2017 Volkswagen Tiguan:: Australian specifications revealed

Volkswagen Australia today announced most of the specifications for the three-variant, second-generation Tiguan medium SUV range — billed as “one of its most significant launches in recent memory”.

Entry variants will clearly make many prospective Mazda CX-5 or Hyundai Tucson buyers think twice, while the higher-grade model is pushing into premium German territory in terms of the features on offer.

The new-generation Tiguan is bigger between the wheels and much more spacious than before, with its 615L/1655L boot taking it from the bottom of the class to the upper echelon. It’s also billed as more premium and dynamic than before.

The MKII Tiguan will also offer “the most comprehensive package of standard safety technologies in the segment”. All models get low-speed autonomous brakes, lane assist, fatigue detection, an active bonnet, multi-collision braking, parking assist and a rear-view camera.

Five engines will be offered. Under the bonnet of the base 110TSI will be a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with 110kW/250Nm, matched to six-speed manual or six-speed DSG transmissions, with a front-wheel drive layout.

There will be two 2.0-litre turbo-petrols on offer, the 132TSI with 132kW/320Nm and the 162TSI with its 162kW/350Nm engine shared with the Golf GTI. Both of these will come with a DSG only and 4Motion AWD.

The diesel side of the ledger in Australia will comprise two offerings, both with 2.0-litre capacities. These are the 110TDI with 110kW/340Nm, and the 140TDI with 140kW/400Nm. The 176kW/500Nm 176TDI isn’t coming to Australia, which is a shame. These are also DSG-only and AWD-only.

In the familiar Volkswagen naming structure, Tiguans will come in Trendline, Comfortline and Highline specifications with various engine choices (detailed below). We don’t yet know exact pricing, but it’ll be ballpark for the segment.

The Tiguan is a vitally important car for Volkswagen Australia. SUVs presently make up 38 per cent of the total market, and sales of mid-sized SUVs are up 22 per cent and now the second largest vehicle segment after small cars.

In all probability, the Tiguan will join the Golf and Amarok as a range top-seller, given it’s now a more like-for-like CX-5 and Tucson rival in terms of dimensions and practically.

Read our 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan international review here.

Tiguan Trendline (110TSI manual and DSG):
Front Assist with City Emergency Brake
Lane assist
17-inch alloy wheels
Park Assist,
Rear-view camera
Tyre pressure indicator
LED tail lights
8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system
App-Connect (Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
Automatic headlights and rain-sensing windscreen wipers
Cruise control
Leather multi-function steering wheel.

Tiguan Comfortline (110TSI DSG, 110TDI DSG and 132TSI DSG) additions:
Driving profile selection with 4Motion Active Control
Three-zone climate control air conditioning
Satellite navigation
Colour multi-function display
Folding table on front seat backrests
Front fog lights
Carpet floor mats
Extended roof storage console
Luggage floor net
Chrome roof rails and window surrounds
Painted bumper inserts
Storage drawer under the front seats

Tiguan Highline (140TDI DSG and 162TSI DSG) additions:
LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights
18-inch alloy wheels
Keyless access
Electronically-operated tailgate with Easy Open and Close
8.0-inch Discover Pro satellite-navigation system
Vienna leather-appointed upholstery
Heated comfort sport front seats
Electronically-adjustable driver’s seat
Interior ambient lighting and LED reading lights
Power folding door mirrors
Steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles
Dark tinted rear side and rear windows
Premium LED tail lights
Chrome strip in the front lower air intake

Luxury Package (Comfortline)
Vienna leather-appointed upholstery, electronically adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, power folding door mirrors, keyless access, electronically-operated tailgate with Easy Open and Close and a panoramic electric glass sunroof.

Driver Assistance package (Comfortline and Highline)
Adaptive cruise control, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Active Info display, power folding door mirrors and area view.

R-Line Package (Highline)
R-Line body kit, R-Line interior, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control and progressive steering.

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