Volkswagen boosts Tiguan’s Adventure credentials

VOLKSWAGEN Australia has introduced a pair of new variants to its Tiguan mid-size SUV range, dubbed the Adventure, aimed at offering a more off-road focus to the city-centric crossover range, with prices kicking off from $43,990 plus on-road costs.

Based on the 132TSI and 110TDI Comfortline models, the Adventure commands a $2500 premium over those variants, with the diesel priced from $45,490, and the pair gain a number of stylistic and equipment tweaks to differentiate them from the rest of the Tiguan range.

Exterior changes include a newly designed front bumper that increases the vehicle’s approach angle to 24 degrees, additional underbody protection, 18-inch Nizza alloy wheels, a Volkswagen Genuine Accessory roof rack, power folding door mirrors, LED headlights and daytime running lights and Adventure badging.

A unique exterior colour – Atlantic Blue metallic – is offered for the Adventure, as well as Pure White, Tungsten Silver metallic, Indium Grey metallic and Deep Black pearl effect. Metallic and pearl effect paint sets buyers back an extra $700.

Inside, the Adventure benefits from an ErgoActive 14-way adjustable driver’s seat with electric lumbar adjustment and massage function, Art Velours microfleece upholstery, aluminium front door sill scuff plates with ‘off-road’ lettering, heated front sport seats, keyless entry and an electric tailgate.

Two options are available for the Adventure – a driver assistance package and panoramic sunroof – both of which cost an additional $2000.

No changes have been made to the powertrains underpinning the Adventure pair, which include a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol unit and 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel donk.

Both variants use a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission sending power to all four wheels.

The Tiguan has experienced a strong swell in sales since the new-generation version launched in September last year, with Volkswagen recording 5917 sales to the end of July, compared to the 2398 sold to the same point last year.

That tally is enough for eighth in the mid-size SUV segment, behind the likes of the Mazda CX-5 with 15,229 sales, Hyundai Tucson (14,555), Toyota RAV4 (12,547) and Nissan X-Trail (11,350).

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Adventure pricing*

132TSI (a)	$43,990
110TDI (a)	$45,490

*Excludes on-road costs