POWER-TIGUAN

The importance of the Tiguan SUV for the Volkswagen Group was underlined at the recent unveiling of the new, facelifted model with the introduction of a powerful new flagship R version, as well as a plug-in hybrid derivative; the Tiguan ehybrid.

Powered by a two-litre turbocharged TFSI petrol engine delivering 235 kw and 420 Nm of torque, promising a subfive-seconds sprint from 0-100 km/h, the R version stole the limelight at the unveiling of the revamped range, now with a wider front grille, a slightly higher bonnet line, and new, redesigned bumpers front and rear. Power from the EA888 engine is fed to a 4-Motion all-wheel-drive system via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Tiguan R comes with torque vectoring that distributes power to the left and right wheels and front and rear axles to aid cornering. The R sits 10 mm lower than the normal model and rides on slim-spoke, model-specific 21-inch wheels. In true R-tradition, it sports four tailpipes as well as exclusive R upgrades, including the raucous Slovenian-sourced Akrapovic performance exhaust.

Regarding the ehybrid, Volkswagen claims the plug-in hybrid can reach speeds of up to 210 km/h fully electrically, generating zero emissions, and the new diesel engines are now among the cleanest in the world. The most recent generation of infotainment systems (MIB3) and a new steering wheel featuring touch controls are now also used in the Tiguan. Volkswagen South Africa has confirmed the facelifted Tiguan will arrive in the first quarter next year and the Tiguan R will be available in South Africa later in 2021.