Selling over 7,6 million units since its debut in 2007, Volkswagen’s third-gen Tiguan looks at continuing its successful streak from the first quarter of 2024. With a greater focus on electrification, here are all the details from the Wolfsburg unveiling.
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Bigger, better and more technologically advanced than ever before, the third-gen Tiguan features powertrains to cater to evolving emissions regulations. Underpinned by the MQB evo platform, the model can be fitted with turbodiesel (TDI), turbo petrol (TSI), mild hybrid turbo petrol (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid systems (eHybrid). The German automaker has not divulged any model-specific specifications but all powertrains will be offered exclusively with the DSG transmission.
Kai Grünitz, Brand Board Member for Technical Development further adds: “the new hybrid drives with an electric range of around 100 km and make them available to hundreds of thousands of drivers.”
The all-electric range, once depleted, has the ability to be replenished rapidly with AC charging.
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Most notably, Volkswagen has removed the centre console-mounted gear shifter and placed it on the steering column behind the steering wheel. This frees up interior space for the front row while the rest of the model has grown in size too. Volkswagen states the third-gen Tiguan has morphed into a form that is ‘approximately three centimetres’ longer than before while the height, width and wheelbase ‘remain practically identical to the predecessor’.
With this small increase in size, the latest compact SUV from the German firm comes with 37 litres more than before with a total volume measuring 652 litres (when loaded up to the height of the rear seat backrests).
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Up front, the updated facade of the third-gen Tiguan has not only been redesigned with a more striking intention but is filled with driver-aided technology too. On each side of the light bar is Volkswagen’s newly developed IQ.Light HD matrix headlights – the first MQB model to be launched featuring the technology. The high definition headlamps feature a total of 38 400 multipixel LEDs which are claimed to improve safety and comfort.
Being handsomely equipped with tech, the model also features several assist systems as standard. This includes Side Assist (lane change system), Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking), Lane Assist (lane keeping system) and Rear View (rear view camera system) to name a few. Optional systems include Park Assist Pro with remote parking capability, functionality which is controlled outside the vehicle using a smartphone app. Being an SUV, the model can further be equipped with Trailer Assist.
To improve vehicle handling and stability, Volkswagen has also equipped the third-gen Tiguan with a revamped adaptive chassis control DCC, while a two-valve shock absorber DCC Pro system also available as an optional extra. The controls can be configured in the Vehicle Dynamics Manager MQB system which controls the electronic differential locks. Wheel-specific breaking on wheels sized up to 20-inch completes the most notable safety features.
Moving inside, the interior of the third-gen Tiguan has been designed from the ground up. Taking centre stage is a 15,0-inch infotainment screen as well as a new Digital Cockpit based on the MIB4. To complement this, the driver can also view driving data through a new head-up display.
Local pricing on the model is not yet available but can be expected closer to its arrival in the first quarter of 2024.
