Volkswagen Concept A SUV

Tribal wars
VW study shows an “avant-garde” cross between sports cars and SUV’s, but it also gives us a sneak preview of its "mini" Touareg SUV, the 2007 Beduin

Concept A or in other words, Volkswagen’s preview of its new compact SUV model which will be built at the Palmela plant in Portugal from 2007. The prototype seems very close to the production model which will be named Beduin, as Volkswagen headquarters decided to follow the same name strategy as the Touareg SUV, which was named after a Saharan Tribe. The name was registered in Germany in August 2004 and worldwide last January.

The prototype, that combines sports car design with SUV elements, gives us a flashback to the late 80’s as it “borrows” a some styling cues from the Porsche Panamera Concept of the late 80’s, which never found its way to production.

The study shown in Berlin is powered by a 110 kW (150 hp) 1.4 Twincharger (TSI) engine. Its power reaches the wheels via a six gear transmission and an all wheel drive 4MOTION.

Although the concept dumps its B column in favour of rear hinged “wing” doors, this solution is highly unlikely to find its way in the production model. The latter will be based on the Golf Plus MPV platform and it will wear 1.6 FSI (115 hp), 2.0 FSI (150 hp), 1.4 TSI (170 hp) and 2.0 TFSI (200 & 220 hp) engines as well as a serious of diesel direct fuel injection (TDI) engines with diesel particle filter. When it reaches the European and US market in 2007, the Beduin SUV will take on the likes of the Nissan X-Trail, BMW X3 and Land Rover Freelander II. It is also assumed that this model may also base an Audi SUV model.

PRESS RELEASE: VOLKSWAGEN UNVEILS COMPACT SUV CONCEPT VEHICLE

Volkswagen has revealed its latest design study, the Concept A, a crossover between a sports car and a compact SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle). At 4,348 mm long and 1,854 mm wide, Concept A is 144 mm longer and 95 mm wider then the Golf Mk V. The height of Concept A is 1,551 mm, compared with 1,485 for the Golf; while its 2,602 mm wheelbase is 24 mm longer than the Golf’s.

The concept combines a sleek coupe-style silhouette with the raised stance of an SUV. At the front, the shield-like front grill which is common to the Passat & Jetta has been developed to emphasise off-road styling by forming part of the underbody protection. High-efficiency LED headlights add a further modern touch.

At the rear, Concept A has a practical hatchback tailgate; but this is coupled to a pick-up style fold-down rear section beneath the rear LED light clusters. This hatch can be opened independently and remain open while driving so long loads can be carried. Concept A does away with the traditional B-pillar. It features opposing opening wing doors which allow easy access for front and rear passengers as well as giving a feeling of space and light. This airy feel is enhanced by concertina-style soft-top which slides all the way back to the C-pillar. Inside are four sculpted, patent leather seats and ultra-modern facia with stylish and ergonomic controls.

Under the bonnet is a 150 PS TSI engine: this uses Volkswagen’s latest turbo and supercharger technology for maximum performance but minimum fuel consumption. Designers say alternative engines, including TDI diesel units, could also be used in the concept. Whatever its source, power is distributed via six-speed DSG automatic transmission to all four 20-inch wheels using the 4MOTION system currently employed in the Passat and Golf R32.

Concept A made its world debut today in Berlin and will be revealed to the public at the Geneva Auto Salon which starts at the end of this month. Production plans for the vehicle have not been confirmed. However, the concept further expands Volkswagen’s model range, at a time when customers’ needs continue to diversify.

SPECIFICATIONS
Measurements
Length	4,348 mm
Width	1,854 mm
Height	1,551 mm
Wheel base	2,602 mm
Overhang front	925 mm
Overhang rear	821 mm
Track gage front	1,546 mm
Track gage rear	1,541 mm
Engine
Concept	1.4 TSI (Twincharger)
Max. output	110 kW / 150 PS
Drive train/Wheels
Transmission	Six gear transmission
Axle drive	4MOTION all wheel drive
Wheels front	10Jx20 – ET 42
Wheels rear	10Jx20 – ET 28
Tire dimensions	295/40 ZR 20

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