NOTE: VW clarifies that this the European-market Tiguan. The US model may differ with a caveat like that — a la Passat USA vs Passat EU.
Oh my. The only word we can think of?
FINALLY.
Volkswagen has been in USA reboot mode since 2012. But the results on the showroom floor are exceptionally underwhelming, so far. The boring and tired model range is designed so conservatively, and launch so slowly (1.5-years after Euro rollouts, 2.5-years after concept debut at times), that they feel old upon arrival. And ancient shortly after that.
2015 Volkswagen Golf R and Golf Sportwagen TDI. 2017 Golf Alltrack shown in red.
The new Tiguan is a sorely-needed new model for the lineup worldwide, but will be an extra welcome addition here in the states.
Why? The current Tiguan is narrow, overpriced and just under-amazing in every way.
The new model debuted today with eight engine options and power up to around 230HP in its top trim, the R-Line, so far. This is likely to be the new turbo four from the Audi A4, with similar outputs to the GTI.
GTI sharing with the R-Line is a theme all around, actually. This all-new MQB platform variant is lighter, much stiffer to twisting forces, safer in crash tests… and hopefully cheaper all around.
The platform is exceptionally flexible, in addition to finally being at scale with the BMW X3. Or perhaps the new X1. Regardless, it looks like more of a big SUV than the RAV4-ish appearance of the current model.
Flexibility among diesel and gasoline engines will be a theme for the production crossover: the US market should bring the TDI engine choice for the first time in this generation. Until now, the Tig was the only holdout in the American model range not to offer the clean diesel upgrade. Big torque, quiet cabins and superb cruising efficiency are tenets of the latest turbodiesels from Vee-Dub. The brand absolutely owns diesel market share in the US, by the way. Of every diesel passenger car sold in America in 2015, four in five will be wearing this smiley round badge.
FInally, a concept is thrown into the mix as well: the Tiguan GTE. A PHEV with a total power rating of ~210-horsepower, the Tiguan GTE has unique aero outside for supreme economy and even EV drive mode. The style of the GTE outside is a continuation of the designs seen on the Passat GTE and others — but are just as lovely. The C-shaped white bumper LED is classy and unique.
Pricing and arrival timeframes are not yet available. We’d estimate the 2017 Tiguan will arrive in August of 2016 with a base price of $33,000. As before, the model can be loaded up to nearly $50k. But this time it should look and drive like it is worth that amount of cash. Hopefully. Below this price point, the upcoming Golf Sportwagen Alltrack will have you covered with better handling, similar cabin size, and a lower loaded price.
The standard Tiguan and R-Line show the design in its best lights. It is blocky, crisp, masculine and modern. We love the style, if not some of the busier lighting and grille details. The lower headlamp unit appears to show LED turn signals. Which is great. But they take up much bumper real estate and make the headlights look gigantic.
The fresh beltline creasing, angular glasshouse and butch tail make up for much of the nose awkwardness. Finally, a NEW look! A bit of a cross between Audi Q5 and Jeep Grand Cherokee, but in a good way.
Regardless, if VW can get this mid-size crossover here pronto, and with a realistic price range, they’ll sell by the dozen the moment they arrive in showrooms. (Realistically = VW is not a premium brand, and they should stop pretending to be. Just visit one of their icky US dealers for confirmation. The linoleum floor is a give-away.)
The new Tiguan might even snag fashion-conscious shoppers with a style that is far more eye-catching than the”new” Touareg.
2017 Volkswagen TIGUAN R-Line
2017 Volkswagen TIGUAN
Wolfsburg/Frankfurt, 14. September 2015
World premiere of the new Tiguan in Frankfurt
- Presentation of the new SUV at the Volkswagen Group Night and the International Motor Show (IAA)
- New design and new technology for the Tiguan
The International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt will be the stage for the presentation of the new Tiguan. After selling over 2.64 million units of the first generation, Volkswagen is revealing the latest generation of the SUV at today’s Group Night and at the IAA that begins tomorrow.
Volkswagen is showing four versions* of the new Tiguan at the IAA (open to the public: 17 to 27 September). The production versions being presented are the exceptionally sporty Tiguan R-Line, the classic on-road model and an off-road version tuned specifically for off-road use. Meanwhile, the Tiguan GTE – a concept vehicle with a plug-in hybrid drive (160 kW / 218 PS of system power) – offers an outlook on the future development of the best-selling SUV.
The second generation of the best-seller is the first Volkswagen Group SUV to be based on the path-breaking MQB (modular transverse matrix) platform. It improves all of the properties of the Tiguan. The body proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are perceptibly sporty, and the design shows charisma from all perspectives. Its weight was also reduced by over 50 kg compared to the previous model. Meanwhile, the amount of space offered in the interior and luggage compartment has taken a gigantic leap forward. The boot volume of the new Tiguan can take on up to 615 litres of cargo (loaded to the back of the rear bench); when the rear seat backrests are folded, its capacity increases to 1,655 litres. This represents a gain of 145 litres.
2015 Volkswagen TIGUAN GTE Concept
The engines are also characterised by gains in efficiency. A broad range of eight engines is available; they have power outputs ranging between 85 kW / 115 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS. The drives were made more powerful, yet they are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient than those of the previous model. The new 4MOTION Active Control also lets drivers adjust the all-wheel drive system more individually and easier to all possible driving conditions. Thanks to its impressive drive concept, the Tiguan has been engineered for trailer loads of up to 2,500 kg. The assistance systems perfect the vehicle’s convenience, dynamism and safety (including Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, Lane Assist and the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System, all as standard). Online services open up new service dimensions (such as automatic accident notification, online traffic and parking space info, vehicle status report), the on-board electronics integrate all of today’s smartphones of the Apple and Android worlds into the functionality of the infotainment systems via App Connect, and even tablets become an integral part of the automobile via the Media Control app. This has resulted in a Tiguan with which Volkswagen is redefining broad aspects of the A-SUV segment.
*There are not current values to the fuel consumption yet.
Tom Burkart is the founder and managing editor of Car-Revs-Daily.com, an innovative and rapidly-expanding automotive news magazine.
He holds a Journalism JBA degree from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Tom currently resides in Charleston, South Carolina with his two amazing dogs, Drake and Tank.
Mr. Burkart is available for all questions and concerns by email Tom(at)car-revs-daily.com.