Making its international debut at LA is the Tiguan, a concept preview of a compact production SUV crossover due in about twelve months. Based on the Golf platform (or more specifically the European market only Golf Plus platform), the Tiguan was previewed in part by the Concept A shown in Geneva earlier this year that is much the same design forward of the A-pillar.
 
Car Design News spoke at the show with Derek Jenkins, Chief Designer at the Volkswagen California Design Center, who explained how the car was designed in Germany under Klaus Bischoff, head of the design centre in Wolfsburg.
 
The most prominent element of the car is the new 'insignia' grille which in this application has a gloss gray, U-shaped applique surround. Other interesting elements are the rounded square wheel arches (similar to the Skoda Yeti), well integrated matt gray applique on the lower flanks and bumpers, a DLO that relates to the Touareg, and a side crease running forwards from the rear lights.
 
Interestingly the VW badge at the rear does not double as a handle as it does on the Golf and Passat and the interior is carry over from the Golf Plus with the exception of the show's car distressed leather with orange highlights and stitching.
 
A logical new car for Volkswagen, particularly in Europe, but under the orange paint the Tiguan does seem rather conservative