Facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan - We Have Fun In The Sun

The facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan makes a splash in Singapore with two available variants. The Elegance (S$179,900, inclusive of COE), and the range-topping R-Line (S$193,900, inclusive of COE).

The Tiguan, the middle of the brand’s three SUVs available here, has been restyled to more closely match the entry T-Cross and Touareg flagship SUV in styling. Equipment-wise, the Elegance model is shod with 19” wheels, together with anodised Silver roof railing, an 8-inch Composition Media infotainment system, Cruise Control, Driver's seat with electronic adjustments and memory function. The sportier R-Line model gets decked out in an R-Line’ styling pack with ‘R-Line’ design on the front and rear bumpers, black wheel arch extensions, body-coloured side skirts with chrome trim, rear roof spoiler, ‘Carbon Grey’ decorative inserts in dash and door panels, black roof lining and 20” alloy wheels. Fancier styling aside, the R-Line also gets a larger 9.2-inch Discover Pro' infotainment system with navigation, front seats with electronic adjustments and memory function, driver's seat with comfort entry/exit function, leather-wrapped multi-function 'R-Line' sports steering wheel with capacitive touch-sensitive control and added assistance features like Park Assist (semi-automated parking assistant) and a 360° Area View camera system. The Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC), which allows you to control the suspension's firmness, is probably the biggest justification to the $14,000 price difference between the two models.

The new infotainment interface is powered by Volkswagen’s new Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB3) that includes on it natural voice control and easy access to infotainment apps such as Google Maps, Waze and Spotify through touchscreen. Mobile devices are also supported, with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Mirrorlink connectivity.

There is just one 2.0 turbocharged engine option, producing 190hp and 320Nm, that is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission. Elsewhere, there is a 1.5 litre variant, with the same engine found in the new Mk8 Golf, but we understand that Volkswagen Singapore does not have plans to import the car, since the engine produces 150hp, classifying it as a Category B COE car.

All models are full-time AWD, featuring a new 4MOTION system which includes Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), ASR (Traction Control), and EDTC (Engine Drag Torque Control). The system can be toggled with the 4MOTION Active Control switch, located behind the gearshift lever, allowing for optimised performance for both on and off-road driving conditions, and the following images are testament to how well the system works.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is available from 8 October.

Credits: Words: Clifford Chow. Photos: Volkswagen Singapore / Pop Illusion, Clifford Chow