Automotive Crystal Ball: VW's Beduin Compact SUV on the Way

Volkswagen appears to be back on course with the project, taking the same route with naming its new compact SUV, as it did with

In the early '90s, Volkswagen offered the comical Golf Country outside of North America.

the Touareg. The compact SUV, reportedly christened Beduin, the non-North American spelling for a nomadic Saharan tribe, the Bedouins, is in this respect akin to the meaning behind the name Touareg. More recognizable than the previously selected name, albeit less generic than the proposed "CrossGolf", VW registered the name in Germany nearly a year ago and applied for a global trademark for it this past January. Instead, the name CrossGolf will be applied to a European-spec front wheel drive Golf five-door hatchback with extra body cladding and a slightly raised suspension, a similar idea as with the Polo Dune.

The Beduin, as well as two other vehicles will be built off a new platform, a hybrid between the Mk. V Golf/Jetta PQ35 and the larger Passat's PQ46 platform. While it's true that the PQ46 is essentially a stretched and

The compact SUV, reportedly christened Beduin, is akin to the Touareg, as it is named after a Saharan, African tribe. (Photo: Rendered Spy Photo)

modified version of the PQ35, the Beduin will use the Golf's compact 2,580 mm (101.6 inch) wheelbase, combined with the 1,540 mm (60.6 inch) front and 1,520 mm (59.8 inch) rear track widths of the larger Passat.

Like the cars which the new platform draws its DNA from, the Beduin will utilize an electro-mechanical power steering system as well as a MacPherson strut and multi-link suspension layout for decent on-road comfort. As for the vehicle itself, insiders are reporting that the junior-sized SUV will measure in at around 4,320 mm (170.1 inches) long, 1,740 mm (68.5 inches) wide and 1,700 mm (66.9 inches) tall.