Tiguan Earns Top Safety Pick Award From Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

HERNDON, Va., Aug. 20, 2008 -- The Volkswagen compact sport utility vehicle Tiguan received the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, the highest rating possible from the non-profit research organization. The annual award recognizes vehicles that perform best in protecting passengers in the Institute's front, side and rear crash test evaluations, and includes only vehicles with electronic stability control (branded Electronic Stabilization Program on Volkswagen vehicles) and head protection airbags.

"In the latest test, the Tiguan's performance is a standout," said Adrian Lund, president IIHS. "It sailed through the front and side crash tests without a single downgrade for structure or measures of injury likelihood recorded on the dummy," Lund added.

"We are extremely proud when organizations like IIHS recognize the hard work of our engineers who are dedicated to the safety of our customers," said Stephfan Jacoby, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America. "This award is further validation of Volkswagen's Prevent and Preserve Safety System approach to vehicle safety."

The Prevent and Preserve Safety System portfolio for MY2009 consists of 45 safety features, all of which contribute to protecting the driver and passengers as well as possible, helping avoid crashes and keeping the severity and consequences of possible crashes to a minimum. The Tiguan comes standard with the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, including ESP and six airbags, with rear seat airbags as an option.

Tiguan is available in three trim levels, S, SE, and SEL. It is based priced at $23,200, reflecting the Volkswagen brand commitment of providing both tremendous value and affordable German engineering. Tiguan offers EPA fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.

Tiguan, the GTI of Compact Sport Utility Vehicles, also features the "fun to drive" handling and performance expected from a Volkswagen. Tiguan features a standard 2.0L TSI(R) engine that delivers turbo-charged acceleration while still delivering responsible fuel efficiency. This award winning turbo-charged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs. -ft. of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo- charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. European tuned suspension enables connected handling, while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Both front wheel drive and 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive is available to suit any weather or road condition.

Tiguan, like all current 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of Tiguan's scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty-three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.