2008 Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen calls the Concept A "the child of a new era," but we think a more likely parent has to be the Hyundai HCD-9 Talus Concept shown at January's Detroit show. Both feature all-wheel drive, suicide rear half-doors, huge wheels, and styling that blurs the line between SUV and sports car (as well as between Volkswagen and Hyundai.) But unlike Hyundai and the countless other coupe-truck creators, Volkswagen will be putting a vehicle similar to the Concept A into production within the next few years, wearing the name Tiguan (although it has formerly been called Marrakesh and Rockton). The new model will most likely be based off the Golf platform and will fit in the VW line-up under the Touareg. The rear doors of the concept are pretty cool, but we wouldn't be surprised if the production version sports four front-hingers. The Concept A uses the new 1.5-liter Twincharger engine, but the upcoming model, possibly called the Marrakesh, will also put VWs lovely 2.0-liter FSI Turbo and a diesel to use. This is a cool-looking truck, and we are excited to see the final product when it comes on the scene in 2007.