The Tiguan, Volkswagen’s new compact 4x4, is now available for ordering from UK dealers ahead of its UK launch in February.

Prices start at £19,370 for the entry-level model, the S 1.4-litre TSI 4MOTION.

All Tiguan models will be offered with standard four-wheel drive. The range will be split into four trim levels: S, SE and Sport. Additionally an Escape trim level will be offered for those customers looking for additional off-road capability.

This has a different front end design featuring a shorter overhang, protective element over the front radiator grille, a sump guard, hill descent control and a compass.

Two engines will be available at launch: a 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp diesel and a 1.4-litre TSI 148bhp petrol unit. Later in 2008 a 168bhp TDI engine and a further pair of TSI petrol engines will be added to the line-up.

All diesel engines comply with Euro V emissions standard that comes into effect in 2009. Both six-speed manual and tiptronic automatic transmissions will be offered with the 2.0-litre TDI engine.

Standard equipment levels include alloy wheels, air conditioning, MP3 compatible CD player, ABS with hydraulic brake assist, electronic stabilisation programme (ESP), head and curtain airbags plus twin front and side airbags.

A number of options are also available, including VW’s new touch screen satellite navigation which allows route guidance while off-road and a park assist system which was first offered on VW’s Touran range.

Tiguan launch line-up prices:

Tiguan model RRP £OTR
S 1.4-litre TSI 148bhp 4MOTION six-speed manual 19,370
S 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed manual 20,500
S 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed auto tiptronic 21,750
SE 1.4-litre TSI 148bhp 4MOTION six-speed manual 20,670
SE 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed manual 21,800
SE 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION 6spd auto tiptronic 23,050
Sport 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION 6spd manual 22,500
Sport 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed auto tiptronic 23,750
Escape 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed manual 22,050
Escape 2.0-litre TDI 138bhp 4MOTION six-speed auto tiptronic 23,300