The Volkswagen Tiguan, which was launched in the South African market for the first time in 2008, will be getting a new look in 2021.

Now in its third generation, the Tiguan has sold over six million units globally since launch and over 41 000 units in South Africa. The Tiguan was the best-selling medium SUV in South Africa last year, with 4 280 units sold and a 16.2% share of the A SUV segment.

The Tiguan is currently manufactured at four Volkswagen plants spread across four time zones; China, Germany, Mexico and Russia. The Tiguan for the local market, which will be manufactured in Germany, will go on sale from the third quarter of this year.  

New interior and exterior features.

The Tiguan will come with a host of new interior features; a new steering wheel with touch controls is among the key interior highlights. The air conditioning functions have also been digitalised by means of touch sliders and touch buttons. A first for the Tiguan and the Volkswagen model range is the premium and optional Harmon Kardon sound system, with a 16-channel amplifier, eight speakers and a subwoofer.

New specification lines for the Tiguan model range.

The model range comes in three specification lines; the base derivative called the Tiguan, the Tiguan Life and the Tiguan R-Line.

The base derivative Tiguan comes standard with features like
17-inch Montana alloy wheels, LED headlights, leather multi-function steering wheel, cruise control and the new MIB3 Infotainment system’s Composition radio (with eight speakers).

 Positioned above the base derivative is the “Life” specification line. In addition to the standard features on the base derivative, the Tiguan Life comes standard with 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels, LED headlights with cornering lights, Climatronic air conditioning, Park Distance Control in the front and rear as well as an electric tailgate for easy opening and closing. Optional alloy wheels on the Tiguan Life include 18-inch Nizza and 19-inch Victoria Falls.

 The top-of-the-range derivative is the Tiguan R-Line. Standard features include the R-Line exterior package, 19-inch Valencia alloy wheels, ambient lighting with 30 interior lighting options, Vienna leather seats with the R-line Logo in the two front seats, Active Info Display, Composition Media Radio with App Connect, multi-functional steering wheel with touch and swiping actions and the
R-line logo as well as keyless entry. Optional alloy wheels on the

One diesel and two petrol engine derivatives.

The Tiguan model range will come with a choice of three engines which are carried over from the previous model; two petrol and one diesel engine options with power outputs ranging from 110kW to 162kW.

1.4 TSI with 110kW of power. The entry engine in the Tiguan model range is a 6-speed DSG with a power output of 110kW and torque of 250Nm. With a top speed of 200km/h, it reaches 0 – 100km/h in
9.2 seconds.

2.0 TDI with 130kW of power. The only diesel engine in the Tiguan model range has a power output of 130kW and 380Nm of torque. The 7-speed DSG has a top speed of 207km/h and completes the
0 – 100km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds.

2.0 TSI with 162kW of power. The most powerful engine in the model range has a power output of 162kW and torque of 350Nm. It takes just 6.5 seconds for it to complete 0 – 100km/h. This 7-speed DSG engine’s top speed is 225km.

 Pricing for the new Tiguan will be announced closer to the launch date.