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Volkswagen’s name game, which has given us such gems as Jetta, Passat and Touareg, continues unabated with the new compact SUV called Tiguan.

So what is a Tiguan, one might ask. It seems it’s a mythical creature found in the environs of Wolfsburg, Germany, and only in the minds of VW marketing pros.

Actually, we are told that Tiguan comes from combining “tiger” and “iguana.” The new word is designed to impart strength and tenacity by blending the attributes of a ferocious striped jungle beast with a laid-back lizard.

But getting past the name weirdness, Tiguan turns out to be quite a nice little crossover, with nimble handling, decent power and an upscale interior. Being a too-tall driver, I appreciated Tiguan’s very roomy front seating, while back-row denizens should appreciate seats that recline.

Though pricier than such leading competitors as Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester, Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, Tiguan offers better drivability than any of them, getting close to the high-end realm of BMW X3 and Infiniti EX.

The new VW also comes at a fortuitous time, when many owners of bigger and thirstier SUVS, such as VW’s own Touareg, are looking for ways to enjoy the benefits of a tall wagon without sucking down so much $3.70 gas. The all-wheel-drive Tiguan doesn’t get great fuel mileage but it’s on par with others in its class. The cheaper front-drive version does better, rated at 19 city and 26 highway.

Hopefully, VW will see fit to put its clean-diesel engine in Tiguan, as it has for the latest Jetta, which gets phenomenal mpg. Tiguan is based on the Jetta platform.

Overall, Tiguan feels a cut above the regular run of compact SUV crossovers. Reliability is an unknown, as some recent VWs have spotty records.

Volkswagen Tiguan SE 4Motion

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, four-door crossover SUV, all-wheel drive.

Engine: 2-liter turbocharged inline-4, 200 horsepower at 5,100 rpm, 207 pound-feet of torque at 1,700 rpm.

Transmission: Six-speed automatic.

Wheelbase: 102.5 inches.

Overall length: 174.3 inches.

Curb weight: 3,631 pounds.

EPA rating: 18 city, 24 highway.

HIGHS: Nimble handling, quiet cruising, upscale interior.

LOWS: Pricey, unproven reliability, weird name.

PERFORMANCE: A 200-horsepower, turbocharged inline-4 is the only engine available, but it’s strong, runs smoothly and provides good acceleration. A high-mpg diesel would really make Tiguan special.

The six-speed automatic shifts nicely and comes with manual controls. Stickshift is available for front-drive Tiguans.

DRIVABILITY: For a high-profile vehicle on a short wheelbase, Tiguan handles admirably with no feeling of tippiness in corners. Part of that is due to an advanced multilink independent rear suspension. The ride is firm but never buffeting, and highway cruising is stable and competent.

The steering feels precise though light at low speeds, and the four-wheel disc brakes, enhanced with antilock and force distribution, are strong. Tiguan comes standard with electronic stability control.

STYLING: Unmistakably VW, from its grinning chrome grille to its somewhat stubby rear. Tiguan is substantial looking with a sporty stance.

INTERIOR: The materials and trim feel top-drawer, with comfortable cloth seats and an optional panoramic sunroof that allows light into the entire cabin.

Cargo space behind the rear seat is limited, though there’s plenty of room when the seat is folded. Gauges and controls are simple and logical.

BOTTOM LINE: Tiguan seems like a better-designed SUV than the larger Touareg, which always felt heavy and lumbering. The starting price for a front-driver with manual shift is just/more than $23,000, but watch out for those pricey options.

Base price: $28,875

Price as tested: $33,165

OPTIONS

Navigation and backup camera, $1,950.

Panoramic sunroof, $1,300.

Rear side airbags, $350.

Shipping, $690.