2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R price cut, as premium audio reverted to options list

Volkswagen Australia has cut the price of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R ahead of launch – but the reduction in price hasn't come without a reduction in equipment.

Mirroring a similar move taken for the new Golf R hatch and wagon earlier this month, Volkswagen Australia has reduced the price of the new Tiguan R performance SUV by $1000, to $68,990 – but at the same time reverted the Harman Kardon premium sound system from standard-fit to a $1000 option.

Whereas the removal of the Harman Kardon system as standard equipment in the Golf R was a necessary measure designed to prevent a production stoppage of a few months due to a lack of semiconductor chips, its removal in the Tiguan R appears to be precautionary – for now.

Volkswagen Australia says it "is aware of the possibility" of a shortage similar to that being experienced by the Golf R – and removing the Harman Kardon system from the standard feature list would allow some Tiguan R production for Australia to continue without interruption, should the system suddenly become unavailable.

"The majority of the more than 7000 expressions of interest and the 1000 paid deposits for our new R range have so far been for the Tiguan R," said Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in Australia, Michal Szaniecki .

"To keep the lines running, Harmon Kardon becomes optional on the Tiguan R as it is with the Golf. Harman Kardon Tiguan Rs are still being built, so too will be versions with the standard eight-speaker audio system familiar from the rest of the Tiguan range."

For more details on Australian pricing and specifications for the new Volkswagen Tiguan R, click here to read Drive's earlier story.

The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R will launch in Australia in April, alongside the Golf R hatch – though VW Australia says the Tiguan "will not begin to be visible in showrooms until May or June along with Golf R Wagons."