The new Volkswagen Tiguan compact 4x4 is set to go on sale in February powered by a choice of advanced new TSI petrol and common rail diesel engines. Just ahead of its arrival in the UK Volkswagen Individual has unveiled the Tiguan R-Line design study at the Essen Motor Show – a subtly aggressive styling exercise demonstrating the potential for a range-topping Tiguan.

Established in 2003 and based in Wolfsburg, Individual is an engineering department wholly owned by Volkswagen and is responsible for special projects including the Golf R32 and the BlueMotion range of vehicles.

Individual's influence on the Tiguan R-Line extends to a set of 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, a unique set of front and rear bumpers, subtle wheel arch extensions and colour-coded sills.

The grille section is also new and features a pair of split chrome bars.

Inside the R-Line adds to the Tiguan's already extensive list of standard equipment. Unique sports seats and a flat bottomed multifunction steering wheel distinguish the R-Line from the conventional vehicle.

The standard Tiguan goes on sale in the UK in February powered initially by a choice of 150 PS TSI petrol and 140 PS, common rail, TDI diesel engines. In summer 2008 these will be joined by a new 170 PS TDI engine and a range-topping 200 PS TSI variant. All Tiguans feature the advanced Haldex 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

The R-Line model is likely to be sold in the UK as the new range-topping trim level similar to the popular Altitude line-up currently applied to the Touareg model.

Prices for the standard Tiguan are set to start at £19,370 RRP on the road for the entry-level 1.4-litre TSI before rising to £23,750 for the 2.0-litre TDI model equipped with a six-speed Tiptronic gearbox.