The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV features a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, with up to 100km of all-electric running.
There’s no better indication of how important the Tiguan is to Volkswagen than the fact that over just two generations the brand has sold more than 7.5 million cars. And that’s why the German firm has reinvented the formula for this all-new, third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, with fresh engine options, improved technology, more space and practicality and a sharper design.
Key to this and VW’s electrification push are upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrains that offer up to 100km of electric range (an increase of almost 50km when compared with its predecessor) thanks to a larger 19.7kWh battery.
There are two eHybrid specifications, both featuring the same battery and 84kW electric motor, plus a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed automatic transmission; there’s a choice of 150kW/350Nm or 200kW/400Nm outputs. The Tiguan eHybrid accepts rapid charging at up to 50kW, so a 10-80 per cent recharge will take around 25 minutes.
VW will also offer mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI engines with 95kW or 110kW. Thanks to the 48-volt electric system, a compact battery and belt starter-generator, the eTSI powertrains allow for engine-off coasting.
If you want four-wheel drive, you’ll have to go for a 2.0-litre unit. Both TSI turbo petrol engines feature 4MOTION technology and produce either 150kW or 195kW, while the 142kW 2.0 TDI unit also gets four-wheel drive. The lower-powered 110kW 2.0 TDI is front-wheel drive only, while all Tiguans get an automatic transmission as standard.
Efficiency is improved by the new car’s sleeker look. At the front, a faired-in grille below the bonnet helps to smooth airflow. All cars feature the option of VW’s latest IQ.Light HD matrix LED lights.
The new Tiguan is 30mm longer than its predecessor, which has resulted in more space inside. Boot volume has grown by 37 litres on eTSI, TSI and TDI models, to 652 litres overall, while the brand also claims more headroom inside.
The biggest update comes in the form of VW’s latest MIB4 infotainment system, with either a 12.9 or 15-inch display. Both units feature backlighting for the volume slider and temperature controls, while VW claims the user interface is more intuitive.
As a result, there’s a permanent climate control bar visible on the panel, while users can customise up to five on-screen shortcut buttons at the top of the display to make switching between functions easier. All cars feature a 10.25-inch digital dash panel with four different configurable views.
There’s also a new rotary dial on the centre console to choose between various ‘Atmospheres’ that adjust the interior lighting, chassis and powertrain tuning.
Pricing has not yet been revealed, but VW has outlined its European launch will commence in Germany in February 2024, before deliveries to markets such as Australia commence.