Volkswagen is presenting the new Tiguan at the 2011 Johannesburg International Motor Show. The Tiguan is one the most successful Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV) in the world with over 700 000 (nearly 4300 units in South Africa) units sold since its international debut in 2007. The key attributes of its success are the class leading powertrain technical properties and excellent fuel consumption.
The new Tiguan is once again offered with powerful but fuel-efficient engines. Thanks to BlueMotion Technology with Start Stop system and brake energy recuperation, the combined fuel consumption for the front-wheel drive 2.0 TDI 81kW is 5.3 litres per 100 km.Three engines in the new Tiguan are offered with BlueMotion Technology. They are 1.4 TSI 90kW, 1.4 TSI 118kW and 2.0 TDI 81kW.
With its excellent all-round characteristics, versatility and great practicality, Tiguan is the best companion for people on the move. Some of its highlights include 471 litres of cargo space, up to 2,500 kg braked trailer towing mass and advanced driver aids such asfatigue detection (only available in Sport & Style derivatives).
New design
The new Tiguan has a distinctive, timeless and appealing new styling design. The front and rear sections were redesigned to reflect Volkswagen new DNA design. The front end is marked by a dominance of clear horizontal lines. Like the new Touareg, the grille sports two double chrome louvres.
The rear end has two-part rear lights with dual L-shaped elements. The lower border of the rear lights follows a horizontal line that makes a new, cleaner design in the C-pillars and they give the entire rear section a higher-end appearance.
1 SUV, 2 worlds
The Tiguan is still the only SUV in its class that can be ordered in two different versions: one for on-road use and one specially tuned for off-road driving. Visually, the two models differ in their frontends (“On-road” has an 18 degree angle of approach and “Off-road” 28 degrees).
18 degrees approach angle: Volkswagen is offering the new Tiguan for on-road driving in two equipment line, namely a front-wheel drive “Trend & Fun” and 4Motion “Sport & Style”.
28 degrees approach angle: The off-road version is offered in the “Track & Field” equipment line. With a 28 degree angle of approach, the Tiguan can handle even greater off-road challenges. Beneath the rugged redesigned bumper, the underbody protection ensures the wellbeing of the powertrain components. The Track & Field Tiguan is equipped with 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive.
Engines
The new Tiguan is powered by five direct injection and charged engines. Two of the five engines offered are new to the Tiguan range.
The three TSI petrol engines (with1.4 to 2.0 litres displacement) have power range between 90kW and 155kW. The power in the 118kW and 155kW engines has increased by 8kW when compared to the previous model.
The two torque-strong diesel engines (TDI) produce 81kW (280Nm at 1750-2750rpm) and 103kW (320Nm at 1750-2500rpm) of power.
The Trend & Fun derivatives are mated to a 6-speed transmission whilst the Track & Field and Sport & Style derivatives are fitted with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission (DSG).
Safety
The highest active and passive safety standards of the previous model were carried over into the new Tiguan. Its safety is built on the strong foundation of its rigid occupant cell, its deformation zones and the restraint systems that are tuned to them.
The Tiguan is fitted with five adjustable head restraints, two front airbags, two side airbags (front) and two head/thorax airbags – the latter cover the entire lateral surface of the windows. Standard Isofix fitting points in the rear seating locations complete the protective measures for children.
The previous Tiguan model attained a maximum five star rating in crash testing by the Euro NCAP (New Car Assessment Programme). The American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety also named the Tiguan as its Top Safety Pick.
