Carrying the heart of sports car, the spirit of a large SUV, and a distinguishably modern look and feel inside and out, Volkswagen's 2011 Tiguan drives the compact SUV category further with the features from a sport utility vehicle and balances them with the everyday accessibility from a compact hatchback.

On the outside, the 2011 Tiguan is every bit a Volkswagen, with a front end that takes cues from Tiguan's bigger sibling, the Touareg. Halogen headlamps with crystalline lenses come standard on the S and SE models, and are upgraded to Bi-Xenon High Intensity Gas-discharged units on the SEL model, complete with an Adaptive Front-lighting System to best illuminate the road ahead.

Under the 2011 Tiguan's hood is Volkswagen's proven 2.0-liter, turbocharged and intercooled four-cylinder gasoline engine with 200 horsepower and 207 lbs.-ft. of torque.

The Tiguan's versatile interior features seating for five covered in soft yet durable cloth, or V-Tex leatherette seating in Charcoal and Sandstone on the SE, or leather seating surfaces standard on the SEL. Fully adjustable driver and passenger seats (power 12-way on SEL for driver) keep occupants comfortable, while the 60/40 split rear seats make room for up to 56 cubic feet of ready-to-go storage space.

The 2011 Tiguan is nimble yet composed during most any driving situation, thanks to its compact size and German-tuned suspension. The electromechanical power steering makes turning even easier for the driver with consistent feedback at any speed.