The Volkswagen Tiguan just received a fairly comprehensive facelift, with a re-structured range, cosmetic updates, and the latest in-car technology.
Launched in South Africa for the first time in 2008, the Volkswagen Tiguan is now on its third generation. Since its launch, it has sold over six million units globally and over 41 000 units in SA.
The Tiguan sold 4 280 units in 2020, making it the best-selling medium SUV in the country.
More powerful, comfortable and connected than ever before, the new Tiguan shows what it can do.
Intelligent technology gives it exceptional abilities.
As a dynamic SUV it’s redefining what’s possible.
Let’s take a look a look at some of the highlights.
Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior Design
The new Volkswagen has an exceptional exterior, as had already been the case with the Tiguan’s second-generation model.
The new model’s grille has grown slightly wider and the headlight clusters are slimmed-down a tad.
Furthermore, the new VW badge has been placed on the Tiguan for the first time and the bumpers feature a more defined ‘C’ on the outer edges.
For the new Tiguan R-Line with the R-Line “Black Style” package, the radiator grille bears the fine R-Line logo in two colours. While the outer strips are chrome, the two inner strips are in high-gloss black.
The Tiguan badge at the back has moved from the left edge of the boot to directly under the VW badge.
The 4Motion badges have also been redesigned and there are new wheel designs available for each trim line.
Some of the colours available in metallic paint finishes include Ginger brown, Dolphin grey, Kings red, Night shade blue, Lapiz blue and Reflex silver. In Pearl-effect paint finishes you will get Deep black pearl and Oryx white. Lastly, for Solid paint finishes you can choose either pure white or Urano grey.
Volkswagen Tiguan Interior Design
With the intuitive controls of the driver-oriented cockpit you can now concentrate completely on the essentials.
For example, the multifunction steering wheel in leather. Or the Digital Cockpit Pro with its 26 cm (10.25 inch) TFT colour display available to you as standard with the Tiguan R-Line.
One of the cool features we have to mention is the ambient lighting. This cool feature allows you to illuminate the vehicle interior in 30 different colours. Ambient lighting is part of the standard equipment for Tiguan R-Line and optional on Tiguan Life.
The cabin is spacious enough to accommodate 4 large adults (or 5 average-sized ones), with plenty of head, shoulder, and legroom all round.
Volkswagen Tiguan Engines
Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed that the South African market will receive one diesel and two petrol engines.
The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine will offer 130 kW and 380 Nm and will be mated with a 7-speed DSG transmission.
The petrol engine range starts with the 1.4TSI with 110 kW and 250 Nm mated with a 6-speed DSG transmission. The more powerful 2.0-litre TSI with 162 kW and 350 Nm will also be offered in conjunction with a 7-speed DSG.
Petrol or diesel? Volkswagen claims both could be the right decision – for high efficiency, economy and everyday practicality. This is enabled by an intelligent combination of direct injection and charging technology known as TSI technology in petrol engines and TDI technology in diesels.
And thanks to the use of BlueMotion technology you save additional fuel without losing dynamics, for example with brake energy recuperation and the start/stop system.
The Drive
AutoTrader took the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion R-Line for a spin, and the following is what they had to say.
“There’s nothing particularly special about the way the new Tiguan drives. It feels like pretty much any other MQB-platform car behind the wheel, really, except that its seating position is a bit higher than most.
“That isn’t a negative, mind you, because MQB cars tend to be exceedingly well-sorted and refined, and the same applies to the new Tiguan.
“Some features do stand out as noteworthy, especially for this segment.
One example is the variable-ratio steering rack, which gives a quick steering ratio at low speeds and slows down steering response at high speed.
The resulting system gives plenty of steering assistance and minimises wheel twirling when parking, while eliminating any sign of nervousness on the freeway.”
Features of Tiguan
- Alloy wheels 7J x 17
- Composition Media Radio
- LED headlamps, turn signal with light bulb
- Cruise control system incl. speed limiter
- App-Connect
- WE CONNECT GO
Features of Life
- Alloy wheels 7J x 18
- Composition Media Radio
- LED headlamps with cornering light (separate daytime running lamps with special class-A surface)
- Air Care Climatronic 3 zone automatic climate control with allergen filter and controls in the rear
- Park Distance Control – warning signals for obstacles in the front and rear
- Electric luggage compartment opening and closing
Features of R-Line
- 19″ Valencia Alloy Wheels 8.5J x 19
- Composition Media Radio
- Interior ambient lighting, type 2
- R-Line leather-wrapped multi-function sports steering wheel, with shifting paddles
- Multi-color Active Info Display, selection of different info profiles possible
- Leather package “Vienna” R-Line Logo in Front (right-hand drive vehicle)
Pricing & Warrranty for the Volkswagen Tiguan
It comes standard with a three-year or 120 000km warranty, a five-year or 90 000km service plan, and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.
The pricing as of August 2021 is as follows:
Tiguan Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW 6-speed DSG R521 000 (Incl VAT)
Tiguan Life 1.4 TSI 110 kW 6-speed DSG R587 200 (Incl VAT)
Tiguan R-Line 1.4 TSI 110 kW 6-speed DSG R644 500 (Incl VAT)
Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TSI 162 kW 7-speed DSG R710 000 (Incl VAT)