Volkswagen clients can now order the most powerful Tiguan available. 2021 marks the first time in its 13-year history that the Tiguan, the best-selling SUV across the Volkswagen brand and Volkswagen Group globally, has been given a stand-alone performance model: the Tiguan R. And now the car enters the UK market, available to order for UK customers, priced from £45,915.
The Tiguan R is powered by Volkswagen’s highly-regarded EA888 evo4 four-cylinder 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine. In this guise it produces 320 PS and 420 Nm of torque, enabling 0 to 62 mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed (where permitted) of 155 mph. The Tiguan R matches its T-Roc R stablemate in these figures, and is just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R on the 0 to 62 mph sprint, proving the versatility and flexibility of the R brand.
The R’s winning formula of a sophisticated 7-speed DSG transmission, muscular petrol engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive are bolstered by the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, which distributes power to all four wheels. The system not only manages this between the front and rear axles, but also between the two rear wheels. Up to 100% of available torque can be directed to the rear wheel on the outside of a bend, which leads to noticeably more agile handling and eliminates understeer.
This new R model features adaptive chassis control (DCC) as standard, and rides 10 mm lower than any other Tiguan. DCC always provides the highest level of driving comfort and optimum driving dynamics. In addition, the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been adapted individually to the Tiguan R.
Sitting on standard-fit 21-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels, the Tiguan R decelerates with the same convincing force as it accelerates, thanks to an 18-inch performance braking system, identifiable by its blue-painted callipers with R-logo on the front units. Hallmark R quad tailpipes are a hint at the model’s power, while the door mirror caps are finished in matt chrome – another key identifier of the revered R brand. An assertive and unique R body kit incorporates sportier front and rear bumpers, with a black rear diffuser adding to the SUV’s purposeful aesthetic. Among the items optionally available for the Tiguan R is an Akrapovič performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter in weight than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes.
The Tiguan R’s standard equipment list builds upon the already impressive R-Line trim and includes Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC); IQ.Light matrix LED headlights; Digital Cockpit Pro with specific R functions; Keyless entry and start; rear view camera; 30-colour ambient lighting; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; and Travel Assist.
