2012 Volkswagen Tiguan image leaked on German website

Whether or not it was just a publicity stunt we'll never know, but at least we got a brief glimpse of the new Tiguan. It seems to share the same new design language as the new range of Volkswagen vehicles, with its clean lines and handsome front bumper bar and grille layout.

It almost looks like the new 2012 Volkswagen Passat and the 2011 Volkswagen Touareg from the front. This could be viewed as both a good thing and a bad thing; the design is relatively fresh and nice to look at, but on the contrary, if all new Volkswagens are going to look identical - apart from dimensions and proportions - some buyers of the higher spec models might feel a tad ripped-off as their (expensive) car looks too similar to the small little runabout parked across the street.

It doesn't really matter of course, because as with all new Volkswagens, the new 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is likely to showcase class-leading quality, refined engine options and excellent market segment capabilities.

We'll have more details on the 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan upon its launch at the Geneva Motor Show commencing on March 1, later this year.