Volkswagen?s new compact 4x4, the Tiguan will be available in Ireland for the 2009 market. Two engine versions will be offer from the start with prices starting at around ?36,000 before delivery charges.

Volkswagen's new Tiguan compact 4x4 will be available in Ireland for the 2009 market. The company has fixed late-December as the arrival date in Ireland for the new Tiguan, which has just been launched to the international motoring media.

Billed as a younger brother to the highly successful Touareg, the new Tiguan will be offered here initially in two 4x4 wheel drive versions - a 1.4-litre TFSI/150bhp petrol version and a 2.0-litre TDI/140bhp diesel version.

These will be followed by an even more powerful 1.4-litre TFSI 4x4 model with 170bhp power output. Production of this version begins in spring with a summer arrival date planned. A 1.4-litre TFSI/150bhp version with 2-wheel drive will also arrive in summer. Six speed manual and DSG gearboxes are available across the range, depending on model choice.

The new Tiguan will be available in three separate lines - Trend and Fun, Sport and Style and Track and Field. Its frontal appearance has design elements influenced by its larger stablemate the Touareg. In Trend and Fun and Sport and Style versions, models have a front under-bumper ramp angle of 18 degrees - a figure which increases to 28 degrees in Track and Field models.

Besides giving this version a more pronounced frontal appearance, this increase in ramp angle provides greater frontal ground clearance to facilitate rougher off-road conditions. In Ireland, it is estimated that some 90 per cent of sales will be accounted for by the Trend and Fun and Sport and Style versions.

A feature of the new Tiguan range, according to Volkswagen Sales Manager Tom O'Connor, will be the high level of standard specifications. Standard items will include air conditioning, ESP electronic stability programme, alloy wheels, fully electric all round controls including remote central locking, windows and mirrors, cruise control, leather trim multi-function steering wheel incorporating radio control, front fogs, and radio with front/rear speakers and integrated six CD changer.

Though final prices have yet to be agreed, Volkswagen is guiding an opening price of €36,000 ex works for the 1.4-litre/150bhp petrol version and €40,000 for the 2.0-litre TDI/140bhp diesel version.

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