2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV facelift launched along with sportier R variant
After a long period of testing and leaks, Volkswagen has launched the Tiguan facelift. In 2019, the Tiguan was the most successful model for both the Volkswagen brand and Volkswagen Group, with more than 910,000 units produced. Over its lifetime, more than sixmillion have been produced, and the stage is set for Tiguan to receive a comprehensive update, including new interior and exterior styling, and innovative driver-assistance and comfort features.
The front end is completely new. The new grille, which flows into the standard LED headlights, is wider—forging a visual link between the Tiguan and larger models such as the European Touareg and the Atlas Cross Sport. The new Volkswagen badge is positioned centrally at the front. The eye-catching bumpers have also undergone a makeover.
At the rear, the “Tiguan" lettering is now in a conspicuous central position below the VWbadge. The “4Motion" lettering for the all-wheel drive models has also been redesigned. An updated hands-free Easy Open and Close for the power liftgate is available on midrange models. New wheel designs for every trim line round out the exterior changes.
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(Also see pics: What is new about the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV)
Volkswagen Tiguan R, the sporty and powerful variant of the compact SUV, sports the same aesthetic improvements implemented in the Tiguan 2021 range. It gets a more modern front face, thanks to the new narrower headlights. The chrome grille bars and the brake callipers sport the‘R’insignia.
Inside the vehicle, Volkswagen has added a digital version of the new multifunction steering wheel, featuring illuminated touch islands and sliders. An all-new touch module is available for the Climatronic automatic climate control functions on midrange models. In addition to touch buttons, generously sized and illuminated touch sliders are used for fan and temperature control. The touch buttons can also be used to operate functions such as the newly standard heated front seats, rear window defrost, and to open the air-conditioning menu. Illuminated USB-C ports are located under the air-conditioning module.
The new Tiguan will feature the latest generation modular infotainment system (MIB3), a standard configurable digital instrument panel and the next-gen personalisation system. MIB3 offers natural voice control, multi-phone pairing that can easily switch between devices, and wireless App-Connect. Every Tiguan is equipped with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which allows the driver to configure the instrument display. An 8-inch display comes standard, and top trim models will receive a 10.25-inch display. The next generation of personalisation systems is included as well, to customise features from driver-seat and mirror settings to driver-assistance system preferences. Rounding out the interior changes—an all-new available 15-colour ambient lighting system and new decors for every trim. The Tiguan will continue to offer the 480-watt Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment on top trims.
The US Tiguan is powered by an advanced version of the EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine. This version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer an outstanding combination of power, efficiency, and responsiveness. It incorporates the so-called Budack cycle for improved combustion efficiency. The upshot is 184 horsepower that kicks in at 4,400 rpm and is maintained until 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 221 lb-ft is available from 1,600 to 4,360 rpm. All Tiguan models are equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission, and Start/Stop system, designed to help improve fuel efficiency.
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The Tiguan takes assisted driving one step further with available Travel Assist. The system can take over steering, braking and acceleration of the new Tiguan at speeds of between 0mph 130 mph (the driver remains responsible for control of the SUV at all times). To do so, the system uses functions including Adaptive Cruise Control (longitudinal guidance) and the LaneAssist lane keeping system (lateral guidance)—both available in an Advanced Driver-Assistance Package on base models or standard on midrange models. The driver activates the system by pressing a separate Travel Assist button on the new multifunction steering wheel, but must keep their hands on the steering wheel even when Travel Assist is active. Touch detection is a great deal more reliable than steering angle-based systems even on long and very flat stretches of road.
The latest generation of adaptive cruise control(ACC), available on top trims, proactively takes into account local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts. For this purpose, the assist system uses the signals from the front camera and the GPS and map data from the navigation system for control.
The normal wheelbase Tiguan goes on sale shortly in Europe. The US will continue to receive the long-wheelbase version, which receives the same design changes and features noted above. The US Tiguan will arrive in Fall 2021 as a 2022 model.
