New Volkswagen Tiguan revealed

• Full details: 2015 Frankfurt motor shows.

Volkswagen has unveiled the all-new, second-generation Tiguan SUV overnight, ahead of the 2015 Frankfurt motor show. 

Boasting new technology, including a partly solar-powered plug-in hybrid concept, the new compact SUV is set to go on sale in Australia in 2016.

The big changes for the Tiguan start with the underpinnings with the new model the first VW Group SUV to be built on its modular 'MQB' platform that is already the basis for the current VW Golf, Skoda Octavia, Audi A3 and new Audi A4. That has allowed the Tiguan to grow in size, making it longer, wider and lower than the model it replaces. The overall length has been stretched by 60mm but the VW engineers have managed to add an extra 77mm of wheelbase to increase interior space.

Under the bonnet Volkswagen will offer up to eight options for the Tiguan with a range of petrol and diesel engines (four of each). There will be 92kW, 110kW, 132kW and 162kW petrol engines while the diesel engines will output 85kW, 110kW, 140KW and 176kW respectively. Volkswagen Australia hasn't confirmed which engines will be offered locally yet.

The Tiguan will be available either as front-wheel drive or the company's latest 4Motion Active Control all-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen claims that the new Tiguan is capable of towing to to 2500kg.

The German giant is showing off several variants of the new model in Frankfurt including a sport R-Line model.

As part of the Frankfurt reveal the company also showcased a GTE concept version of the Tiguan which features a plug-in hybrid petrol-electric powertrain. A 115kW turbocharged petrol engine drives the front wheels and is supplemented by an electric motor, supplied by lithium-ion batteries, which brings total system power to 160kW. The Tiguan GTE is theoretically capable of driving for up to 50km on electric power alone and can reach a top speed of 130km/h without any assistance from the petrol engine.

To help charge the batteries the concept car is fitted with a solar module on the roof which Volkswagen claims can generate enough energy each year for up to 1000km of driving, depending on where you live.

While the GTE remains a concept for now, Volkswagen has fitted the production version of the Tiguan with the latest in active safety features including autonomous emergency braking, lane assist, pedestrian monitoring and post-collision braking as standard.

The new model will also be available with the latest convenience technology including automatic accident notification, live traffic updates and parking space information as well as vehicle status reports.

Both Apple Car Play and Android Auto will be integrated into the car for improved connectivity. 

The new Tiguan is available with either a five- or seven-seat configuration. While Volkswagen said the seven-seat option has been designed specifically for the USA and Chinese markets, Volkswagen Australia's outgoing boss John White has previously hinted both configurations will be offered locally, with the seven-seater likely to arrive in 2017 - a year behind the regular models.

The Tiguan is also expected to become the basis for sister brand Skoda's first SUV, which is expected to be revealed early next year, most likely at the Geneva motor show in March.