Second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan offers more practicality and more efficient engines –
The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan will go on sale in South Africa in the 2nd quarter , and made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show in September. Our exclusive studio pictures detail the car inside and out.
What is it?
The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s mass-market SUV, and a rival for the likes of the Land Rover Discovery Sport. This second-generation version is longer, wider and lower than the car it replaces, and also has a longer wheelbase.
Its larger dimensions mean that space inside has increased as well. Volkswagen says rear kneeroom is up by 29mm, while available boot space has also jumped up to 615 litres with the rear seats in place, rising to 1655 litres with them folded away.
What engines can I choose from?
At the core of the Tiguan’s engine range will be a line-up of efficient diesels. The entry-level diesel option is a 114bhp 1.6-litre unit, while a trio of 2.0-litre units with outputs of 148bhp, 178bhp and 217bhp are also available.
Petrol options include a variety of 1.4-litre and 2.0-litre turbocharged engines, but they’re likely to be a rare sight.
Lower-powered versions of the Tiguan get front-wheel drive, while four-wheel drive is offered on more powerful variants. Gearbox choices include a standard six-piece manual transmission, and a DSG automatic.
A plug-in hybrid variant, dubbed the GTE, was also shown in concept form at the Frankfurt show. The concept mates a 1.4-litre petrol engine with an electric motor to give a combined power output of 215bhp. The concept is capable of returning up to 149mpg with CO2 emissions of 42g/km.
How much equipment does it come with?
Volkswagen has yet to reveal specification levels for the new Tiguan, but we do know there will be a range-topping R-Line version, which is likely to be loaded with luxurious extras.
How much will it cost?
Volkswagen hasn’t yet revealed how much the new Tiguan will cost, but the current model is priced from R400 000
How good are its rivals?
Rivals for the new Tiguan include the Land Rover Discovery Sport and BMW X3. The Discovery Sport currently holds a four-star rating on What Car? while the X3 gets five stars.
