The new Volkswagen Tiguan – it’s a VW and a new compact SUV… sounds like a win-win
The new Volkswagen Tiguan – it’s a VW and a new compact SUV… sounds like a win-win
The new Tiguan is a great all-rounder with distinctive styling which redefines its class, and confidently points the way to the future.
Completely redesigned Tiguan
Volkswagen is excited and proud about the launch of its completely redesigned Tiguan in new-look SUV: “The design of the new Tiguan emphasises style, presence and dynamism. With this car Volkswagen is introducing a completely new design character for its SUVs, which combines striking proportions with a clear commitment to sophistication and authority. This proactive attitude is systematically followed in details such as the horizontally aligned unit formed by the radiator grille and headlights, and the higher waist line compared to the previous model, resulting in a particularly confident stance.”
Model overview
The new Volkswagen Tiguan range benefits from a broad engine selection. At launch, the new Tiguan will be offered in two 1.4 TSI engines, in 92kW for the Trendline (manual only) and Comfortline manual, while Comfortline auto (DSG) gets the 110kW output. The range-topping 2.0 TSI with 162kW (yes, Golf GTI power in a Tiguan!) will be available shortly, while the 2.0 TDI engines with 81kW, 105kW or 130kW will be introduced in the last quarter of 2016.
The high-powered engines will be offered with the 4MOTION 4-wheel-drive system as standard.
The new car will be offered in 3 equipment levels, namely Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, while an optional R 18 000 R-Line sports package can be had with Comfortline and Highline.
Safety is paramount
Safety is paramount in all Volkswagen passenger cars, so the Tiguan includes driver and front passenger airbags, an airbag curtain system and front seat side impact airbags. Hazard lights flash automatically under hard braking, while Electronic Stability Control, XDS transverse differential lock and fatigue detection (Rest Assist) are all standard.
The new Tiguan received a 5-star rating from Euro NCAP, making it one of Europe’s safest cars. The overall safety rating of 5 stars was aggregated from the new Tiguan's results in four sub-sections, being occupant protection (for adults and for children), pedestrian protection, and driver assistance systems.
Standard safety features include the active engine bonnet (to help avoid injuries to a pedestrian or cyclist, if struck). The new Tiguan, like all Volkswagen cars based on the MQB platform, also comes with the automatic post-collision braking system, which helps to avoid dangerous secondary collisions.
Retains and gains practicality
Naturally the latest Tiguan retains all the versatility and practicality for which the previous model was renowned. This 5-door, 5-seat SUV even includes an adjustable 40:20:40 split bench rear seat that can slide fore or aft by up to 18 cms (2 cm more than before) thereby maximising either rear legroom or boot space.
A spacious interior is paired with a significant gain in boot space. When the rear bench is folded, the cargo space of 1655 litres is now 145 litres larger than its predecessor, which makes for even more practicality in everyday or road-trip use.
Attests to creativity of designers
At the front, the unit formed by the radiator grille and the headlights reinforces the car’s powerful impression and upright stance. At the sides, the waist and character lines as well as the eye-catching wheel arches attest to the creativity of the designers.
The cockpit is now aligned towards the driver for better comfort, yet without constricting or disturbing the airy impression of the interior.
In the pleasant atmosphere of the ambient lighting the sophisticated overall impression is completed by the panoramic roof (870 mm x 1364 mm, available as an option) and details like the elegant door handles and smart trim strips.
LED headlights
The LED basic headlights are standard from Comfortline spec (yes, standard) and deliver much better lighting performance compared to halogen headlights. It is more powerful than a bi-xenon headlight and also has whiter light. On top of this, the all-LED headlights with lens and reflector add another design highlight.
Active Info Display
The new Tiguan is packed with the very latest technology. For instance, new to the compact SUV class is the Active Info Display (familiar from the latest Passat) and now with SUV-specific instruments. This is full digital instrumentation, rather than analague.
In combination with the display of the radio or navigation system, this creates a virtual, flexible human-machine interface (HMI) where displays complement one another. When navigation is activated, for example, the large central display can be selected, so 3D navigation is shown directly in the Active Info Display. This is optional at Comfortline and Highline specification levels.
Head-Up Display
Using technology originally developed for fighter pilots, driver information such as driving speed, current speed limit, direction arrows for navigation and indicators for the driver assistance systems are projected directly onto the head-up display, and thereby into the driver’s line of sight. This system is likewise available on mid and upper spec levels.
How much is the Volkswagen Tiguan in South Africa?
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Trendline |
R 378 000 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline |
R 419 000 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline R-Line |
R 437 000 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline auto | R 457 680 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4TSI Comfortline R-Line auto | R 475 680 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI 4Motion Highline auto |
R 542 180 |
| Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TSI 4Motion Highline R-Line auto |
R 560 180 |
Prices include taxes and a 3-year / 120 000 km warranty and 5-year / 90 000 km service plan.
One of the important VW models
The first generation Tiguan was launched in 2007, and arrived in South Africa in 2008. It is a compelling sales success story – 2.8 million units have been sold worldwide, with over 19 000 of that in South Africa. Tiguan is sold in more than 170 countries worldwide, which makes it one of the important models of the Volkswagen brand alongside the Golf, Polo and Passat.
Sounds like a win-win
The new Tiguan is a Volkswagen and a compact SUV. Sounds like a win-win.