The trusty Volkswagen Tiguan gets a modest refresh for the 2012 model year, most immediately noticed by the revised front fascia. The German automaker’s new corporate face is nicely presented on the small crossover, incorporating an attractive set of LED running lamps, similar to the larger Touareg.

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The other major change for 2012 isn’t anything visual, but instead a mechanical change to the six-speed automatic transmission that yields a healthy boost in fuel economy. The turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four is now capable of achieving 29 miles per gallon on the highway – up from 25 mpg in the 2011 model. Volkswagen lowered the shift point RPM for each gear, moved the idle speed down to 600 RPM and adjusted the ratios of fifth and sixth gear to improve highway cruising economy.

Volkswagen will still be pricing the Tiguan above the majority of its competition, and while official numbers haven’t been released as of yet, expect things to continue to sit around the $23,000 mark. Click through our high-res gallery below to see the 2012 Tiguan live from the Geneva Motor Show floor.