Depicted R Line again tops the Tiguan range until a decision made is to whether a second generation Tiguan R will exist. Image: Volkswagen
Its world debut having taken place in September, with pre-ordering now open in Europe, Volkswagen has confirmed that the all-new third generation Tiguan will be making its South African premiere in the second half of 2024.
Long billed as a key model for Wolfsburg along with the Golf, the Tiguan becomes the latest to ride on the upgraded MQB Evo platform, in addition to being one of the last new combustion engine vehicles Volkswagen will make before it becomes wholly electric by 2030.
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While no further details about the South African-spec Tiguan were divulged to The Citizen, expectations are it will follow the current trim level structure: base, Life and R Line, with a second generation performance Tiguan R, an unknown entity at present.
Likely to offer Volkswagen’s new Matrix I.Q. LED headlights as an option, together with the Pro version of the Dynamic Chassis Control and revised XDS electronic front differential, the biggest highlight comes in the form of the redesigned interior.
Spun-off of the estate-only new Passat, the new wraparound dashboard houses not only an updated version of the 12.3-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, but a new driver-angled infotainment system in two sizes; 12.9-inches and 15-inches, both with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus Volkswagen’s latest software.
Along with a move back to physical buttons on the steering wheels following the much publicised backlash against the touch-sensitive switchgear, the Tiguan also sports a new centre console minus the gear lever, which moves to the steering column as part of Volkswagen’s phasing-out of the manual gearbox in preparation for its EV transition.
While offered with petrol, diesel, hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrain options in Europe, the South African model’s choices remain a mystery, though speculation points to the former pair being availed based on the current Tiguan range.
In Europe, the former’s motivation comes from the 1.5 TSI Evo tipped to finally replace the long-serving 1.4 TSI with outputs of 110kW/250Nm or 130kW/250Nm, while the range-topping 2.0 TSI also comes in two states of tune; 150kW/320Nm and 195kW/400Nm.
On the diesel front, the venerable 2.0 TDI boasts outputs of 110kW/360Nm or 142kW/400Nm, with the standard fitting of the 4Motion all-wheel-drive on the latter as the case is with the high output 2.0 TSI.
Standard on all models, regardless of the fuel type or drive wheels, is a seven-speed DSG now that the manual ‘box has been dropped.
Ruled-out from returning is the seven-seat Tiguan Allspace which will be replaced by a revised version of the Chinese-market Tayron in Europe and Australia.
As it stands, availability for South Africa remains unknown with Volkswagen stating it will only comment on local market allocation once sales on the Old Continent commence next year.
For now, nothing else about the Tiguan is known and as such, expect Volkswagen South Africa to start dropping hints in the form of teasers once 2024 commences.
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