The latest generation VW Tiguan: with a bang in the grand finale

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The SUV Tiguan has become a bestseller in the Volkswagen model range: even in Switzerland, it has always been among the top 4 best-selling cars in the last five years. After more than three million units have been sold worldwide since its launch in 2007, the third generation will launch in early 2024.

It is no longer a secret: it will be the last Tiguan. At least in Europe, the expiration date is set at 2035, when the internal combustion engine will become extinct on our continent. However, the mid-range SUV should say goodbye with a bang. The last generation may celebrate its world premiere at the International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich (Germany) in September.

Tiguan in ID suit

Visually, inside and out, there is a clear approach to electrified ID models, which will gradually form the majority of the Volkswagen model range. As with the smaller ID.3, the gear lever has been moved from the center console to the steering column. The newly created area has a new rotary knob to control drive modes, terrain programs, volume and backlight.

In addition to the 10.25-inch instrument display, the customer can, somewhat surprisingly, choose between a 12.9- or 15-inch central infotainment display. Finally, the head-up display on the Tiguan projects information directly onto the windshield, not onto a small piece of plastic.

Could get a little bigger

The height of the new Tiguan generation increased by 3.2 centimeters to 4.51 meters, while other dimensions remained almost unchanged. The slight reduction in height and fine-tuning of the hull lead to a significant improvement in aerodynamics. This makes it possible to reduce the drag coefficient from 0.34 to about 0.29.

The interior has been preserved and is still lavish. The trunk has been increased by 30 liters to 550 liters, while the maximum towing capacity is between 2000 and 2300 kilograms, depending on the model.

more and faster

Further development of the plug-in hybrid system (PHEV) is crucial. It is scheduled to hit the market three months after the first combustion models. Battery capacity has doubled from nine to 18 kilowatt-hours (kWh), increasing the all-electric range from 50 to nearly 100 kilometers. Whereas the previous model only allowed four hours of AC full charge with up to 3.6 kW of charging power, the charging time has now been reduced to less than half an hour with the 50 kW DC fast charger.

The PHEV drive combines a 156 hp (115 kW) 1.4 liter petrol engine with a 130 hp (96 kW) electric front motor. Two performance versions of 204 hp (150 kW) and 272 hp (200 kW) can be realized with software settings. The maximum torque remains at 400 Newton meters.

As before, all-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan will only be offered as pure combustion engines due to rear axle space issues. Their performance remains the same as the previous model: 150 hp (110 kW) is provided by both a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. The existing 120 hp (88 kW) diesel engine has been dropped and the 200 hp version now has to make do with 193 hp (142 kW). There will likely be a price increase. We expect around 40,000 francs for the basic version. The entry-level model currently starts at CHF 36,900.

Subdued Tiguan

A major technical achievement in the new Tiguan is the variable damping system with two valves per shock absorber: one for the compression stage and the other for the rebound stage. It is the first car of a volume brand with this technology.

When driving for the first time on the Tiguan prototype, which is still camouflaged, the more direct response of the steering wheel and only minimal lateral body movements are pleasing. Also positive: The different driving modes differ significantly more than before. In particular, the comfort mode is much more comfortable, and the sport mode is tighter and more direct.

Source: Blick