Volkswagen Crossover Plans Detailed

Volkswagen is preparing at least five new crossovers by 2020.

Looking to capitalize on the booming crossover and SUV market in the U.S., the German automaker has already confirmed plans to expand its plant in Chattanooga, TN in order to accommodate new models. The first of the five Volkswagen crossovers is scheduled to launch next year, a seven-seater that is based on the CrossBlue concept that debuted at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show. Stretching nearly 200 inches long, this model will target the Honda Pilot and Toyota Highlander and will be larger than the existing Touareg. Under the hood, expect four- and six-cylinder engines and pricing to be less expensive than the Touareg.

Volkswagen will then follow it up with a five-seater variant of the CrossBlue concept, which will be inspired by the CrossBlue Coupe concept (seen above). The smaller crossover debuted in concept form at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2013. Riding on the automaker’s MQB platform, the five-seater crossover will share the bulk of its powertrain options with the larger seven-seater model.

SEE ALSO: Chattanooga Approves VW Plant Expansion

Once the new models have been introduced, Volkswagen will turn its attention to updating the Tiguan by making it about 10 inches longer than the current model, but will still be about a foot shorter than the five-seater CrossBlue Coupe production model. The next-generation Tiguan will focus on cargo space and will have an optional third-row seating for buyers. After the regular models debuts in 2017, VW will follow it up with a sportier variant of the Tiguan that is expected to have a coupe-like design with two-row seating.

Lastly, VW will target the compact crossover market with a production version of the Taigun concept, but it’s unknown if the entry-level crossover will be offered in the U.S.

[Source: Autocar]

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