2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Geneva Auto Show Official Review

While the revamped 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan won't officially be introduced to the world until its 2011 Geneva Motor Show debut, that won't stop interested European customers from buying them. VW has revealed that that the first examples are already rolling off the line and into into German showrooms.

So, what's new for 2012? A new look, at least for the exterior. Designers have reworked the Tiguan's form to bring it in-line with recent Volkswagen design trends, leaving it looking like a 2011 Touareg in three-quarters scale. New headlamps with LED running lights smoothly flow into a slender, broad grille. In back, the compact SUV receives new tail lamp assemblies, complete with interesting L-shaped lenses, echoing those used on its big brother.

These modifications, however, appear to be simply skin deep. The new Tiguan's cabin appears to be a carbon-copy of the last model, although engineers have thrown in a streamlined HVAC control interface, along with a color information screen within the gauge cluster. Switchgear previously placed just above the shifter has been relocated, allowing room for a keyless ignition button.

Expect even fewer changes to permeate the engine compartment. VW has yet to announce U.S. specifications for the revamped Tiguan, but the European model appears to still be offered with at a turbocharged 1.4-liter I-4, along with the ubiquitous 2.0-liter turbodiesel TDI I-4. We imagine U.S. models will continue to utilize the turbocharged 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter I-4 offered in today's model, although we'd love to see the TDI come stateside as a means to improve fuel economy.

U.S. pricing hasn't been announced, but seeing as the European model appears to avoid a price hike, expect the 2012 Tiguan to start near $24,540 when it arrives stateside later this year.