We’ve known about Volkswagen’s new Tiguan since late last year. Today VW New Zealand officially launches its all-new third-generation Tiguan while Golf updates from Gen 8 to Gen 8.5. For details of the latter, see separate post.
The Tiguan is VW’s best seller here, being a medium SUV. That sector accounts for 40 per cent of the passenger car market, so Tiguan is a big deal locally. VW NZ’s GM, Chanelle McDonald says the new model is “Perfect for all life’s journeys”.
Here, Tiguan amounts to one in every three Volkswagens sold.
And there are three new Tiguan models available, all petrol powered but there are no hybrids. While no there’s no R model per se either, there is an R-Line AWD variant which is the new range topper and essentially replaces the former R variant. It features a 2.0T engine, pumping out 195kW and 400Nm. So it is down on power slightly compared with the former R (220kW) but torque output remains the same at 400Nm. Moreover, it gets the former models torque vectoring rear diff, and adaptive damping for a sensible ride/handling mix.
The even better news is that it costs less than the previous R model which went for $88,990. The newbie is $79,490 and comes with more presence and spec as added bonuses. For those into towing boats and trailers, it has greater towing capacity (2300kg braked) than the Life and R-Line models (1800kg).
The not-so-good news is that it isn’t available here until November. But Life and R-Line are in stock now.
The big sellers here will clearly be the Life and R-Line models, which respectively carry RRPs of $54,490 and $61,490. The base Life model should fulfill the needs of many quite well, given its enhanced spec over the outgoing variant, and it has the same mechanicals as the R-Line 2wd. Both come with a 1.4L 110kW/250Nm TSI engine mated to a seven-speed DSG gearbox. That’s one more cog than the former Tiguan had, so the $3k lift in price to the new model doesn’t seem a big ask in the scheme of things. Fuel use figures for both are 8.5L/100km.
New Tiguan is a little bigger overall too, 30mm longer (4539mm) and has slightly taller with more headroom. It looks more assertive too, with bumpers and a bluff front, LED strip lights both ends, and 19-inch wheels. The range topper rolls on 20-inch rims.
VW has spent time and energy on updating safety and interior tech on new Tiguan, adding an Intelligent Digital Assistant named IDA. AEB now adds pedestrian and cyclist detection while there are Cross Traffic Alert warning systems front and rear. RCTA features an exit warning function should a car or cyclist be approaching from the rear as one goes to open a door. Also new is a centre airbag to prevent head butts in significant crashes. It all adds up to a five-star EuroNCAP crash rating.
There’s an upgrade to self parking as well. And all variants now come with traffic sign recognition. You choose whether there’s an audible bleep or visual flash to warn of overspeed incidents.
Another new item is Drive Experience Controller. This multitasking device in the centre console where the gear stick was (now on the right side of the steering column) handles drive modes, volume control, and scrolling between various ‘atmospheres’. The latter are essentially ambient colours for the instruments and trim, and different drive profiles. This you can also inactivate.
There’s an updated 12.9 inch infotainment screen with integrated sat nav. You can configure this almost any which way you want (in terms of what info shows where). The sliders below this for volume and temperature are now backlit. Nearby are two wireless chargers while at the rear is an electric tailgate for all models.
Move up to the R-Line and you also get LED Plus headlamps and 3D effect taillights, sports seats with velour upholstery, sports pedals and wheel, and massage function for both front seat passengers. There’s also heating for the seats and wheel.
As to the R-Line AWD range topper, this adds AWD, gobs more power, matrix LED headlamps, scrolling indicators, progressive steering, and autodimming rear view mirrors. Seat heating and ventilation are standard, as are leather trim and the massaging function, a 15-inch infotainment screen, head-up display and 20-inch alloys.
There’s a $6k Touring pack that R-Line 2wd buyers should consider. It comprises leather-clad heated and ventilated seats, power adjustment for the front seats with memory function, a heated steering wheel, panoramic tilt/slide sunroof and Harman Kardon premium sounds.
A Touring package for the AWD variant is also available and it consists of gloss black paint for the roof rails, bumpers and wing mirrors, along with different 20-inch alloys.
All models come with three- or five-year service plans, while the factory warranty is five years/150,000km. Eight colours are available, the two most striking being Cipressino Green and Persimmon Red.
As to future Tiguan models, VW had no mild hybrids available for the Australasian market but it’s a case of never say never. The PHEV variant is being considered.
For drive impressions and a full test of the Tiguan R-Line 2wd variant, be sure to check out the October issue of NZ Autocar.
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