This year’s latest model Volkswagen Tiguan has a completely new look, taking design cues from other recent Volkswagen offerings. Additionally, a new, more powerful petrol-engined version, the premium R-Line, has just been added to the range, of which more below. MHH International offer new and used versions of the excellent family-sized Tiguan and current stock can be seen here.
On The Outside
On the front, new ‘IQ’ LED headlights frame a glass-covered horizontal bar with optionally integrated LED strip, above the traditional radiator grille. Also available as an option are highly sophisticated ‘IQ.LIGHT’ HD matrix headlights that were developed in tandem with the latest version of the mighty Touareg sport utility vehicle (SUV).
Active air curtains at the sides of the Tiguan optimise air flow and combine with the car’s clean lines to achieve a very low drag coefficient; it’s fifteen per cent more efficient than the previous model. Strong shoulder lines sit above a choice of smart alloy wheels of up to twenty inches, and the unmistakeable Tiguan rear end features a new (head to the option list again) horizontal LED strip.
The real selling point of this newly current model is the wealth of innovative features beneath the new Tiguan’s sleek bodywork that really grabs the interest. As is usual among car makers these days, it is the use of variable platforms on which to base different cars for economic reasons. For example, this mid-sized SUV is built on the latest version of Volkswagen Group’s highly successful modular transverse matrix platform, (‘MQB-evo’, as it is known) which allows for a host of new systems to be included and also forms the foundation for the soon-to-arrive ninth-generation Passat saloon in the near future, we learn.
On The Inside
The new Tiguan has a cleanly designed digital cockpit based on Volkswagen’s fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix. It includes a 12.9 inch central display and brings a plethora of digital services and apps on board, along with a new and more intuitive system menu and operating concept. A larger 15 inch screen is also available as an option. New ‘ergo-Active’ seats with pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and a 10-chamber pressure massage function (on Elegance and R-Line grades only) are a perfect match for all the high-tech running gear, and there’s even a programming function available for automatic activation of seat heating or ventilation according to outside temperatures.
The interior also gains a new multi-function driving experience switch with integrated OLED display. This new rotary control, with its own mini screen, can be used to control the driving profile, radio volume and the cabin’s background lighting colours.
The Drive
Comfort is high on the agenda for the new Tiguan. The aforementioned ‘MQB-evo’ platform enables a new generation of adaptive chassis control, which is optional on petrol, e-Hybrid and mild hybrid models but not for the diesel version. It works with the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, available for the first time on the Tiguan, to control the electronic differential locks (XDS) and shock absorbers, resulting in more neutral, stable and agile handling characteristics. Driver safety is improved thanks to increased rear axle stability, and a new set-up of the electro-mechanical power steering helps to make this Tiguan one of the most agile and comfortable SUVs in its class.
The Tiguan is available in four trims: Tiguan, Life, Elegance and R-Line. A selection of power units is available from a range of smooth and efficient options. Two mild petrol hybrids and one turbocharged 2.0 TDI diesel engine are offered alongside two plug-in ‘e-Hybrid’ models plus two turbocharged 2.0 TSI petrol engines are coming online.
The ‘e-Hybrids’ extend the pure-electric range to about 62 miles (100 km), making the new Tiguan an all-electric car for the vast majority of local road trips. The mild hybrids use Active Cylinder Management to deactivate the 1.5 TSI ‘evo2 engine’, when conditions allow, for emissions-free coasting. An automatic direct-shift gearbox comes as standard on all models, and 4MOTION all-wheel drive is available as standard on some versions.
And Now There’s Another One
The petrol-powered Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TSI (261bhp / 265 PS), with an automatic seven-speed direct-shift gearbox and ‘4MOTION’ all-wheel-drive, becomes the most powerful petrol Tiguan on sale in today. It sits at the top of the Tiguan range alongside the R-Line ‘e-Hybrid’ with its 1.5 engine and six-speed gearbox.
As indicated, this new variant adds ‘4MOTION’ all-wheel-drive and comes as standard with Volkswagen’s enhanced adaptive chassis control system. This optimises driving dynamics and features innovative two-valve shock absorbers, similar to variable dampers familiar in motor sport.
This all results in the promise of responsive, dynamic driving and assured road holding while the punchy engine output delivers stronger acceleration whenever it is needed. This new Tiguan variant is capable of a top speed of 150 mph (Where permitted, obviously. You know the rules.) and can sprint from zero to 62 mph in as little as 5.9 seconds.
This practical SUV comes with added benefits too: A spacious 652 litre boot, a premium interior, Volkswagen’s latest infotainment software and digital cockpit, an impressively low drag coefficient of 0.28 Cd and useful driver assistance features – including hill start assist and hill descent control.
The Tiguan is the German brand’s best seller and for good reason. Find out about availability of this model or others from the VW stable by contacting us here at MHH International. Our export service from the UK to various global destinations is comprehensive and may even be VAT-free.
