New VW Tiguan to start at £21,000 09 | 06 | 2011
VW'S REVISED TIGUAN range, with its new design, engines and technology, will be available to order from Scottish dealerships from the end of this month. At the international launch in Munich today, it was confirmed prices for the new model — first deliveries are expected in September — will start around £21,000 for the entry-level 1.4TSI S 160PS two-wheel-drive BlueMotion. The range-topping 2.0TDI Escape 140bhp 4WD, will be closer to £27,500. Prices will be confirmed later this month.
This latest model is distinguishable from the previous Tiguan by the dominant horizontal lines on the front grille which tie it into the 'family styling' seen on other new VW models. There's also a familiar resemblance to its bigger brother, the Touareg.
Available in four trim levels — S, SE, Sport and Escape — the revised Tiguan also comes with a choice of six engines, four of which are new to the range.
The Tiguan is an important model for VW, coming fourth in terms of sales behind the Golf, Polo and Passat. Available in either two- or four-wheel-drive, the Tiguan also comes in two versions, one specifically biased towards on-road driving with an 18-degree angle of approach, and the Escape which has a 28-degree angle of approach allied to additional technologies for offroad driving.
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It will come as no surprise, perhaps, that while there are 23 models across the S, SE and Sport specs, there are only two Escape models, such is the reluctance of drivers to get their Tiguans muddy.
The Tiguan remains a four-door, five-seater, but from the SE upwards the rear seat is a 60:40-split bench which can be slid forwards and backwards by upto 16cms, as well as being fully reclined. Cargo capacity ranges from 470 to 1510 litres.
New engines inched a twin-charged 1.4TSI with 160bhp (up from 150bhp in the previous generation), a 2.0TSI 180bhp and a 2.0TSI 210bhp (previously 200bhp). Despite the increase in power, CO2 emissions have either been improved, or remain the same.
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Two diesel units have been carried over: the 2.0 common-rail TDI with 140bhp and 170bhp. Both have improved CO2 emissions: the 170 now emits 158g/km rather than 165, while the 140bhp has been improved substantially meaning it is now in a lower VED band (reduced from 164 to 150g/km for the manual, and 169 to 158 for the seven-speed DSG).
Volkswagen expect diesel to account for "at least" 90% of sale of the new Tiguan in Scotland, with the best-seller being the 2.0TDI 140bhp.
VW's BlueMotion technology is also available in the range in the form of the 2.0TDI 110 and 140bhp models, plus the 1.4TSI 160bhp.
All new Tiguans are well-equipped as standard with the entry-level S getting 16in alloys, Climatic air-con, DAB radio and alarm. Upgrade to the SE and you get 17in alloys, 2Zone electronic air-con Park Assist, iPod and Bluetooth preparation plus Fatigue Detection system (as fitted to the new Passat).
For the first time on the Tiguan, KESSY (Keyless Entry and Start System), the RNS 315 sat-nav, Lane Assist and Light Assist are available across the range as options.
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The XDS electronic differential lock, as fitted to the Golf GTi, is another option which is available on the new Tiguan. This extension of the electronic locks already integrated via ESP improves handling when driving quickly through bends.
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Jim McGill