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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R revealed as flagship of new-look range

The Volkswagen Tiguan family SUV has received a mid-life update four years after this generation went on sale in Australia.


It promises another step towards autonomous driving tech, and the option of a high performance model for the first time.

Official photos of the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan show the German brand’s biggest selling model (after overtaking the VW Golf last year) will adopt the company’s new front end appearance, notably the chiselled headlights and wide grille that brings it into line with the newest family members.

The interior gains the option of a new 10.25-inch digital instrument display and 8-inch high resolution touchscreen, a new steering wheel design with new touch controls, as well as some trim changes and new charging ports, including USB-C.

 

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The electrically powered tailgate, with sensors that detect a deft swing of the foot to open or close, will be available on more models than before.

Top end models will have memory settings for the power seats and side mirrors – able to switch between different drivers at the press of a button – as well as the option of heated seats.

New ambient lighting for the cabin of top end models will give owners the choice of 15 colours to suit their mood.

US models will have premium audio by Fender, though it’s unclear if that will be offered on examples sold here.

 

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A statement from Volkswagen says the new Tiguan “takes assisted driving one step further” with a new optional feature called Travel Assist.

“The system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Tiguan at speeds of between 0 and 210kmh,” while pointing out “the driver remains responsible for control … at all times”.

The system uses including radar cruise control and lane keeping assistance technology. To activate the next stage in the gradual rollout of autonomous motoring, the driver needs to press the Travel Assist button on the new steering wheel, “but must keep their hands on the steering wheel even when Travel Assist is active”. 

 

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“Touch detection is a great deal more reliable than steering angle-based systems even on long and very flat stretches of road,” Volkswagen said.

The system also takes into account local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts, and will adjust the vehicle’s speed accordingly.

Volkswagen Australia says it is too early to discuss engine options for local showrooms, however Drive understands most will be carryover from today’s model given the extra cost involved in engineering updates to suit our low grade fuel.

A statement from Volkswagen Australia said the company experts to see updated Tiguan next year, but does not yet have official timing.

As for the proposed Volkswagen Tiguan R high performance model, the spokesman said: “We’d love to offer it. Australia remains one of the biggest markets worldwide for R cars, so it would be a perfect fit for us.”

 

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Joshua Dowling

Joshua Dowling has been a motoring journalist for more than 20 years, spending most of that time working for The Sydney Morning Herald (as motoring editor and one of the early members of the Drive team) and News Corp Australia. He joined CarAdvice / Drive in 2018, and has been a World Car of the Year judge for more than 10 years.

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