Volkswagen SA has confirmed the local specification of the refreshed Tiguan SUV. Having launched locally in 2008, the Tiguan has continuously done well for the VW brand in Mzansi. The Tiguan was the best-selling medium SUV in South Africa last year with 4,280 units sold, and a 16.2% share of the A SUV segment.

New interior

The updated Tiguan comes with a host of new interior features, these include a new steering wheel with touch controls. The air conditioning functions have also been digitalised by means of touch sliders and touch buttons.

A first for the Tiguan and the Volkswagen model range is the premium and optional Harmon Kardon sound system, with a 16-channel amplifier, eight speakers and a subwoofer.

Exterior

Outside, the Tiguan gets a redesigned front bumper. VW says, the bonnet is “more concise in its appearance” and the new radiator grille with LED headlights is also wider. The Tiguan’s new (optional) IQ.LIGHT – LED matrix headlights features 22 individual LEDs per headlight offering enhanced convenience for night-time driving. At the rear, the Tiguan lettering is now central below the Volkswagen badge.

New exterior metallic colours include Ginger Brown, Kings Red, Lapiz Blue, Night Shade Blue and Dolphin Grey.

New specification lines

The model range comes in three specification lines; the base derivative called the Tiguan, the Tiguan Life and the Tiguan R-Line. The base derivative Tiguan comes standard with features like 17-inch Montana alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and the new MIB3 Infotainment system’s Composition radio (with eight speakers).

Positioned above the base derivative is the “Life” specification line. In addition to the standard features on the base derivative, the Tiguan Life comes standard with 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels, LED headlights with cornering lights, Climatronic air conditioning, Park Distance Control in the front and rear as well as an electric tailgate for easy opening and closing. Optional alloy wheels on the Tiguan Life include 18-inch Nizza and 19-inch Victoria Falls.

The top-of-the-range derivative is the Tiguan R-Line. Standard features include the R-Line exterior package, 19-inch Valencia alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 30 interior lighting options, Vienna leather seats with the R-line Logo in the two front seats, Active Info Display, Composition Media Radio with App Connect, multi-functional steering wheel with touch and swiping actions and the R-line logo as well as keyless entry. Optional alloy wheels on the R-Line derivative are the 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels in chrome and black.

Options galore

The new Tiguan can also be upgraded with optional features such as the panoramic sunroof, trailer hitch, Black Style Package (black roof rails and decorative trims, black exterior mirror housing, privacy glass for the rear windows and black 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels), Discover Pro entertainment system with wireless App Connect, Heads-up display, Harmon Kardon sound system, IQ Lights: Matrix LED, Area view camera system with Park Assist, IQ Drive Package (adaptive cruise control, lane assist, park assist and autonomous emergency braking) and the trailer manoeuvring system which includes park assist.

Driver assistance systems

The Tiguan comes with a number of active and passive safety features. Newly introduced systems include lane change assist and side assist, emergency braking with front assist.

Powertrains

The Tiguan model range will come with a choice of three engines which are carried over from the previous model; two petrol and one diesel with power outputs ranging from 110kW to 162kW.

The entry engine (1.4 TSI) in the Tiguan model range is a 6-speed DSG with a power output of 110kW and torque of 250Nm. With a top speed of 200km/h, it reaches 0 – 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.

The only diesel engine (2.0 TDI) in the Tiguan model range has a power output of 130kW and 380Nm of torque. The 7-speed DSG has a top speed of 207km/h and completes the 0 – 100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

The most powerful engine (2.0 TSI) in the model range has a power output of 162kW and torque of 350Nm. It takes just 6.5 seconds for it to complete 0 – 100km/h. This 7-speed DSG engine’s top speed is 225km.

Pricing and warranty

Here’s the pricing for the refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan:

1.4 TSI 110kW R521 000

1.4 TSI 110kW DSG® Life R587 200

1.4 TSI 110kW DSG® R-Line R644 500

2.0 TSI 162kW 4MOTION® DSG® R-Line R710 000

The Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a 3 year/120 000km warranty, 5 year/ 90 000km Volkswagen Service Plan and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000km.