Volkswagen has revealed another GTE concept— the latest addition to the brand'slineup of GTE-branded ideas. The Tiguan Active GTE Concept turns the Tiguan into a rugged-lookingoff-roaderreplete withall the beefy cladding that "outdoorsy" vehicles require. Under the bonnet sitsa plug-in hybrid system mated with anall-wheel drivetrain.

All-electric mode

The Tiguan GTE starts every journeyin all-electric E-mode. Normally, drive is transmitted viathe rear wheels, but if there is loss of traction, the front wheels are engaged instantaneously. Four-wheel-drive is also activated when the driver selects 4MOTION Active Control or when GTE-mode is selected, for example. The vehicle can travelup to 35km in all-electric mode. The driving range, based on a battery capacity of 12.4 kWh and a 64 litre fuel tank, is 930km.

Hybrid mode

The Tiguan GTE Active Concept is equipped with a turbocharged petrol engine that produces 110 kW and 250 Nm of torque, mated with a pair ofelectric motors that produce 40 kW at the front wheels and 80 kW at the rear. The combinedsystem output (165 kW) is delivered to all four wheels bya six-speed DSG transmission;the electric motors can be charged either by plugging theGTE Active Conceptinto a power socketor by the operation of the petrol engine.

Exterior details

The Tiguan GTE Concept is basedon the MQB platform that also underpins the VWGolf and AudiQ3 and A3. Changes on the exterior include a sturdy front skid plate for off-road excursions. The matte aluminium shield is equipped with four solid black polymer protectors — itacts as a guardagainst contact with stones and bushes and caneasily be replaced. The front bumper is also trimmed in an all-terrain element made of "Dark Graphite" durable polymer.

Interior tech

VW has updated its contemporaryinterior architecture (as seen on the new Passat) with some of the innovative features from the BUDD-e. The main infotainment screen is a tablet-sized touchscreen that supportsgesture control. It is also equipped with the latest Smartphone connectivity apps such as Mirror Link, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. The instrument cluster is fully digital and can be configured to display up to 10 different types of content on the screen.

The next generation Volkswagen Tiguan is expected to be introduced in South Afrca towards the end of 2016. The execution of theconcept is said to very reminiscent ofwhat the production model could look like.