an incredible 850,000 examples sold in 2018 alone, the current Tiguan has become a huge success, becoming VW's best-selling nameplate globally, but with the forthcoming I.D. SUVs on the way, the German car-maker told the Brit mag it's ready to take a new approach.

Set to feature a different profile and a more aggressive roofline, the new Tiguan's more attractive looks are needed, says an insider, because new emission controls required for it to be compliant with Euro 7 emission regs means it will be, on average, €2000 ($A3200) more expensive per car.

Instead of the current Tiguan's boxier silhouette, a couple-like profile will not only make it more aerodynamic and therefore efficient, but will help it become more of an 'emotional' purchase, VW execs hope.

A more practical, long-wheelbase seven-seat Allspace version will again be spun off the next-gen Tiguan. Indeed, VW had been expected to produce three different versions of the current Tiguan, including five-seat, seven-seat and 'coupe' body styles.

Inside its more athletic exterior, designers have been tasked with creating a stylish SUV that sacrifices neither passenger space nor boot capacity.

The next Tiguan is also set to come with the car-maker's latest approach to cabin design, borrowing elements from the recently facelifted VW Passat sedan.

Beneath the skin, the next Tiguan will sit on an updated version of the current MQB platform.

Under the bonnet, it will come with a full range of electrified powertrains, with even the cheapest versions getting 48-volt mild-hybrid petrol and diesel drivetrains.

VW will also introduce its advanced Level 4 autonomous driving aids during the next Tiguan's life cycle, allowing for hands-off driving in designated zones.

The next Tiguan will also feature a high-performance Tiguan R performance flagship that will feature all-wheel drive and generate around 260kW from a 2.0-litre turbo hybrid.

A powerful plug-in hybrid version will also be offered but a pure-electric version has already been ruled out internally to prevent in-house competition for the new VW I.D. sub-brand.

Set to adopt most of its technology from the Mk8 Golf that goes on sale before the end of the year, the new Tiguan is expected to outsell the small hatch worldwide when it arrives in 2022.