Salutions Publications | Motoring
TIgUAN gETS DESIgN NOD
By Oliver Chesher
Visiting the local Volkswagen dealers earlier this year, we were struck by the startling differences between the rows of approved used Tiguans on the forecourt and the new model in the showroom. The celebrated compact SUV was always popular and well put together, but tended to look – shall we say – rather more practical than dynamic. The sort of sensible car your mum would approve of. Not any more though – it’s had a redesign and gone all fancy. The Volkswagen design team, led by Klaus Bischoff, has given the second generation Tiguan an elegant appearance. The new one is longer, wider and lower in height compared to its predecessor. The result is a striking SUV profile, with distinctive proportions and a much more imposing design. At the front, the radiator grille and LED projection headlights unit (fitted as standard in the Highline equipment option) emphasise the powerfully-upright, overall impression.
It seems we weren’t the only ones to notice, as the celebrated compact SUV has now been recognised with a prestigious German Design Award by the German Design Council. These awards are recognised as one of the most prestigious design competitions in the world, and next year’s ‘Transportation’ category will be dominated by one impressive-looking vehicle.
KUgA gETS IN ON THE ACT Very similar in size and price range, just as the Tiguan is more than just a ‘Golf on stilts’, so the Kuga stands above the shadow cast by its big-selling closest relative, the Focus. The discerning buyer can now get a super, high-end version of the new Kuga, part of Ford’s Vignale range (or ‘portfolio’, as Ford is calling it, not to be outdone on poshness by VW and its design award). Exclusive specifications and high-quality materials include tuxedo-stitched Windsor leather interiors and unique Vignale colours and detailing, including the signature Ford Vignale hexagonal grille design. …And Volkswagen’s not the only one going upmarket with its compact SUVs. Ford has clearly been doing the same market research and sussed out that buyers are demanding increasing levels of quality from their off-roaders and softroaders. Ford’s Kuga is a direct competitor to the Tiguan above.
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December/January 2016/17 | salutions.co.uk
And the Vignale experience doesn’t just stop there. Ford Vignale customers will get their own lounge at the dealership, a relationship manager, a lifestyle concierge and a smartphone app with one-touch connection to Vignale services worldwide. How about that for luxury and service? Your move, VW.