VW releases Tiguan Pacific to counter supply issues
BY MIKE COSTELLO | 7th Feb 2012
For an unspecified time, the brand will instead revert to a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission as the self-shifting option on all Tiguan 132 TSIs, alongside the standard six-speed manual.
In somewhat circuitous fashion, Volkswagen introduced the DSG to its Australian Tiguan line-up in September 2010 as a replacement for the six-speeder that it has now temporarily reinstated.
All 132TSI variants over this period will be badged as special edition Tiguan Pacifics, and will receive an array of extra features at no extra charge to counterbalance the change of transmission.
These extra features include dual-zone climate control, auto dimming rear view mirror, vanity mirror lighting for driver and passenger, automatic headlight sensors, coming-and-leaving home lighting, rain-sensing wipers and front fog lights.
VGA general manager of press and PR Karl Gehling confirmed to GoAuto today: “We could secure more production of the six-speed auto and that why we’re offering this as a special edition.”Mr Gehling added that the change was not permanent and said that the brand intended to bring back to DSG when supplies became available, although he could not put a date on it.
Pricing for the Pacific is unchanged from the normal 132TSI, with the manual starting at $33,490, with the auto adding an extra $2500.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol engine continues to provide 132kW of power and 280Nm of torque, with fuel consumption listed at 8.7 litres per 100km on the combined cycle.
All other Tiguan variants – including the front-drive 118TSI, 103TDI diesel and 155TSI petrol models – continue unchanged. Volkswagen Australia introduced the facelifted Tiguan in October last year, with cosmetic tweaks and revised engines.
