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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R spied during Nurburgring testing

Volkswagen Australia says it would 'certainly be keen' for a high-performance Tiguan.


The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R has been spied carrying out performance testing on the Nürburgring, with new photos revealing more details of the powered-up version of the popular crossover car.

Although its camouflage has been reduced, the Tiguan R pictured here retains some coverage on its headlights, exhaust pipes and grille, all expected to borrow cues from the new-generation Golf 8.

Despite these disguised elements, it's clear the Tiguan R will boast a more aggressive front bumper featuring big air intakes, plus a bigger grille and quad exhaust pipes.

As is typical of Volkswagen's R models, the Tiguan R also has big blue brake callipers fitted over larger brake discs.

While not confirmed, it's expected the Tiguan R will receive the same performance-specified version of Volkswagen's EA888 engine that powers the Golf R, among other Volkswagen Group offerings.

This will likely boast an increased output in line with the next-generation Mk8 Golf R, which a leaked presentation revealed could reach up to 245kW and 400Nm in Europe.

It's expected the Tiguan R will also receive Volkswagen's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as standard.

Asked whether the performance crossover is likely to make it Down Under, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said there was certainly an appetite for it in the local market.

"In terms of Australia’s appetite, we know our customers love performance vehicles - the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line for example remains one of our most popular models - we would certainly be keen to introduce a high performance Tiguan if it became available to us," the spokesperson told CarAdvice. 

In 2019, the Volkswagen Tiguan had a 4.5 per cent share of Australia's medium SUV market, with Volkswagen adding a limited-edition R-Line version of its mid-spec Tiguan 132TSI in April 2019.

Volkswagen Australia's director for customer experience and marketing, Jason Bradshaw, has previously said around 80 per cent of customers purchasing the top-selling, top-spec 162TSI – whether in five-seat or seven-seat Allspace guise – opt for the sportier R-Line package.

Currently, the only model available as a performance R variant in Australia is the flagship Golf variant.

A facelifted version of the existing Tiguan is also expected, although Australian timing remains unclear.

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Susannah Guthrie

Susannah Guthrie has been a journalist for over a decade, covering everything from world news to fashion, entertainment, health and now cars. Having previously worked across titles like The New Daily, Elle, Harper's Bazaar, People Magazine and Cosmopolitan, Susannah now relishes testing family cars with the help of her husband and two-year-old son.

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