VW’s Australian-spec Tiguan detailed

VOLKSWAGEN has detailed the Australian specification for its important new-generation Tiguan SUV ahead of its local rollout in September this year.

Already available in Europe, the second-generation Tiguan will be offered in Australia in three trim grades and with a choice of five powertrains comprising three petrol and two diesel engines.

Prices are set to be revealed just before the September launch, so it is unclear how much it will differ from the outgoing model that ranges from $28,990 plus on-road costs for the base 118TSI to $44,990 for the 155TSI R-Line.

The German car-maker says the Tiguan marks “one of Volkswagen’s most significant vehicle launches in recent memory”, given the growing popularity of small and mid-size SUVs in Australia and globally.

Volkswagen says the Tiguan will feature, as standard, the most comprehensive level of safety gear in the segment, including front assist, city emergency braking, lane assist, active bonnet, multi-collision braking, park assist, driver fatigue detection and reversing camera.

The selection of turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines kick off with the entry-level 110kW 1.4-litre petrol 110TSI, offered with a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission driving the front wheels.

The 2.0-litre 132kW 132TSI is matched exclusively with the DSG and the latest-generation version of Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with Active Control that allows drivers to access off-road functions via a rotary dial.

A 162kW 162TSI tops the petrol-powered variants and is also paired with the 4WD system and the DSG.

Diesels include a turbocharged 110kW 110TDI and a 140kW 140TDI, both with VW’s BlueMotion technology. All engines are Euro 6 compliant.

As previously reported, the Tiguan’s dimensions have grown, with its 2681mm wheelbase 77mm longer, while overall length stretches 60mm, to 4486mm.

When it arrives, the second-gen Tiguan will step up a segment as defined by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ VFACTS data, sitting in the fiercely competitive sub-$60,000 medium-SUV segment where it will compete directly with big hitters such as the segment-leading Mazda CX-5, Toyota’s popular RAV4, the Subaru Forester and Nissan X-Trail, among a number of others.

VW says the Tiguan will “usher in a new era of technology and functionality” including active info display, a digital instrument display, as well as Area View for all-round visibility and an 8.0-inch infotainment system that includes App Connect.

Trim levels start with the base Trendline, available only with the 110TSI engne. It includes an automatic parking system, LED tail-lights, leather multi-function steering wheel, tyre-pressure monitor, 8.0-inch infotainment system with App-Connect USB interface, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control and 17-inch alloy wheels.

The mid-spec Comfortline grade is available with the 110TSI (DSG only), 110TDI and 132TSI, adding tri-zone climate control air-conditioning, satellite navigation, colour multi-function display, driving selection profile with the 4Motion 4WD system, front foglights, carpet mats, folding table on the front seat backrests, chrome roof rails and window surrounds, and a storage drawer under both front seats.

The flagship Highline grade is offered with the 140TDI and 162TSI powertrains and includes keyless entry, electric tailgate, LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights, LED tail-lights, 8.0-inch Discover Pro satellite navigation system, electrically adjustable driver’s seat, ambient interior lighting, power folding door mirrors, privacy glass, steering wheel-mounted paddles, heated front sports seats, Vienna leather-appointed upholstery and 18-inch alloys.

Buyers of Comfortline variants can opt for a Luxury Package that adds the Vienna leather-appointed upholstery, electronically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, power folding door mirrors, keyless entry, automatic tailgate and a panoramic electric glass sunroof.

The Driver Assistance Package is available with Comfortline or Highline models and adds adaptive cruise control, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Active Info display, power folding door mirrors and area view.

Highline customers can add the R-Line Package that includes an exclusive R-Line bodykit, R-Line interior, adaptive chassis control, progressive steering and 20-inch alloy wheels.

Tiguan sales have dropped considerably in 2016, with registrations down 35 per cent to 1800 units, but a Volkswagen Group Australia spokesperson said this was due to a lack of stock in Australia following a successful run-out program.

The remaining stock of the seven year-old outgoing version is now down to the low hundreds and likely to sell out before the new-gen model goes on sale in September.