The Volkswagen Tiguan R has confirmed to be a gross sales success each right here in Australia and world wide, however the German model hasn’t dedicated to a successor – a minimum of for now…
Talking with CarExpert on the Australian media launch of the up to date Golf R Mk8.5, head of gross sales and advertising on the Volkswagen R efficiency division, Pedro Martinez Diaz, left the door open to a brand new go-fast Tiguan.
“I’d by no means say no. The Tiguan [R] was very profitable in Europe and Australia… we’ll see,” Mr Martinez Diaz mentioned.
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Pictured: Earlier-generation Volkswagen Tiguan R
First revealed in 2020, the Volkswagen Tiguan R was a fully-fledged efficiency hero of the second-generation Tiguan lineup, packing the identical 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine because the Mk8 Golf R scorching hatch.
Australia acquired a barely milder 400Nm tune due our market not receiving a petroleum particulate filter (PPF) just like the European specification, however even with 20Nm much less torque the recent mid-size SUV may sprint from 0-100km/h in a claimed 5.1 seconds.
It proved common in Australia too, regardless of a price ticket eclipsing $70,000 earlier than on-road prices. Whereas VW Australia hasn’t quoted precise gross sales figures, demand typically outstripped provide domestically, prompting the model’s native arm to supply a 300-unit run of Grid Editions which went with out some luxurious options throughout the international semiconductor scarcity.
For the brand new, third-generation Tiguan vary, probably the most potent variant at the moment is the 195TSI R-Line, which loses out on some grunt and efficiency, however ups it on luxurious options and tech – learn the total value and specs right here.
Little doubt VW’s R division may simply slip the most recent Golf R’s 245kW/420Nm turbocharged drivetrain beneath the most recent Tiguan, which now rides on the identical newer MQB Evo underpinnings because the German hatchback, in addition to a slew of different fashions just like the Cupra Formentor, Leon and Audi S3.
Pictured: 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan 195TSI R-Line
Nevertheless, tightening emissions laws in Europe and the UK probably put an all-out efficiency model of the third-gen Tiguan on the backburner given the nameplate’s reputation, and the necessity to meet fleet emissions targets with a bigger automotive.
Abroad there’s additionally a 200kW/400Nm Tiguan eHybrid PHEV which sits alongside the 195TSI-spec petrol Tiguan, although its FWD-only design means its 0-100km/h tempo pales in comparison with the 195TSI’s 5.8-second acceleration and the outdated R’s 5.1-second time.
Whereas the PHEV can’t beat its combustion-only contemporaries in a drag race, it’ll do over 100km of EV-only driving per cost and quotes mixed gasoline consumption of simply 0.4L/100km with a full battery, so you’ll be able to see why this drivetrain might have acquired desire over a brand new R.
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