UPDATE, January 27, 2022: Volkswagen Australia has reduced the list price of its Tiguan R, coming only a few weeks after it did the same for the Golf R.
Originally set to go on sale from $69,990, the 2022 Tiguan R will now cost $68,990 before on-road costs – a $1000 reduction, owing to a stock shortage of the standard Harmon Kardon sound system.
As with the Golf R, the premium audio equipment is now a $1000 optional extra, while the Tiguan R will now be fitted as standard with the eight-speaker system found in lower grades.
Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Brand Director, Michal Szaniecki, said the Tiguan R is still on track to launch in Australia this May/June, in line with the Golf R Wagon’s arrival, while the semiconductor shortage has also hampered the R-Line Tiguan.
“The majority of the more than 7000 expressions of interest and the 1000 paid deposits for our new R range have so far been for the Tiguan R,” Szaniecki said.
“To keep the lines running, Harmon Kardon becomes optional on the Tiguan R as it is with the Golf. Harman Kardon Tiguan R’s are still being built, so too will be versions with the standard eight speaker audio system familiar from the rest of the Tiguan range.
“Because our customers typically select the top end variants, semi-conductor constraints have especially affected the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line. Fortunately, the refreshed Tiguan Allspace arrives in May.
“In addition to a third row of seating or the extra storage space this model provides, we’ve ensured the Allspace has extra specification to more than ameliorate the sight price premium over the five seat Tiguans.”
The story to here
December 14, 2021: Volkswagen’s first performance variant of its popular Tiguan mid-sized SUV will cost from $69,990 when it goes on sale locally in April 2022.
The Tiguan R begins an expansion of the company’s R product portfolio, joining new-generation versions of the Golf R hatch and wagon that will launch just ahead of it.
The SUV’s price tag is identical to that of the Golf R wagon and positions it well above the $53,750 Tiguan 162TSI R-Line that was previously the top petrol variant.
VW’s fastest Tiguan has no direct rivals in the medium-SUV segment. The closest performance SUV in price is the $67,440 Kodiaq RS from Czech VW Group brand Skoda, but not only is this a larger, seven-seater vehicle – its outputs of 180kW and 370Nm have more in common with GTI rather than R performance.
The Skoda also performs the 0-100km/h acceleration run in 6.6 seconds compared with the 5.1 seconds quoted for the Tiguan R.
The fastest Tiguan’s acceleration time was destined to be 4.9 seconds, but performance has been reduced by a late decision to fit Australian versions with a slightly detuned engine to ensure supply can be guaranteed for 2022.
The 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder provides the same 235kW, but torque drops from 420Nm to 400Nm and the engine loses a petrol particulate filter.
VW Australia has been forced to make the same change for the Golf R hatch to avoid a production issue that would have left local buyers with uncertain delivery timing.
The Golf R wagon retains the full complement of engine torque as well as the petrol particulate filter. Priced identically to the Tiguan R at $69,990, the wagon performs the 0-100km/h run in a claimed 4.9 seconds.
The Tiguan shares all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual-clutch auto with the Golfs, though misses out on their Drift mode owing to a less track-oriented focus.
Other standard performance features include big front brakes and adaptive dampers.
Selectable driving profiles include a racy R mode.
Standard wheels are 21-inch Estoril lightweight rims that are an option over 20-inch wheels in most markets, including the UK. Golf Rs are fitted with 19-inch wheels.
Other inclusive features include; Matrix LED headlights, Nappa leather-appointed ‘R’ Comfort seats, heated and electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, tri-zone climate control, rear privacy glass, auto tailgate, semi-autonomous parking, partial self-driving capability, and Harman Kardon audio.
A head-up display and digital driver display are also standard, while the Discover Pro infotainment interface is contained in a 9.2-inch display.
A panoramic glass sunroof is the sole option.
The R line-up in Australia will be further bolstered later in 2022 with two more SUVs: the T-Roc R compact SUV (due August) and the Touareg R large plug-in hybrid SUV (due November).
Keyword: 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R Australian pricing reduced by $1000 thanks to stock shortage