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Volkswagen Tiguan, a million-dollar hit

The Volkswagen Tiguan has been Volkswagen’s best-selling model worldwide for many years. Since it debuted in 2007, more than 7.4 million motorists worldwide have already opted for the versatile SUV, and the model is also wildly popular in the Netherlands…. Now Volkswagen is adding a new chapter to that success story.

Some highlights

The new generation Volkswagen Tiguan gets, among other things, a newly developed suspension with active damping and optional HD matrix headlights. The model sits on the latest version of the MQB evo platform. Combined with plug-in hybrid drive, the new Tiguan is capable of driving up to 100 kilometers entirely electric.

About MQB evo

Volkswagen has further developed the modular base for the new Tiguan. This new generation bears the name MQB evo. “High-tech systems are well combined on this MQB evo platform. Examples include the new generation of plug-in hybrid powertrains with an electric driving range of up to 100 kilometers, probably the best adaptive suspension in this segment, premium interior quality and an equally new and intuitively operable infotainment system,” said Kai Grünitz, Volkswagen board member for Technical Development.

IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights

The Tiguan will be one of the first cars in its class to get optional HD matrix headlights. The IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlight technology was developed jointly for the Tiguan and Touareg. Based on the top-down principle, top-of-the-line lighting technology now becomes available for the Tiguan in the mid-range segment.

This is the interior

The interior of the Tiguan has been completely redesigned. For example, the Tiguan gets a newly developed instrument cluster and a new infotainment system. A screen with a diagonal of up to 38 centimeters (15 inches) provides quick and easy access to functions such as navigation, music and climate control, and can also be customized to your own taste. Volkswagen further uses high-quality materials, comfortable seats with seat ventilation and effective sound insulation. The center console now offers more space to store items

Automatic only

The new Tiguan comes exclusively with an automatic transmission (DSG). As on Volkswagen’s ID. models, the gear is now selected via a switch to the right of the steering wheel on the dashboard. Shift paddles are located behind the steering wheel.

Adaptive dampers

The MQB evo platform is the basis for a new generation of the adaptive suspension Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC): the optional DCC Pro, equipped with dual-valve shock absorbers. In addition, the new model now comes standard with Vehicle Dynamics Manager, an MQB system that previously debuted on the current Golf GTI. The system controls the functions of the electronic limited slip differential (XDS) and components of the shock absorbers in the DCC Pro system.

Thanks to the Vehicle Dynamics Manager, which can apply braking interventions to individual wheels and adjust the stiffness of individual shock absorbers, handling characteristics have become more neutral, stable, agile and precise, Volkswagen promises.

eTSI and eHybrid

Thanks to the MQB evo platform, several powertrain options are available for the new Tiguan. In the Netherlands, it will be available exclusively with hybrid drive, in the form of mild-hybrid turbocharged gasoline engines (eTSI) and plug-in hybrid systems (eHybrid). The electric driving range of the new plug-in hybrid powertrains has been increased to as much as 100 kilometers depending on equipment. In addition, AC charging is now faster in all eHybrid versions and DC fast charging is now possible for the first time.

ergoActive front seats

Optionally, the Tiguan becomes available with ergoActive front seats. For example, these seats get four-way adjustable pneumatic lumbar supports and a pneumatic ten-chamber pressure point massage function in the backrests; features normally offered only in the premium class. The ergoActive seats also feature seat heating and ventilation.

Dimensions of new Volkswagen Touareg

The new Tiguan is 32 mm longer (4,551 mm) than its predecessor, while height has increased only slightly, by five millimeters (1,640 mm, 1,659 mm incl. roof rails). Width (1,939 mm) and wheelbase (2,681 mm) remained unchanged. However, the luggage space of the new Tiguan has grown substantially, by 33 liters to 648 liters (loaded to the height of rear seat backs). Headroom has also been further improved, by 9 mm in the front (up to 1,058 mm) and 10 mm in the rear (up to 1,022 mm).