R Line Tiguan not for Oz
BY MARTON PETTENDY | 16th Apr 2009
Not to be confused with the German maker’s performance-enhanced R model line, which comprises the Touareg R50, Passat R36 and soon-to-be-replaced Golf R32, the Tiguan R Line is an official factory-fitted accessory kit available through VW Individual for all variants of the mid-sized SUV range.
As such, Volkswagen Group Australia (VGA) says the Tiguan’s R Line bodykit would only cause confusion in Australia.
“We already offer accessory features for the Tiguan through Volkswagen Individual,” said VGA press and PR manager Karl Gehling. “Unlike our existing R models, the Tiguan R Line does not offer any performance increase, so it would only cause confusion here.”Mr Gehling said Volkswagen had no current plans to offer a fully-fledged R version of the Tiguan.
For the record, the Tiguan R Line kit comprises a new body-coloured front splitter and unique matt chrome grille section for the front bumper, plus body-colour side skirts with matt chrome highlights, a new rear bumper with small diffuser, a subtle roof spoiler and R Line 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels with 255/40 tyres.
Inside, the R Line kit, to be available in Germany from mid-2009 via VW Individual, which was established in 2003, includes a new flat-bottomed multi-function steering wheel, contoured sports seats with ‘R’ logos, R Line aluminium pedals and trim.
It is available in five colour choices: Candy White (pictured), Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Biscay Blue and Mountain Grey.