[UPDATE: Volkswagen South Africa tells us the facelifted Tiguan is scheduled to launch locally in the first quarter of 2021, with the Tiguan R set to follow “towards the latter part” of next year.]
Volkswagen has finally revealed its facelifted Tiguan, with the refreshed range now topped by a new high-performance Tiguan R variant.
While the Wolfsburg-based firm has yet to release full details of the full-fat R derivative, we do know it will employ the familiar turbocharged 2,0-litre, four-cylinder petrol engine, here tuned to delivered 235 kW.
We also understand the Tiguan R will ship standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission delivering the EA888 unit’s oomph to all four corners (the 4Motion system is likely to include VW’s new torque-vectoring function, like the new Arteon R). Expect a marginally lower ride height than standard, too.
What about the broader Tiguan range? Well, the mid-cycle update for the popular second-generation SUV also introduces a 180 kW plug-in hybrid variant, although it seems this model will be restricted to Europe for the time being.
In terms of design changes, VW says the updated Tiguan’s front end is “completely new”. There’s a new, wider grille flowing into rejigged LED headlamps, while the bumpers have been redesigned, too.
Round back, the “Tiguan” model name is now centrally positioned below the VW badge, while the “4Motion” script for all-wheel-drive models has been redesigned. New wheel designs are also on the cards.
Inside, Volkswagen has introduced what it describes as a “digital version” of the steering wheel (something similar to what debuted on the Golf 8), featuring illuminated touch sliders. There’s also a new touch module for the automatic climate control functions. The facelifted Tiguan furthermore gains VW’s latest MIB3-based infotainment system.
Last we heard from VW SA, the facelifted Tiguan was scheduled to touch down on local shores in the first quarter of 2021. We’re awaiting feedback on whether the new Tiguan R will form part of the SA range…
