Volkswagen’s revamped Tiguan could just be the most important vehicle release of the year.
Good things are supposed to come in small packages. But Volkswagen’s new Tiguan reveals the opposite to be true. The second generation of the groundbreaking SUV is bigger than its predecessor in every sense and packs a mighty punch with its cutting-edge technology, refined driving dynamics and unabashed practicality.
Volkswagen broke the mould with its original Tiguan, a car that challenged what people thought was possible from an adventurous model based on the iconic Golf.
Customers around the world welcomed the original Tiguan into more than 2.8 million homes across 170 countries, establishing it as one of Volkswagen’s most important models and one of the best-selling compact SUVs on the road.
The all-new Tiguan builds on that legacy by introducing a level of technology and safety equipment not seen before in an SUV in this country. With its world-class cabin a match for any premium SUVs currently on the market, it’s sure to maintain its status as a favourite choice for adventure-ready drivers around the globe.
Impressions Count
Taking the Tiguan for a test drive in Berlin, Germany’s achingly cool capital city, presented Volkswagen Magazine with the chance to see the vehicle up close and personal for the first time.
Even with a cursory glance, it’s clear that the Tiguan heralds a new face for Volkswagen’s growing family of SUVs, adding a dash of rugged appeal to the cohesive style debuted by the latest Passat. Its grille and headlights flow across the front of the car under a chrome
character line that serves as a determined brow. Whereas the previous Tiguan’s lines flowed gently, the overall effect now is one of chiselled strength.
A high waistline and seamless door handles add to the crisp look of a new model 60mm longer and 30mm wider than the outgoing car, with a 28mm reduction in height giving it a more crouched look. There is an extra 76mm in the wheelbase to lend better stability and interior space. And despite its larger body, some variants weigh significantly less than the previous model. The extra room offered by the latest model is
immediately apparent once nestled inside the cabin. Not only is there more legroom in the front and rear, there is an exceptional amount of space in the boot. The Tiguan’s 615L luggage area is the most roomy in its class—a significant point of difference for a vehicle bound to appeal to busy families.
Then there is Volkswagen’s legendary fit-and-finish, evident again in the Tiguan. Premium appointments throughout are topped off with 3-Zone Climate Control air-conditioning, which incorporates an air quality sensor and an anti-allergen filter for maintaining air quality.
Spoilt for Choice
Volkswagen Australia is set to offer customers the choice of three petrol engines (a 1.4-litre petrol engine with 110kW, and two 2.0-litre petrol motors with 132kW and 162kW) and a pair of 2.0-litre diesel units offering 110kW and 140kW.
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system and a seven-speed automatic dual-clutch gearbox are standard in all but the entry-level 1.4-litre model, which drives the front wheels through a six-speed manual or DSG transmission.
The Tiguan will be available in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline trim lines with cloth seats in the first two levels. Opt for the top-end Highline specification and you can enjoy the supple comfort of Vienna leather appointed upholstery.
