The next generation of VW’s top-selling Tiguan SUV has been spotted testing and is due in 2024.
A new version of the popular Volkswagen Tiguan is coming by 2024. The third generation of the family SUV is set to be the last to incorporate a combustion engine; however, with the push to electrify our roads by 2030, the Tiguan will likely receive a mixture of electrified powertrains.
Testing mules have been spotted out and about in Germany, wearing the more inconspicuous shell of the current car. However, spy photographs reveal that the front of the car has been modified to close off the top half of the grille, whereas the bottom has been widened to allow for sufficient cooling – similar to that of the electric Volkswagen ID 3.
Speaking of VW’s electric range, the release of a new model inevitably raises questions surrounding a possible fully-electric variant. However, the chances of there being a Tiguan EV are small as the family SUV comes very close in size to VW’s own ID 4; the German brand will want to avoid stepping on the toes of this crucial model for the lineup, with it currently overshadowed by the cheaper and mechanically-similar Skoda Enyaq iV.
The new Tiguan will instead sit on the current Mk8 Golf’s MQB Evo underpinnings, meaning that it’ll likely share many of the same powertrains, too. So fans of performance SUVs should not be dissuaded as there will probably be a sporty Tiguan R variant; this will likely use the muscular 235kW 2.0-litre four-cylinder from the current Golf R.
Similarities to the Golf will continue on the inside as the Tiguan will get that car’s dual-screen infotainment system setup. This consists of a 10-inch digital instrument cluster, alongside a 10.25-inch central touchscreen. The overall design won’t be quite as minimalist as VW’s ID-badged cars; however, the frustrating touch-sensitive climate controls will likely reappear here. Nevertheless, we can expect the change in platform to further expand the Tiguan’s class-leading 520-litre boot.
Tom Jervis