2021 VW Tiguan R order books open
Golf R too obvious? T-Roc R too small? Golf R Estate too dowdy? The Tiguan is here
Never let it be said that Volkswagen doesn't offer its buyers choice, especially when it comes to fast cars. Already we have five derivatives of performance Golf, with a sixth to follow soon, the Up GTI serves to remind us that fun doesn't need 400hp, and the Arteon R is imminent as well - with a swoopy Shooting Brake estate, too.
Thursday's news is that the Tiguan R is now on sale to UK customers, priced from £45,915. Surprisingly, it's the first proper performance flagship for the Tiguan range since its 2008 launch - don't expect it to be the last. It makes use of the Golf R's powertrain, predictably enough, with 320hp and 310lb ft from the 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder channelled through a seven-speed DSG. A 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds is a couple of tenths off the Golf R's, and just the thing to make an impression on the way home from school. Top speed is 155mph.
Also like the equivalent hatch, the Tiguan R boasts the latest generation of 4Motion all-wheel drive, meaning R-Performance Torque Vectoring that can apportion up to 100 per cent of the torque to the outside rear wheel. VW reckons this "leads to noticeably more agile handling and eliminates understeer". The DCC adaptive dampers are standard for the Tiguan where they are optional on the Golf; still, with these snazzy but very large 21-inch wheels as standard, the best suspension possible might be wise.
There are a few more boxes to dab in on the VW R bingo card before we're done: note the four exhausts, matt chrome mirrors, black rear diffuser and blue brake calipers. An Akrapovic exhaust doesn't yet have a price confirmed, but will be an option for UK customers - excellent.
Perhaps the biggest area of differentiation between Golf and Tiguan is inside, the SUV continuing with an older design of interior and so featuring - get this - buttons. The HVAC controls also look a little more logical, even if they appear to have switched physical switches for haptic ones. Notable upgrades for the cabin include an R button on the steering wheel to cycle through drive modes (also selectable on the dial by the gearstick), chunky shift paddles like the Golf R and sports seats in 'Sardegna' cloth.
As mentioned, the Tiguan is kicking off from £45,915, or £6,645 more than the standard Golf R hatch. Which actually leaves it in an odd place market-wise, undercutting premium rivals like the BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 - both comfortably more than £50k - but also carrying a premium over cars like the Cupra Ateca, which starts at £38,600. Nevertheless, it isn't hard to see the Tiguan R proving popular in a territory with an insatiable fast SUV appetite. And if this isn't the VW that perfectly suits your lifestyle, then the Touareg R is on sale next month. No, really...
- 2021 VW Golf R | UK Review
- 320hp Arteon R Shooting Brake revealed
- VW T-Roc R vs. Ford Focus ST estate
I see it as very desirable - much more than a Golf R which while it may be a little more dynamic isn't for me exciting enough for me to not like a higher ride height etc that this has.
I see it as very desirable - much more than a Golf R which while it may be a little more dynamic isn't for me exciting enough for me to not like a higher ride height etc that this has.
Ignoring the depreciation, one of these would be a lovely thing to own.
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Yeah! You can have *checks notes* a Golf R, a slightly bigger Golf R, an even bigger Golf R, a Golf GTI, a GTI with a bit more power, or a smaller Golf GTI with a bit less power. Such variety!
Add also: posh and/or Spanish variations of the above for some Latin flair!
If a turd was produced with 4 wheels then this site would endorse it as the best thing since the German sausage! I have just looked & for virtually every day when articles are posted it s German car, what a surprise. Yes they produce decent cars I have plenty of them, but there are other manufacturers out there, & particularly other sports car manufacturers than Porsche.
If a turd was produced with 4 wheels then this site would endorse it as the best thing since the German sausage! I have just looked & for virtually every day when articles are posted it s German car, what a surprise. Yes they produce decent cars I have plenty of them, but there are other manufacturers out there, & particularly other sports car manufacturers than Porsche.
I would also question the costs. I know that VAG will make far larger margins on this model than a basic Tiguan but in the real world a 150 diesel model will suit the vast majority of people interested in a family SUV. Good to have the choice though.
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