2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace confirmed

Volkswagen has confirmed the seven-seat version of its Tiguan SUV will wear the Allspace badge when it arrives in Australian showrooms late in 2017.

The German brand has released an official design sketch of the long-wheelbase model ahead of its official public reveal at the Detroit motor show in January.

It has said the car will ride on a wheelbase that is 11cm longer than the existing Tiguan, which recently won the 2016 Drive Car of the Year award, but has yet to reveal any more official information.

It says "the new long version of the Tiguan boasts more room in the interior and a longer wheelbase. Both aspects ensure greater flexibility in the interior.

"In addition, the Tiguan Allspace comes with an attractive range of equipment features."

The car will start production in Europe in the middle of 2017 and is expected to be launched in Australia late in 2017, just months after the arrival of its sister car, the Skoda Kodiak.

It is expected that Volkswagen Australia will offer a more limited range of models in the Allspace compared to the regular Tiguan, centred on the higher-grade petrol and diesel four-cylinder engines.

With a starting price that is anticipated to start in the low $40k bracket, the Tiguan Allspace will be considered a rival for the likes of the Mazda CX-9, Kia Sorento and Toyota Kluger.

• Read more information at our Volkswagen showroom page