Volkswagen’s R badge might not be as well regarded as the BMW ‘M’, but it has brought some pretty punchy machines to market.
But, unlike the Golf R32 that looked to carve out its own slice of hot hatch history, the new R Line model is an altogether less exciting prospect.
Based on the Sport model, the new Volkswagen Tiguan R Line will be available with a choice of unmodified engines that include two lukewarm diesel options or a slightly tepid petrol unit - given the car's size. The company’s 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engine will be available with either 138bhp or 168bhp, and the 2.0-litre TSI engine will turn out 197bhp.
The engineers at Volkswagen Individual, the special projects division of VW responsible for other ‘hot’ models including the Passat R36 and Touareg R50, have updated the Tiguan’s body with a new front splitter and blistered wheel arches. The Tiguan R Line gets a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser, as well as a rear spoiler and sill extensions. The R Line look is finished with new 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels.
Prices start from £24,635 for the 138bhp diesel and rise to £26,305 for the petrol model, but customers do get a new R Line flat-bottomed steering wheel, ‘R’ logo-ed sports seats and dual zone climate control as standard kit.