Volkswagen has announced the first-ever Tiguan R midsize will go on sale in April 2022 with prices starting from $69,990 before on-road costs.
The price tag offers a notable increase over the current range-topping Tiguan 162TSI R-Line at $54,790 before on-road costs but Volkswagen says the R is an entirely different animal.
When it arrives, the Tiguan will go head to head with rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq RS but few midsize SUVs at a sub-$100,000 price point offer a high-performance option in Australia.
Under the bonnet of the Tiguan R is Volkswagen’s familiar EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque, though a higher tune of 420Nm currently seen in Europe is expected to follow at a later date.
This is paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission that sends power to all four wheels, as per tradition in the ‘R’ family of vehicles.
Once wound up and launched off the line the Tiguan will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds.
While the Australian specification is yet to be released but our version is expected to arrive a high level of equipment that is seen on top-spec Tiguan Rs in Europe.
This includes a set of 21-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels that wrap over a set of beefed-up front brakes and an R-specific body kit.
Enhancing the Tiguan R’s handling are a set of adaptive dampers, that should provide some flexibility between on-road refinement and dynamic handling when needed.
Volkswagen has fitted out the Tiguan R with a slew of appropriate trimmings including a Nappa leather upholstery along with heated and electrically adjustable front seats and a panoramic roof.
Tech such as the 9.2-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also likely to be standard fit, as is an additional 10.25 digital instrument cluster and a Harman Kardon sound system.
A more in-depth list of inclusions will be announced when the Tiguan R is launched in April next year.
