Tiguan – the 2nd generation
Behind every Volkswagen model there are people who devote every ounce of their energy and skill to the vehicle. Take Renate Hamann and the Tiguan1, for example. For almost ten years, she has been the project manager responsible for Volkswagen’s compact SUV. Now the next generation is about to be launched. What are her personal highlights in the new Tiguan?
Text: Laurin Paschek ___ Photography: Matthias Haslauer
Technical project manager for the Tiguan
Renate Hamann took the wheel in 2006 at the crucial stage when preparations for series production were in full swing. One year later, Volkswagen launched the Tiguan, its first model in the compact SUV segment. The Tiguan immediately became a bestseller.
Hamann studied mechanical engineering and then learnt the tools at the Drivetrain Developement of Volkswagen.
Safety
“The new Tiguan has a high degree of active and passive safety. There is an impressive array of standard safety systems, such as Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist, and proactive occupant protection, which features the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System and is designed to detect a possible crash threat. The system tensions the seat belts, closes the windows and sunroof, and automatically initiates braking if required.”
Digital networking
“The smartphone is conveniently placed in an innovative interface box in the new Tiguan. Going forward, it will not only be possible to connect the phone to the vehicle’s antenna wirelessly, but also to charge it inductively. With Car-Net, for instance, the driver can view the latest information on free parking spaces, fuel station prices, or the traffic situation on the display.”
All-wheel drive functions
“The new Tiguan is the first Group vehicle with 4MOTION Active Control, which takes all-wheel drive technology to the next level. A rotary/push-button switch located on the center console activates various driving profiles – onroad, offroad, ice and snow. It is also possible to create individual profiles by selecting various settings.”
Design
“The new architecture of this vehicle lays the foundation for a progressive, modern and timeless design. The Tiguan has a powerful, sporty SUV personality. The character line that wraps round the vehicle and the interplay of the individual lines are particularly fascinating: they are in harmony with one another, none stands out on its own.”
1 Volkswagen Tiguan fuel consumption in l/100 km combined from 7.4 to 4.7; CO2 emissions in g/km combined from 170 to 123; CO2 efficiency classes A to D.