The Volkswagen group seems to be quite busy giving its SUVs a mid-cycle refresh. The first one was the refreshed Audi Q5, and then the ultra-luxury Bentley Bentayga followed suit. This time, it’s the more mainstream Volkswagen Tiguan that’s getting a refresh, and the highlight of Volkswagen’s latest compact SUV is a new high-performance R variant.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan’s front fascia gets comprehensively refreshed, featuring new front bumpers and a new grille that neatly blends with the redesigned headlights. The side air intakes have also been enlarged for a sportier look. The high-performance Tiguan R and R Line variants get body-colored front and rear bumpers, while a lowered, stiffened suspension is unique to the Tiguan R. At the back, the Tiguan lettering has been moved to the middle of the tailgate, bringing the Tiguan in line with the newer Volkswagen models in terms of design.
Interior changes are less dramatic but noticeable. The new steering wheel and climate controls feature touch-sensitive controls, replacing what used to be hard buttons for a more modern look. There’s also a new touch screen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with a fully-digital instrument cluster that uses an 8-inch screen as standard or an optional 10.25-inch screen. Other interior options include ambient lighting and a 480-watt Harman Kardon audio system.
Under the hood of the new Volkswagen Tiguan is the same 2.0-liter TSI inline-4 turbo gasoline engine as before, which means it still produces 184 hp and 299 Nm of torque and is mated to an 8-speed automatic. Front-wheel drive is standard while a 4Motion AWD system is optional. This powertrain is the standard option for the North American Tiguan. Europe will be getting a new Tiguan eHybrid which uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain that has a 242 hp total system output. There will also be a 2.0-liter TDI diesel with 147 hp.
As mentioned, a high-performance Tiguan R will be offered for the first time, and this will most likely utilize a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbo gasoline engine that pumps out 316 hp. The Tiguan R will come with lower ride height, extra chassis improvements, sports exhausts, better brakes, among other upgrades. More details about the Tiguan’s powertrain will be released closer to its on-sale date.
As with every modern car nowadays, the Volkswagen Tiguan can be equipped with a host of advanced driver-assist systems that range from full-speed adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, lane keeping assist, blind spot warning, just to name a few. Volkswagen says that the Tiguan’s latest adaptive cruise control feature is able to take into account local speed limits, traffic signs, junctions, and roundabouts.
The Volkswagen Tiguan will go on sale in Europe shortly, while a North American launch is scheduled in late 2021.
0 comments on “Refreshed 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan Unveiled With High-Performance R Variant”