Volkswagen intends to become a much bigger player in the SUV market in coming years and leading the first offensive is the all-new Tiguan.
Dealers have now opened order books for the second-generation Tiguan, which will replace a car that is now the brand’s third best-seller on the UK market, having increased sales in every year since its launch in 2007.
Initially the new model is on offer powered by the 2.0 diesel of 150hp, in front and all-wheel-drive form, and an AWD variant of the 2.0 petrol of 180hp. These two are expected to take 75% of all UK sales.
Within months this range will extend to four diesel and three petrol engines, with power outputs from 115 and 125hp offered in front and all-wheel-drive, with six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearboxes.
All engines are Euro-6 emissions compliant and all will offer both power and efficiency gains over their predecessors,
The new Tiguan is the first VW SUV to make use of the highly versatile MQB platform, also used by such wide-ranging models as the Golf and Audi TT, and also the basis of the forthcoming Ateca SUV from sister brand SEAT.
Those updating from a previous Tiguan will find more interior space, thanks chiefly to a wheelbase extended by 8cm to just under 2.7m, and increased overall dimensions. The length goes up by 6cm to just under 4.5m, width by 3cm to just over 1.8m. However, the vehicle’s height is shaved by 3cm, giving it a less upright look.
Despite the dropped roof, VW claims extra headroom inside the new model, and knee room extended by 3cm, both courtesy of the MQB platform. Rear boot space is 470 litres with all seats in place extending to 1,655 litres with the rear bench seat folded – a 145-litre gain over the previous model. This bench seat can also be slid by up to 18cm, again freeing up 1,345 litres of extra space.
Volkswagen also claims what it describes as a unique towing capacity of up to 2,500kg for the new Tiguan, dependent on model.
Safety will also be a major selling point of the new Tiguan, with all versions offering electronic aids including Front Assist; City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring.
The launch versions of the new Tiguan will cost from £25,530 for the front-wheel-drive diesel model, in entry-level S trim, and £32,115 for the all-wheel drive petrol, which is available from the fourth-tier SEL trim.
Tiguans will soon be joined in VW showrooms by more SUVs – the brand has made clear its intention to offer an SUV in every major segment in future, displaying concept versions at recent motor shows such as the T-Cross Breeze unveiled at the Geneva event in March.
