Six new VW Tiguans for Oz

Volkswagen will double the number of Tiguan models available in Australia when the second-generation small German SUV goes on sale here in September.

Six variants will be available in total – up from three for the current model, which opens at $28,990 for the 1.4-litre 118TSI 2WD manual and extends to the 2.0-litre AWD 132TSI auto ($36,990) and 155TSI auto ($44,990).

Also doubling will be the number of four-cylinder engines, which this time will comprise three TSI petrol engines outputting 110kW/250Nm, 132kW/320Nm and 162kW/350Nm, and two TDI diesels offering 110kW/340Nm and 140kW/400Nm.

Excluding the entry-level Tiguan Trendline 110TSI (mid-range Comfortline and top-shelf Highline will also be offered), all engines will be matched with Volkswagen's latest-generation 4MOTION all-wheel drive system with Active Control.

The price-leading 110TSI will get the choice of six-speed manual and DSG transmissions, while all the 4MOTIONs get seven-speed DSGs.

Apart from setting new standards in design, driving experience, safety, comfort, space and functionality, Volkswagen says the MkII Tiguan will offer the most comprehensive package of standard safety technologies and assistance systems in the segment.

Standard across the range will be Front Assist, City Emergency Brake, Lane Assist, driver Fatigue Detection, Active Bonnet, Multi-Collision Brake, Park Assist and Rear View Camera (RVC).

Opening the new MQB platform-based Tiguan range, which will be supplemented by the first long-wheelbase seven-seat and low-roof 'coupe' derivatives next year, will be the Tiguan Trendline 110TSI.

Available with manual and DSG twin-clutch automatic transmissions, the base Tiguan will come with the aforementioned safety features, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, low tyre pressure indicator, LED tail-lights, an 8.0-inch Composition Media infotainment system with App-Connect USB interface, automatic headlights and wipers, cruise control and a leather multi-function steering wheel.

Next up is the auto-only Tiguan Comfortline, available with 110TSI , 110TDI and 132TSI engines. It adds 4MOTION Active Control, Driving profile selection, three-zone climate-control, satellite-navigation, colour multi-function display, folding tables on front seat backrests, front fog lights, carpet floor mats, extended roof storage console, luggage floor net, chrome roof rails, chrome window surrounds, painted bumper inserts and a storage drawer under the front seats.

Rounding out the line-up is the flagship Tiguan Highline (140TDI DSG and 162TSI DSG), which adds LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights, 18-inch alloys, keyless access, powered tailgate with Easy Open and Close, 8.0-inch Discover Pro navigation system, Vienna leather-appointed upholstery, heated comfort sport front seats, power-adjustable driver’s seat, interior ambient lighting, LED reading lights, power folding door mirrors, steering wheel-mounted gearshift paddles, dark-tinted rear/side windows, premium LED tail-lights and a chrome strip in the front lower air intake.

A number of options packages will also be available, including a Luxury Package for the Comfortline. It brings Vienna leather-appointed upholstery, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, heated front seats, power folding door mirrors, keyless access, electric tailgate with Easy Open and Close and a panoramic electric glass sunroof.

For both Comfortline and Highline models there will be a Driver Assistance package comprising adaptive cruise control, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert, Active Info Display digital instruments, power folding door mirrors and 360-degree Area View camera.

Finally, there will be an R-Line Package for Highline models, bringing an R-Line body kit, R-Line interior, 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control and progressive steering.

As we've reported, the bigger, more upmarket new Tiguan rides on a 77mm-longer wheelbases, liberating more legroom and 145 litres more cargo space (up to 1655 litres in total) than before.

Volkswagen has sold about 2.8 million examples of its original Tiguan since 2007, including more than 45,000 in Australia, where 1800 were purchased to May this year, accounting for 4.5 per cent of a small SUV segment dominated by the Mazda CX-3, Mitsubishi ASX, Honda HR-V and Nissan QASHQAI.

However, the new Tiguan will compete in the mid-size SUV segment, which is dominated by Mazda's CX-5 and up 22 per cent to May this year, on top of its 62 per cent growth since 2010.