After various rumors and speculations and a general understanding that Volkswagen intends to go deeper into the SUV and crossover segments, the company has officially announced that it will begin expanding its lineup with the existing Tiguan model. The compact SUV, currently available in two-row, five-seat configuration only, will be replaced by a new model that will be unveiled at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show. Then, probably at the Detroit Auto Show in 2016, a seven-seat, three-row, extended wheelbase model will join the Tiguan lineup.

Both models are expected to ride on VW's MQB platform, with a range of four-cylinder engines that should include a 1.4-liter TSI, 1.6-liter TDI and a 2.0-liter TDI. A plug-in hybrid will join the family at a later time. The Tiguan is expected to be offered with 4Motion all-wheel drive.