THE wraps have been taken off the second generation Volkswagen Tiguan at the Frankfurt motor show where the German maker has showcased four versions including a concept model - the Tiguan GTE - which provides a glimpse of the future development of the company's best-selling SUV.

Production versions revealed at Frankfurt are the sporty Tiguan R-Line, the classic on-road model and a version tuned specifically for off-road use.

Although it is billed as a concept vehicle the GTE, which features a 218PS plug-in hybrid drive, is likely to join the range at a later date.

The latest Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV to be based on a new modular platform and is over 50 kg lighter than the previous model.

The new platform provides major gains in interior and luggage space with an extra 145 litres available in the luggage compartment which can now swallow up to 615 litres of cargo loaded to the back of the rear bench seat and a massive 1,655 litres when the rear seat backrests are folded.

There have also been gains in efficiency within the broad range of eight available engines. There's a choice of power outputs ranging from 85 kW / 115 PS and176 kW / 240 PS and VW claims the latest engines are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous model.

A new 4MOTION Active Control system lets drivers adjust the all-wheel drive system more easily to all possible driving conditions. And a host of hi-tech assistance systems will be included as standard including front assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian monitoring, lane assist and an automatic post-collision braking system.

Automatic accident notification, online traffic and parking space info and vehicle status reports will be features of the latest Tiguan's on-line infotainment system which will connect with all of today's smartphones and even tablets.