WATCH: New Volkswagen Tiguan spied testing in winter wonderland

The replacement for the current generation Volkswagen Tiguan is nearing completion ahead of the sales commencing sometime next year as evidenced by newly uncovered spy images.

Watch spy video below

Captured undergoing winter testing in Scandinavia, the apparent prototype appears production-ready and with a number of distinct visual differences compared to the current model.

As carmag.co.za reports, the reason for the frigid weather testing would be to ensure all componentry works without fault in the freezing conditions.

Visual differences aplenty

Taking a closer look at the footage, it becomes apparent that even though exterior camouflage has been removed, this test mule is still sporting some vinyl on both fascias to deceive the eyes.

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The horizontal line between the C-shaped air intakes on the lower extremity of the front fascia are just an optical illusion, closer inspection reveals a grille that does not feed into the flanks. The same treatment has been imparted onto the rear end with the fake exhaust outlets and rear diffuser.

Visual trickery aside, it is safe to say that the front end has undergone the most significant updates from the outgoing model, with the headlight housing no longer following the same cohesive lines from the front grille.

EV likely

What powers the model is still vague, after we spotted electrified Tiguan test mules strutting their stuff in the vicinity of Gerotek, Pretoria, there is a high possibility that the model will boast an all-electric derivative.

This version is rumoured to be built on the dedicated MQB platform however although the conventionally fuelled model may receive some form of electrification in the form of a mild of plug-in hybrid system.

End of year debut possible

The German automaker has remained tight-lipped on the newcomer although it wouldn’t be impossible for the production version to break cover before the end of the year.

Article first appeared on carmag.co.za.