Volkswagen’s redesinged Tiguan SUV has taken to center stage at the Geneva Motor Show. The updated Tiguan adopts VW’s latest corporate face.
Having launched in 2007, the Tiguan is due for its first significant update. Although not a complete re-do like its big brother Touareg received, the update should keep the Tiguan fresh for the remainder of its life cycle.
Following in the footsteps of the Eos and Touareg, the 2012 Tiguan is trading its bubbly front fascia for VW’s new straight-edge look — complete with LED headlights. VW previously released images of two different Tiguan front bumpers, but failed to release details on either model. Now, we know that the differentiation designates two distinct models: one for on-road, and one for off-road.
VW boldly and proudly proclaims that the Tiguan is the only such vehicles in its class to offer such distinct models, naming its top two variations “Track & Style,” and “Sport & Style.” The unique fascias serve a functional role, taking the road going model’s approach angle of 18 degrees, for example, being surpassed by the off-road model’s 28 degree angle of approach.
In Europe, three of the seven engines on offer are new to the Tiguan, with all of them being direct injected four-cylinder engines with forced induction. Four gas engines are available, with power ranging from 122 to 210 horsepower, while three TDI diesels are also available, with horsepower ranging from 110 to 170. A new seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox (DSG) is also optional, with a six-speed transmission standard.
All models that come with Blue Motion Technology also feature a Stop/Start system to further reduce fuel consumption in urban driving. New assistance systems such as fatigue detection, the camera-based main beam control systems Light Assist and Dynamic Light Assist, as well as the lane-keeping system Lane Assist will now expand the range of available options. Also new in the Tiguan: the XDS electronic differential lock.
Sales of the new Tiguan have already begun in Germany with UK sales set to kick off this summer. Although VW considers the U.S. to be a “high-volume” market for the Tiguan, just over 20,000 buyers signed up for the Tiguan last year, ensuring the revised SUV will probably be a little late to our shores.
By comparison, the class-leading Honda CR-V tallied more than 203,000 sales last year.
