VW Says Nein to Boring Designs

While Volkswagen's Tiguan is more radical-looking than most small SUVs out there, the rest of VW's lineup might best be described as German. Not necessarily ugly, mind you, just not envelope-puching, cutting edge stuff.

But that could change in the coming years, says VW product head Dr. Wolfgang Bernhard. In an interview with UK media at the L.A. show, Doc Bernhard said the Scirocco and Tiguan are good indicators of how future VeeDubs might look.

'We have to shape our own destiny rather than trying to fit in with everyone else,' he said. 'The fun-to-drive part of our cars has to be on the surface.'

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BMW530i - 12/4/2006 11:18:53 AM

+8 Boost

I've been very impressed with VW's latest designs. They're very aggressive in nature and have adhered to the "in your face" style IMO.

Previously, VW designs were decent, nothing too exciting, but nothing boring either. Can't wait to see more conepts from VW.

EL34 - 12/4/2006 11:25:21 AM

+7 Boost

What happened to the VW New Micro Bus?

BMW530i - 12/4/2006 12:15:56 PM

+5 Boost

No, they're designed in Germany. I believe the head designer is of Turkish origin too.

audiot - 12/4/2006 12:50:40 PM

-2 Boost

I like VW but these latest designs--ouch. They're certainly loud.

BimmerFan - 12/4/2006 1:04:54 PM

+2 Boost

Though I would never drive a VW ever, they are becoming more interesting to the eye...I really like the iroc scirocco looking thing in the above pic. I think VW is headed in the right direction. Now if only Audi could pull out of its boring design slump and produce something with eye appeal, a lighter front end, and RWD.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 6:20:21 PM

0 Boost

Do the R8 and the modular platforms ring a bell?

cynic - 12/4/2006 1:43:17 PM

-2 Boost

VW needs to seriously:

1. Get some better styling. Thir current cars are BORING! Thier latests concepts, IMO are quite tacky as well.
2. Improve on the quality, already! They consistenly finish near the bottom on several quality lists.
3. Stop overcharging. The pricing is simply ridiculous. You can only rely on the euro chic pricing strategy for so long.

monkeyrun - 12/4/2006 5:19:43 PM

+2 Boost

Reliability of VW is legendary in everywhere except North America.

And my Golf (which has nothing to do with Mexico) has been very reliable so far.

I am glad that they are moving production back to Europe.

cynic - 12/4/2006 11:46:50 PM

+1 Boost

"Reliability of VW is legendary in everywhere except North America."...and so where does this leave us?

Recently, Volkswagen ranked 32nd out of 37 nameplates in terms of long term reliability, according to JD power. If production moves back to Europe, you can expect an even higher premium.

BimmerFan - 12/4/2006 1:54:01 PM

+1 Boost

ok... I looked at the scirocco some more and must say....it is downright sexy! Throw some Audi rings on the front grill and call THAT the A5, instead of the ugly looking abomination that will be the A5.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/4/2006 6:20:57 PM

0 Boost

Wait until it comes out, please.

chewy - 12/4/2006 2:03:12 PM

-1 Boost

VW have always looked very nice.

izfuney - 12/4/2006 6:27:49 PM

+1 Boost

I would agree with the overcharging comment .. :)

Please leave it to Audi to compete as a luxury car. It doesnt help when your corolla look alike Jetta with the 2.0FSI engine and s few goodies touch 28 -29 G.

S4cabriofoxone - 12/5/2006 12:08:23 AM

+1 Boost

Yes, it's pretty easy to option a GLI close to $30K, and a Passat 3.6 4Motion up to $40K.

By then, you could get a damn nice A4!

BimmerFan - 12/5/2006 10:20:34 AM

+1 Boost

S4cabriofoxone.... or step up to an E90/E92 BMW for the ultimate experience!