Spy Shots: Volkswagen Tiguan XL

The Volkswagen Tiguan is about to land in South Africa, but a bigger 7-seat version has been spotted overseas. Check out the Tiguan XL.

Photos by S.Baldauf / S.B. Medien

Nestled on the Volkswagen Group's MQB platform that also underpins the excellent Golf 7 and Audi A3, to name but a few, the new Tiguan promises much. Read our first drive report by clicking here. The five-seat variant is due for its South African launch within weeks, but it is unlikely to be the only Tiguan destined for our shores. Rumours suggest that potentially a stylish five-door coupé version could follow, but arguably of greater significance is the vehicle you see here, the stretched, seven-seat Tiguan XL.

Shown here completely undisguised, the Tiguan XL is a 7-seat version that features a longer wheelbase and longer rear doors. Rumours suggest that its wheelbase is 110 mm longer than the standard model and it will likely be assembled in China and Mexico.

Once the Volkswagen Tiguan has been launched in South Africa, we'll get clarity on whether the expanded range will be made available to our market. Given the popularity of SUVs and crossovers of all shapes and sizes, we wouldn't bet against it.