VW Tiguan Takes the Power Steroids

Paul Myles

TU-Editor

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26th February 2021

Volkswagen’s best-selling compact SUV, the Tiguan, is celebrating its 13^th birthday taking a large dose of automotive steroids in the shape of the Tiguan R.

This beast is powered by the group’s EA888 evo4 four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine. In this guise it produces 316bhp and 309ft-lbs of torque enough to claim a 0-to-62mph acceleration of 4.9 seconds and a limited top speed of 155mph. The Tiguan R matches its T-Roc R stablemate in these figures and is just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R on the sprint.

The powertrain is married to a

The R’s winning formula of a 7-speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION four-wheel drive employing the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system distributing drive power to all four wheels. The system not only manages this between the front and rear axles but also between the two rear wheels. Up to 100% of available torque can be directed to the rear wheel on the outside of a bend to enhance handling and eliminating understeer.

This R model features adaptive chassis control (DCC) as standard, and rides 10mm (about half and inch) lower than any other Tiguan. In addition, the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been adapted individually to the Tiguan R.

It boasts 21-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels as standard with 18-inch discs gripped by blue-painted calipers with R-logo on the front units. Hallmark R quad tailpipes can be replaced by the optional Akrapovič performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter in weight than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes.

Andrew Savvas, managing director at Volkswagen UK, said: “The Tiguan has long been regarded as Volkswagen’s ultimate all-rounder, possessing space, power, quality, flexibility and the security of 4MOTION four-wheel drive. Now, the Tiguan has another feather in its cap – a genuine performance SUV model, honed for spirited drivers by Volkswagen’s respected R division, complete with the impressive R-Performance Torque Vectoring system. This makes it an even more thrilling and sporty driving experience.” The Tiguan R is now available to order for European customers, priced from £45,915 ($64,936) including taxes.

— Paul Myles is a seasoned automotive journalist based in London. Follow him on Twitter @Paulmyles_