All the kids are talking about Volkswagen's new entry in the small SUV space. Autocar hears it's to be called the Beduin (reiterating a story we heard a couple of weeks ago), an appropriately misspelled name for a sporty all-roader, no? (The spec image pictured is also from Autocar.) The UK mag is also suggesting the top model could have a 280bhp 3.6-liter V6 with an all-wheel drive system from Sweden's Haldex. AutoWeek says the new model will be based on the Jetta, and is part of a strategy to bring more of VW's North American production to Puebla, Mexico. The Car Connection adds that the vehicle would feature Jetta-based powertrains including a direct-injection 2.0-liter turbo four. This story is starting to remind us of that folktale about the blind men describing an elephant. ("It looks like a snake! No, it looks like a huge rock!")
Golf 4x4 is VW's Freelander [Autocar]
VW betting on Jetta-based sport wagon, Mexican plant to help turn around U.S. fortunes [AutoWeek]
VW Promises Jetta-Based Crossover [The Car Connection]
Related:
Volkswagen Gets Competitive: New Products Aim for Japan [internal]