The updated VW Tiguan is going on sale in South Africa on 1 July.
This new generation will be sold in three trim lines – Tiguan, Life, and R-Line – with the entry-level model starting at R521,000.
Across the range the SUV features an updated exterior look, along with a refreshed range of tech that was previously unavailable in the Tiguan line-up.
New look
The updated VW Tiguan is treated to a stylish front fascia and sharper LED headlights, as well as body-coloured panels all-round – a nice upgrade from the black plastic claddings of the previous generation’s entry-level model.
The central “Tiguan” logo at the rear is another sign that tells you this is a new-generation model.
The rest of the exterior looks nearly identical to the outgoing variant, with the exception of it being 23mm longer, 4mm wider, and 3mm taller.
A large number of upgrades then took place inside the vehicle, with the cabin getting a refreshed design and a new range of abilities.
The dash was tweaked to include an 8-inch infotainment display, a touch-sensitive air-con control panel, and a new multifunction steering wheel with shifter paddles as standard.
The entry-level Tiguan also sports fabric seats with “Quad Paper” patterns, and leather door inserts.
Updated features
VW has put its focus on improving the standard feature list across the Tiguan range.
This was done by fitting rain-sensing windscreen wipers, a semi-digital instrument cluster, follow-me-home headlights, cruise control, electrically-adjustable wing mirrors, and the Composition Media infotainment system.
The latter supports voice inputs that control vehicle features, in addition to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support.
A wireless charging pad is also available exclusively in South Africa – but this comes at an additional cost for all variants.
The new Tiguan range further increases rider comfort by offering rear air-con vents, driver fatigue detection, overhead storage compartments, and 12V and USB-C connectivity.
Crash safety in the new model stays on par with the previous generation, too, achieving an impressive 5-star Euro NCAP safety rating.
However, the new entry-level model is not fitted with every intelligent ability of its more expensive siblings.
Safety systems on this variant comprise an alarm and immobiliser, interior monitoring, towing protection, ABS with a multi-collision brake system, and front and curtain airbags in both rows of seating.
Performance
Under the hood of this new Tiguan sits a 1.4-litre, turbo-petrol motor that produces 110kW and 250Nm – paired with a six-speed DSG automatic transmission.
This model sends power to the front wheels only, and sprints to 100km/h in 9.2 seconds.
It is fitted with hill-hold assist, trailer stabilisation, engine drag torque control, and a new electronic transverse differential lock – along with and a new anti-spin regulator which keeps wheel traction at the highest possible levels.
The combination provides a combined fuel consumption of 7.7l/100km, as well as a top speed of 200km/h.
You can then fit up to 615 litres of cargo in the rear with all five seats up, and tow a maximum braked capacity of 1,800kg.
Price
The new VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI has a South African starting price of R521,000.
Along with this you get a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000km service plan.
Keyword: New entry-level VW Tiguan – What you get for R521,000