The Volkswagen Tiguan has stirred plenty of interest among South African readers since its local launch at the end of August, with the German brand selling 112 units of its petrol-powered models in the first month on sale.
A few CARmag.co.za readers have revealed their intention to wait for the diesel models to arrive towards the end of the year before signing on the dotted line, with the 2,0 TDI mill set to shortly be offered in three states of tune (81 kW, 105 kW and 130 kW).
But now Volkswagen SA has confirmed to us that it has no plans to add the 176 kW bi-turbo diesel (designated BiTDI) to its local line-up.
Mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive, this four-cylinder oil-burner is billed as the “most powerful diesel in its segment”, and allows the Tiguan to complete the zero to 100 km/h sprint in just 6,5 seconds, before reaching a top speed of 228 km/h.
Peak torque, meanwhile, comes in at a hefty 500 N.m, and is available between 1 750 and 2 500 r/min. VW claims an average fuel consumption of 6,4 L/100 km for this diesel model.
So, if you were waiting for the BiTDI derivative to hit local dealers, you’ll instead have to settle for the 130 kW TDI or the 162 kW 2,0 TSI (yes, the mill from the Golf GTI).
Watch CAR editor Steve Smith review the 1,4 TSI 110 kW Comfortline DSG derivative here.
