Volkswagen America CEO Jonathan Browning revealed to the Automotive Press Association that, “There’s a great opportunity for us for a midsize SUV in the US.”
“If you could give it to me tomorrow, I would take it tomorrow,” Browning said.
While a new medium SUV would undoubtedly find a home in the US, it would almost certainly be designed as a global vehicle to be sold throughout Europe and other markets.
Late last year, Volkswagen Group design director Walter de’Silva admitted the brand was looking to expand its SUV range with new models in different segments, potentially including a sub-compact SUV positioned beneath the Tiguan.
The next-generation Tiguan, expected in 2015, is believed to answer criticisms the current car has received for a lack of space. Two variants are believed to be on the table; one with improved space, and one based on the Cross Coupe Concept from the 2011 Tokyo motor show aimed at a younger audience .
With VW Australia currently offering both the compact Tiguan (from $28,490) and the full-size Touareg (from $62,990) the price gap is significant, particularly for those with families. This suggests a Volkswagen medium SUV competitor would be closer in size to the Mazda CX-5 and Honda CR-V but at a premium approaching that of the even the larger and hugely popular Ford Territory starting at $39,990.
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