Updated Volkswagen Tiguan revealed globally

The Volkswagen Tiguan has always been a popular model locally and internationally and has seen more than 910 000 units produced globally in 2019. More than six million vehicles bearing the Tiguan badge has been produced over the model lifecycle and as such Volkswagen has introduced new interior and exterior styling, and innovative driver-assistance and comfort features in an updated offering.

Upfront the Tiguan has received a comprehensive update with a completely new look. The grille now flows into the standard LED headlights which creates the impression of it being wider and visually links the Tiguan to larger models in the Volkswagen portfolio such as the Touareg. While new bumpers adorn the lower front of the vehicle up top the new VW badge garnishes the new grille. At the rear, the Tiguan moniker now features central underneath the new VW badge with the R-line variant only featuring an “R” in its place. An eagle-eyed enthusiast will also notice a redesign of the 4Motion lettering which accompany all-wheel-drive derivatives. From midrange models upwards, customers benefit from a hands-free Easy Open and Close tailgate although all updated Tiguan variants will feature new wheel designs.

The updates are not exclusive to the exterior as the driver benefits from a digital multifunction steering wheel, featuring illuminated touch islands and sliders. Also available on the interior of mid-range and more premium variants is an all-new touch module with which occupants can select fan and temperature control functions via illuminated touch sliders for the Climatronic automatic climate control. Occupants also control the standard heated front seats, rear window defrost and air-conditioning with the new touch buttons.

Situated just below this control module are illuminated USB-C ports with which occupants can connect their devices to the latest generation modular infotainment system (MIB3). The system allows for voice control, multi-phone pairing and wireless App-Connect and is displayed on either the standard 8.0-inch display or 10.25-inch display in the top trim models. The driver also benefits from a configurable instrument display named the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit. Furthermore, the system comes the next generation of personalization systems which allows occupants to customize features from driver-seat and mirror settings to driver-assistance system preferences. The Tiguan also incorporate a 15-colour ambient lighting system and new decors for every trim level while top trim variants benefit from a standard 480-watt Fender Premium Audio System.

Should customers opt for the Advanced Driver-Assistance Package which will be available with the new Tiguan, they can expect systems such as Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist to provide them with a combination named Travel Assist. The Travel Assist system can take over steering, braking and acceleration in between the speeds of 0 and 210 km/h although the driver always remains in control and ultimately responsible as the vehicle requires the driver to keep their hands on the wheel and monitors this via touch detection rather than the less reliable steering angle-based systems.

Under the bonnet of Tiguan’s destined for the U.S markets is the popular EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine. The motor which utilises turbocharging and direct-injection have received an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer better power, efficiency, and responsiveness. This powertrain will produce 137 kW and 300 N.m of torque although the Tiguan R is claimed to will produce 235 kW. All Tiguan variants will feature a standard eight-speed automatic transmission and a Start/Stop system for better fuel consumption.

At the time of writing this article, no local specification levels, performance figures or pricing has been revealed as yet and will become available closer to the local introduction.