Third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan debuts

VOLKSWAGEN has pulled the wraps off its new, third generation Tiguan mid-sized SUV that ushers in not only a new look, but a raft of new technologies extending throughout the vehicle from the wheels up.

A critical model in more ways than one for the financially beleaguered German brand, Tiguan is one of VW’s most successful global nameplates with more than 7.6 million buyers since its debut back in 2007.

The new Tig’ will be in European dealerships early next year, but Australia will have to wait until the end of 2024 or early 2025 for its arrival.

No pricing is available this far out from introduction but gauged from Volkswagen Australia’s recent hefty price hikes that have seen nearly $10,000 added to the bottom line of some models since their introduction, it will likely move into the “premium” SUV segment.

The new model is built on an evolution of the ubiquitous MQB platform that forms the innovative technical basis of this new generation model. VW taps large economies of scale with the MQB (evo) platform that enables the “democratisation” of high-tech developments such as the DCC Pro (Dynamic Chassis Control) and the new hybrid drives with an electric range of around 100km, making them available to hundreds of thousands of drivers.

VW says the new technological developments realised with the MQB evo platform improve the Tiguan in practically every area particularly the new hybrid drives that make it more efficient than ever.

And in deference to VW’s stated electrification objectives, AC re-charging, it is claimed, will be faster in all eHybrid versions, and fast DC re-charging will also be possible as standard for the first time.

The new model features a cleanly designed Digital Cockpit based on the MIB4, the fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix that offers the highest level of information and brings digital services and apps on board.

Making it easier for owners, the system’s operating concept is designed to be consistently self-explanatory.

From a comfort standpoint, new systems such as a pneumatic massage function for the front seats or the IQ.Light HD matrix headlights – used for the first time in the Tiguan – are derived from the premium Touareg model and are aimed at making Tig’ travel more comfortable as well as safer.

The DCC Pro adaptive chassis control, optimises comfort and dynamics while the latest iteration of Park Assist simplifies that most onerous of tasks (for some), driving in and out of parking spaces.

Styled along distinctive Tiguan lines, with discernible VW family cues, the new model is described as having a completely new expressive design featuring improved aerodynamics. VW calls attention to the Tig’s striking front with a “powerful look” highlighted by very flat LED headlights and glass-covered horizontal strip.

Radiator grille openings are re-located to the outer sides of the bumper where air curtains ensure optimum air flow. It’s a clean design that highlights the new models improved, lower drag coefficient dropping from 0.33Cd to a quieter and more efficient 0.28Cd.

The vehicle’s silhouette is characterised by “athletic” shoulders over the wheel arches with up to 20-inch wheels. At the back, VW has added a horizontal LED strip adds to emphasis the “unmistakeable” Tiguan look.

Inside we find a new cockpit and infotainment system with claimed higher quality materials and workmanship.

They made the new cockpit “landscape” intuitive to use, closely integrated, and with a clean and smart design. Modules included in the new Digital Cockpit are digital instruments with anti-reflective coating in tablet landscape format, an infotainment screen that measures up to 380mm (15.0 inches) and has an entirely new menu structure and graphics.

This is in addition to a new head-up display and a new multifunction driving experience switch with integrated OLED display.

A rotary control with its own mini screen can be used to control the driving profile, radio volume and the background lighting colours. Numerous vehicle and infotainment functions can also be easily adjusted using natural language with the new IDA voice assistant.

Using the MQB evo platform facilitates the use of various drive types that include turbo diesel engines (TDI), turbo petrol engines (TSI), mild hybrid turbo petrol engines (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid systems (eHybrid), which will be offered exclusively in conjunction with the dual-clutch transmission (DSG).

Channelling the Volkswagen ID. Models, and the new Passat, the gear position will be changed in new gen Tig’ to a steering column switch on the right of the steering wheel with a self-explanatory operating principle.

The switch is turned forwards to D to drive forwards and backwards to R to reverse, while the parking brake is activated by pressing the side of the switch. All Tiguan models have paddle shift behind the steering wheel spokes.

Running gear is electronically controlled with the MQB evo providing the basis for a new running gear generation.  The adaptive chassis control DCC is revamped along with the optional DCC Pro with two-valve shock absorbers.

The new model scores a Vehicle Dynamics Manager as standard – lifted from the current Golf GTI that controls the functions of the electronic differential locks (XDS) and the lateral dynamics components of the controlled shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system.

It also handles wheel-specific braking interventions and selective changes in the shock absorber hardness giving greater comfort and enhanced performance during fast cornering.

Quaintly named ErgoActive Plus seats feature pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function, not forgetting a programming function for automatic activation of the seat heating or seat ventilation at certain outside temperatures.

Aiding night vision, Tig’ gains the newly developed IQ.Light HD matrix headlights with better, brighter and whiter beams; an “interactive lighting system” developed in parallel with larger, more expensive Touareg.

The new Tiguan is equipped with a large number of convenience and assist systems as standard, the usual candidates like lane change system, Autonomous Emergency Braking, lane keeping system and rear-view camera system as well as Dynamic Road Sign Display and other ADAS kit.

There is more room this time around too particularly for luggage as the new Tig has increased in length by approximately 30mm, but the height, width and wheelbase remain practically identical to the predecessor.

While we await the third generation Tiguan, Volkswagen Australia has announced the current Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace are now back in stock across the range following unavailability of the 132TSI and 162TSI earlier this year.

Adequate stock of Tiguan five-seater arriving in VW dealerships now in various flavours and the 110TSI “remains in strong supply for both Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace”.

Volkswagen’s Aussie outpost tells us several months of Tiguan Allspace production has been built for Australia, awaiting shipment that is “currently slower than the usual cadence of ships from its factory’s port”.

Further, the Tiguan Allspace Adventure is sold out and production concluded.

For next year, the 147TDI will be discontinued in both Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace and electric tailgate, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert will return to Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace in Elegance and R-Line. Proactive Occupant Protections System also makes a return to Tiguan Elegance and R-Line.

The harman/kardon audio system will return as standard on Tiguan R next year.

VW Australia will late this year or early next year switch to MY24 for both Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace but as already mentioned, the new generation won’t arrive until late 2024 or early 2025.