New Volkswagen Tiguan goes on sale
Prices from around £22,500 OTR, the latest Tiguan is the first Volkswagen SUV to sit on the group’s modular MQB platform, which also underpins the VW Golf.
The latest Tiguan is 33mm lower than the outgoing car at 1,632mm but 30mm wider at 1,839mm and also 60mm longer at 4,486mm in length. The wheelbase has been significantly extended to 2,681 mm – a gain of 77mm.
The latest model brings updated front and rear exterior styling while the interior offers a revised cockpit layout.
Interior space is increased, with an extra 29mm of knee room while minimum and maximum boot space are both up 145 litres to 615 and 1,655 litres respectively. The car also offers a sliding rear bench seat that has been optimised to permit up to 180mm of adjustment – 20mm more than in the previous model. Towing capacity is up to 2,500kg depending on model and drivetrain.
The new model also brings increased safety and connectivity features. The UK range will be badged using Volkswagen’s familiar S, SE, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line trims, with standard kit across the range including Front Assist; City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, while hi-tech features available for the first time in a Tiguan include Active Info Display; Head-Up Display; Area View and Trailer Assist.
The new Tiguan also brings an extended engine range with three new petrol engines, with power outputs from 124bhp to 178bhp, and four new diesel engines ranging from 114bhp to 237bhp and using SCR catalytic converter technology with the AdBlue additive.
From launch, the high-volume diesel will be available as a 148bhp 2.0 TDI with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission. This engine is also available with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox. In addition the 2.0 TSI with 180 PS, 4MOTION and DSG is also on offer from launch.
Economy for the launch engines, on the official EU combined cycle, ranges from 58.9mpg for the 148bhp 2.0 TDI front wheel drive six-speed manual and 125g/km to 38.2mpg and 170g/km for the 178bhp 2.0 TSI 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG.
Extended engine, drive and gearbox options will be available in two further order waves, which open in the UK on 5 May and 2 June.
Deliveries of the first customer cars are expected this summer.
Natalie Middleton
Natalie has worked as a fleet journalist for over 20 years, previously as assistant editor on the former Company Car magazine before joining Fleet World in 2006. Prior to this, she worked on a range of B2B titles, including Insurance Age and Insurance Day.
