Volkswagen Tiguan 2021: Wolfsburg’s updated medium SUV priced for Australia

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The new 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan will offer broader trim levels and a comprehensive engine line-up when it arrives next month.

This is an essential update in Australia’s most popular market segment which includes the best-selling Toyota Rav4, Skoda Kodiaq and Mazda CX-5.

Volkswagen has also focused heavily on integrating tech into the new Tiguan, with the five-seater medium SUV adopting plenty of new technology from the forthcoming Mark 8 Golf small car.

However, this technology has come at a cost with Tiguan price of entry jumping from $34,990 to $39,690 (before on-road costs) for the 2021 update.

For 2021 the trim levels have changed names too, with the entry-level Trendline dropped altogether. The new Life grade effectively replaces the mid-spec Comfortline in the Tiguan range.

The most affordable Tiguan Life will be powered by a 110TSI 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 110kW of power and 250Nm of torque sent to the front wheels via a six-speed DSG gearbox.

Like the outgoing Comfortline, Volkswagen offers the Life with the option of a two-litre petrol four-cylinder engine with 132kW and 320Nm dubbed the 132TSI. This powertrain utilises a seven-speed DSG and all-wheel drive from $43,690 before on-road costs.

However, the new base model Tiguan offers more style and function than the old Trendline. Inside there is a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, generous eight-inch touchscreen with gesture control and a digital climate control screen with haptic feedback.

A set of 18-inch alloy wheels, LED head and taillights and classy detailing set off what is a much more handsome SUV than before.

Building on the spec of the Life is the new Elegance trim from $50,790 (excluding on-road costs). An extra $10,000 over the Life sees leather upholstery, heated front seats with power adjustment and memory functions, 9.2-inch infotainment screen, rear privacy glass and adaptive dampers thrown in.

Outside, the Elegance is distinguished by a set of 19-inch alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlights and extra chrome exterior trimmings. 

Pitched as the athletic variant, the Tiguan R-Line adds an attractive set of 20-inch alloy wheels, R-Line steering wheel, sporty steering tune and athletic looking body kit for $53,790. A full-fat Tiguan R is coming for fans of even hotter SUVs, however.

Volkswagen will offer the Tiguan Elegance and R-Line with a choice of two powertrains – though we expect the two-litre 162TSI petrol engine that makes 162kW of power and 350Nm of torque to be more popular in Australia. A two-litre 147TDI engine will be offered in tandem with outputs of 147kW/400Nm for an extra $1,500.

Both diesel and petrol motors will be linked up to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and an all-wheel-drive system.

In addition to the standard specification, Volkswagen offers several options packages. Buyers of the base model life will be able to jazz up the ambience with a power sunroof, leather upholstery and heated, electrically-adjustable front seats by choosing the $5,000 luxury pack.

The sound and vision package available on Elegance and R-Line trims brings a head-up display and a premium harman/kardon sound system for $2,500, with a panoramic sunroof an extra $2,000. Premium paint is a further $800 option.

Wolfsburg has bolstered safety features for the 2021 Tiguan with AEB with pedestrian detection, reverse AEB, rear cross-traffic alert, driver alert monitoring and adaptive cruise control.

The new Tiguan range will land in Australia next month priced from $39,690 before on-road costs.

Volkswagen Tiguan 2021: pricing in Australia

Prices exclude on-road costs.

• Tiguan 110TSI Life – $39,690
• Tiguan 132TSI Life – $43,690 
• Tiguan 162TSI Elegance – $50,790
• Tiguan 147TDI Elegance – $52,290
• Tiguan 162TSI R-Line – $53,790
• Tiguan 147TDI R-Line – $55,290