Volkswagen Launches Revised Tiguan Compact-SUV

Volkswagen has revised its Tiguan compact SUV with new styling, new engines and some fresh technology.

The restyle brings the car in line with the current corporate look common across the Polo, Golf, Passat and the Tiguan’s big brother the Toureg (and even some of VW’s commercial vehicles).  Like the model it replaces, the new Tiguan will be available with two different front ends — one designed for on-road driving with an 18 degree angle of approach while an ‘Escape’ model has a 28 degree angle of approach and additional technologies for off-road driving.  Both two and four wheel drive will be available across the range.

Six engines are fitted to the new car, three petrol and three diesel, four of which are new to the Tiguan.  The new engines include a twin-charged (super-charged and turbo-charged) 1.4 litre TSI petrol with 160 PS (up from 150 in previous generation), a 2.0 litre TSI petrol with 180 PS and a 2.0 litre TSI petrol with 210 PS (previously 200 PS).  Despite the increase in power CO2 emissions are matched or bettered, starting from 156g/km for the 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology with 2WD.

A 2.0 litre TDI 110 PS diesel engine is offered in two wheel drive and with a CO2 output of 139 g/km (also designated a BlueMotion Technology model).  A further two diesel power units are carried over from the previous generation (the 2.0-litre common rail TDI with 140 and 170 PS).  All have improved carbon dioxide emissions values: the 170 PS engine now emits 158 rather than 165 g/km; while the 140 PS unit has been improved substantially meaning it is now in a lower VED band (reduction from 164 to 150 g/km manual and 169 to 158 g/km for seven-speed DSG).  Diesel engines will account for around 90 per cent of Tiguan sales; the best-selling derivative is expected to be the 2.0-litre TDI 140 PS BlueMotion Technology.

All BlueMotion Technology models feature Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions.

Other new tech includes Kessy (Keyless Entry and Start System), satellite navigation system,s Lane Assist (which helps prevent accidents caused by the driver drifting out of the lane) and Light Assist which switches between dipped and main beam depending on oncoming traffic.  Also available as an option is the XDS electronic differential lock fitted to the Golf GTI.  A functional extension of the electronic locks already integrated via ESP, XDS improves handling when driving quickly through bends.

The new Tiguan is on sale now with a price from £21,085 on the road.  Deliveries will start in September in time for the plate change.