Gqeberha, 3 September 2024 – The Volkswagen Tiguan has entered its third generation with a fresh perspective that builds on the model’s storied success. Since its inception in 2007, the Tiguan has captivated the global market, with more than 7.4 million units sold to date. South Africa, a key market for this SUV, has embraced the Tiguan with over 41,000 units sold since its local debut in 2009. The new Tiguan promises to elevate its legacy with a blend of advanced technology and striking design.
Aesthetic Evolution and Enhanced Aerodynamics
The new Tiguan sets itself apart with a bold design that is both distinctive and modern. The SUV sports a more commanding front end, featuring integrated LED headlights and a sleek, glass-covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip. This design choice not only underscores the Tiguan’s unique character but also contributes to a notable improvement in aerodynamics, reducing the drag coefficient from 0.33 to 0.28. The athletic shoulder sections above the wheel housings and the available 20-inch wheels further accentuate its dynamic presence. A new horizontal LED strip between the rear tail light clusters emphasizes the vehicle’s width, enhancing its rear profile.
The Tiguan now offers three new color options: Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, and Oyster Silver Metallic, allowing buyers to further personalize their vehicle.
Innovative Interior and Infotainment System
Volkswagen has reimagined the Tiguan’s interior to reflect both luxury and functionality. The cabin boasts high-quality materials and a sophisticated design that sets new standards in its class. The redesigned cockpit features the latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB4), including a new Digital Cockpit with a tablet-like display, a large infotainment screen (12.9 inches standard, with an optional 15-inch display), and a new head-up display. The multifunction driving gear shift now includes an integrated OLED display, enhancing both aesthetics and usability.
Comfort is paramount with the new ergoActive Plus leather seats, which come with pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and a 10-chamber pressure massage function. These seats are standard on the R-Line derivative and optional on the Life variant.
Advanced Lighting and Practicality
For the first time, the Tiguan is available with IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights. This advanced lighting system features 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs, providing high-definition illumination that enhances visibility and safety.
Despite only a slight increase in overall length, the new Tiguan offers a significant improvement in cargo space, with the luggage compartment expanding by 37 litres to a total of 652 litres. This increase underscores Volkswagen’s commitment to practical design.
Driver Assistance and Infotainment Features
The Tiguan comes equipped with a comprehensive suite of driver assistance systems, including Park Assist Plus, which facilitates assisted parking, and a range of other features such as Trailer Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control, and Lane Assist. The new MIB4 infotainment system is designed for ease of use, with a redesigned graphical interface and customizable home screen tiles. The system’s touch display includes backlit sliders for adjusting cabin temperature and volume, streamlining the driving experience.
Tiguan Specifications and Pricing
The new Tiguan offers several configurations, each with distinct features. Standard highlights include 17-inch Bari alloy wheels, Eco LED headlights, and a 12.9-inch Composition Media touchscreen. The Life variant adds features like Light Assist and ambient lighting, while the R-Line model includes sportier touches such as LED Plus headlights and ErgoActive seats.
Engine options at launch include the 1.4 TSI 110kW with a 7-speed DSG transmission, followed by the 2.0 TDI 110kW and 2.0 TSI 140kW engines later in the year. Pricing starts at R651,500 for the base model, with higher trims available at increased price points. The Tiguan comes with a comprehensive warranty and service plan, ensuring peace of mind for owners.
The new Volkswagen Tiguan represents a sophisticated blend of advanced technology and modern design. With its expanded cargo space, state-of-the-art features, and charismatic aesthetics, it is poised to continue its success in the competitive SUV market.
