Volkswagen Tiguan R revealed with 320hp

VW deploys its tried and tested R formula to maximum, crowd-pleasing effect

Did you look at the all-new Arteon R last week, and think: "well, yes, that's great - but can I buy it as a compact SUV?" Because if you did, your luck is very much in. Realistically, the Arteon unveil was an interesting undercard showing ahead of the main event; the Tiguan R is VW's real money maker. In case you hadn't realised, it claims the Tiguan as the best-selling SUV in Europe - and currently the 'most successful' Volkswagen in the world. Statements which underline the importance of a standalone performance version.

Naturally its maker says it's the most dynamic Tiguan since it sliced the first Tiguan from the production line - but that's a given, it's never built an R version (or anything like it) before. The formula is instantly recognisable because you were treated to the meat of it last week: the range-topper getting the same 320hp 2.0-litre turbocharged engine, seven-speed dual-clutch 'box and adaptive all-wheel drive system as last week's Arteon R.

Like that model, we're expecting the new wheel selective torque vectoring tech to be the Tiguan's real trump card. No more laggardly nibbling at the brakes, the R can send power side to side - reputedly 100 per cent of available torque, depending on steering angle, accelerator pedal position, lateral acceleration, yaw rate and speed. Moreover, the system is tailored to work differently in different drive modes, including a 'Race' setting which can be accessed instantly by pushing the blue R button on the new sports steering wheel.

Volkswagen says this turns the Tiguan R 'into a sports car at the touch of a button' - which it doesn't, of course, because it's still very definitely an SUV. But if it's been tuned to work deftly enough with the standard adaptive suspension (10mm lower than the base model) then it's very likely that the model will cover ground in the fast and enjoyably plush way we've all come to appreciate.

Certainly everything else seems to be all present and correct. You get unique bumpers, a distinctive rear diffuser, wheel arch extensions and 21-inch wheels with 18-inch brakes behind them as standard. Plus a four-branch sports exhaust with chrome tips - which you can upgrade to a full Akrapovic titanium exhaust if you wish. Inside there are obviously sports seats, some decorative trim and a smattering of R badges. There are even 'Offroad' and 'Snow' modes for that gooey, go-anywhere feeling.

"The Tiguan R really enhances the product family. It boasts all the attributes we know and expect from an R model - sportiness and race track capability allied with complete suitability for everyday use featuring an expressive design," cooed Jost Capito, Volkswagen R's Director. That rather says it all. We don't know UK prices yet or even exact performance figures - but they hardly matter. The Tiguan R is primed to sell like the proverbial hot cake. Expect to see them on many, many driveways well before the end of the year.