7DSG for VW's 2011 Tiguan

VOLKSWAGEN has released a 2011 model year version of its popular Tiguan compact SUV with an upgraded seven-speed DSG transmission that improves the performance and efficiency of automatic models for no extra cost.

The German maker’s latest dual-clutch automated manual transmission – featuring the same wet-plate clutch design that debuted in the new Transporter, Caravelle and Multivan range - replaces the current six-speed automatic option.

While Tiguan manual prices also remain unchanged, automatic versions are now claimed to be 16 per cent more fuel-efficient, with average fuel consumption for the mid-range 103kW TDI diesel variant (still priced at $39,190 – or $36,690 for the manual) falling to 6.6 litres per 100km.

Similarly, when optioned with the new 7DSG auto, the entry-level Tiguan 125TSI ($36,490, or $33,990 for the manual) uses 13 per cent less petrol, at 8.8L/100km – the same consumption as the auto-only flagship 147TSI (still $42,990).