We drive the Tiguan R
The Volkswagen Tiguan has become a favourite within the local market. It offers practicality, style, technology and that much loved Volkswagen badge. It is available with various engines and spec levels however the flagship just so happens to be the most exciting of them all. This is the Tiguan R. A Golf R in family SUV guise. Here are some things that you need to know about it.
The Volkswagen Tiguan R's sporty demeanour is evident at first glance. Its exterior design features sleek lines, a bold grille, and distinctive R-Line accents that accentuate its performance-focused character. From the front, the LED headlights and daytime running lights create an aggressive and unmistakable presence. The athletic stance is further emphasised by unique alloy wheels and a rear diffuser, which not only enhances the Tiguan R's aerodynamics but also adds to its visual appeal.
Inside, the cabin exudes a blend of sportiness and refinement, with sport seats, R-Line badging, and premium materials that deliver a luxurious and comfortable environment for all occupants. Large screens adorn the facia and provide a modern and entertaining experience. The infotainment system features a large touchscreen display that supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing seamless integration of your smartphone for navigation, music, and communication needs.
Additionally, an available digital instrument cluster provides a customizable and intuitive display, allowing drivers to access vital information with ease. When it comes to safety, the Tiguan R offers a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and blind-spot monitoring, among others, to help keep you and your loved ones safe on the road.
Under the hood, the Volkswagen Tiguan R boasts a potent powertrain that sets it apart from its siblings. Powering this SUV is a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine, delivering an impressive output of 235kW and 400Nm. This remarkable power is channelled to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, enabling the Tiguan R to sprint from 0 to 100km/h in just under five seconds. Whether you're merging onto the N1 highway or embarking on an adventurous road trip to Nelspruit, the Tiguan R's performance capabilities will leave you exhilarated.
To optimise traction and handling, the Tiguan R comes equipped with Volkswagen's renowned 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. This intelligent system continuously monitors the road conditions and seamlessly distributes power to the wheels with the most grip, ensuring enhanced stability and control even in challenging driving situations. Whether you're navigating through slippery terrain or cornering with confidence on winding roads, the Tiguan R's all-wheel drive keeps you connected to the road and enhances your driving confidence.
In summary, the Volkswagen Tiguan R represents the pinnacle of performance and style within the Tiguan lineup. With its powerful engine, advanced all-wheel-drive system, and dynamic chassis control, the Tiguan R offers a thrilling driving experience and after much consideration, would be our preferred choice over the Golf R due to the Tiguans versatility, practicality and space.
Also worth a look: the Volkswagen Golf and the Volkswagen Touareg.
FAQ
Q: What does the Volkswagen Tiguan R cost in South Africa?
The Volkswagen Tiguan R starts from around R899,900 in South Africa, making it one of the pricier performance SUVs in the local market but still competitive against rivals like the BMW X3 M40i.
Q: Is the Tiguan R worth buying over the regular Tiguan?
The Tiguan R is worth the premium if you want proper performance from your family SUV, with 235kW and all-wheel drive making it significantly more exciting than standard Tiguan models, though you'll pay around R200,000 more for the privilege.
Q: How fast is the Volkswagen Tiguan R?
The Tiguan R accelerates from 0-100kph in just 4.9 seconds thanks to its turbocharged 2.0-litre engine producing 235kW and 400Nm, making it genuinely quick for a family SUV.
Q: What are the main competitors to the Tiguan R in South Africa?
The Tiguan R's main rivals include the BMW X3 M40i, Audi SQ5, and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43, with all offering similar performance SUV credentials in the R850,000 to R1,000,000 price range.
Q: Does the Tiguan R have all-wheel drive?
Yes, the Tiguan R comes standard with Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which helps put all 235kW and 400Nm to the ground effectively and provides better traction in all weather conditions.
Should You Buy It?
The Volkswagen Tiguan R is a solid buy if you need a genuinely quick family SUV and can stretch to its R899,900 starting price. It delivers proper Golf R performance in a practical package, with 235kW making it faster than most hot hatches while still offering SUV space and comfort. The build quality is typically Volkswagen solid, the tech is modern, and the 4Motion all-wheel drive system makes it usable year-round. However, at nearly R900,000, it's expensive compared to regular Tiguans, and running costs will be higher. If you want the best performance SUV under R1,000,000 in South Africa, the Tiguan R deserves serious consideration alongside the BMW X3 M40i, but only buy it if you'll actually use that performance regularly.
