VW will sell diesel-powered Tiguan for U.S.
12-06-2006, 06:03 AM
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VW will sell diesel-powered Tiguan for U.S.
Volkswagen plans to sell the new Tiguan small SUV with a 2.0-liter turbocharged diesel engine in all 50 states, probably by late next year.
That will give Volkswagen an exclusive. No other small SUVs are available in the United States with a diesel engine, which usually offers a fuel economy gain of 30 percent over a gasoline engine.
The Chrysler group's Jeep brand dropped the diesel option from the Liberty this year, and no other automakers have announced plans for a diesel in a small SUV.
VW unveiled a concept version of the 2008 Tiguan TDi last week at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The engine is the next generation of VW's long-running diesels and features a new common-rail, high-pressure fuel-injection system and several emissions components that use Bluetec technology.
Bluetec is a collection of diesel emissions components developed by Mercedes-Benz and its suppliers that also is going to be used by Volkswagen and Audi. The Tiguan won't use the urea injection system to clean up oxides of nitrogen, or NOx. That system will be used on V-6 and larger engines, according to Volkswagen.
Instead, the Tiguan will use an NOx storage catalytic converter, particulate filter and other components to reduce emissions.
Volkswagen also plans to offer the Tiguan with a gasoline engine. VW spokesman Steve Keyes said the gasoline engine will arrive next fall, followed by the diesel.
VW did not announce prices or technical specifications.
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dl...024/LATESTNEWS
12-06-2006, 07:18 AM
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I think if they give it just a bit more off-road look it would do well. I am a big fan of small diesel engine technology. VW has good products in that department. Some of their old 80's Rabbit/Dasher diesels are still running around.