Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line 2024 Review

The 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line sits one rung below the top-spec R. Therefore, it’s priced at $60,590 before on-road costs (ORCs).

According to Volkswagen, more than half of Tiguan’s sales Down Under are the 162TSI and R. Which isn’t a total surprise, given the Aussie appetite for performance variants.

If you aren’t after something with a bit of added verve, the six-model range starts with the front-wheel drive 110TSI Life at $43,990 and tops out with the $73,790 R – prices exclude ORCs. Depending on timing, be on the lookout for drive-away deals as Volkswagen celebrates 70 years in Australia.

In terms of rivals, Mazda’s CX-5 G35 Akera also packs all-wheel drive traction with a turbo four-cylinder engine, and presents a strong value proposition at $55k before ORCs.

The Tiguan’s little brother, the Skoda Karoq 140TSI is a dynamic alternative at $57,990 driveaway, while the $61,100 (before ORCs) Hyundai Tucson N Line Premium offers hybrid gubbins for extra efficiency.

The Tiguan is covered by Volkswagen’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty with one year of roadside assistance. Servicing is required every 12 months or 15,000km (whichever comes first). Or you can pay $2700 up front for the servicing Care Plan to cover the first five years or 75,000km.

Underpinning its sporty, upmarket nature, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line is clad in a variant-specific body kit to set it apart from the rest of the range.

It’s also fitted with 20-inch ‘Misano’ alloy wheels, Matrix LED headlight and LED tail-lights with dynamic indicators.

Inside, the 162TSI is trimmed in Vienna leather with the front seats electrically operated and heated. Additionally, there’s a heated R-Line steering wheel, R-Line side sills, black headliner, stainless steel pedals, three-zone climate control as well as keyless entry and start.

Just like the Mk8 Volkswagen Golf, the revised second-generation Tiguan has haptic touch-sensitive controls on the steering wheel and, for climate control, in the centre fascia. The former aren’t as successful as the latter and it’s easy to engage the wrong ‘button’ on the move. The slider-style temperature controls are better resolved.

There’s only really one significant option to choose, the $2750 Sound and Vision Package. It includes an 11-speaker premium audio system, front, rear and side vision cameras as well as a head-up display. A panoramic glass roof (fitted to our test vehicle) costs $2100, while metallic or premium paint options are priced at $900 and $1100 respectively.

Due to being tested in 2016, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line no longer holds an ANCAP safety rating.

Highlights of the active safety package include autonomous emergency braking (AEB), blind-spot monitoring, front and rear parking sensors as well as a reversing camera. The IQ.Drive Travel Assist essentially incorporates adaptive cruise control, lane-departure warning and lane-keep assist to offer a form of self-driving, too.

There are dual ISOFIX points in the back for child seats as well as three top-tether points.

What technology does the Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line feature?

Taking inspiration from Audi, the instrument cluster of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line is the 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro. It’s a great system with clear and concise information laid out in a visually pleasing manner.

Infotainment is handled by a 9.2-inch touch-screen which supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as voice and gesture control. There’s also a wireless charging pad, Bluetooth and DAB+ digital radio.

It’s been thoroughly revised over the years, but the beating heart of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI is Wolfsburg’s ubiquitous 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine.

Saying it’s ‘tried and true’ has never been such a compliment, as the engine, codenamed EA888, is a cracker. Unsurprisingly, given the nomenclature, it produces a healthy output of 162kW that’s backed up with 350Nm.

That grunt is channelled through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission to the on-demand all-wheel-drive system, otherwise known as 4MOTION in VW-speak.

The 162TSI isn’t quite as quick as the GTI in a straight line, reaching 100km/h from rest in 7.0 seconds. What the Tiguan gains in traction it loses in weight, the kerb mass tipping 1699kg on the scales. The Tiguan embraces launch control. Yes, that’s right, launch control in a family-hauling SUV.

Overall, the 1984cc engine provides more than enough motivation here. Plus, the unit itself is a delightfully refined and linear offering, one that endows the 162TSI R-Line with spritely performance.

Fuel consumption isn’t a strong suit of the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162 TSI.

The claimed average consumption is 8.5L/100km, but, after a week of testing, we couldn’t match that. In real-world conditions that included CBD, country and highway driving, the White Tiguan returned 9.1L/100km.

It requires premium fuel, too, VW recommending 95 RON as a minimum. The tank is 58 litres and the maximum estimated driving range is 784km.

Tidily, to be fair. While the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI doesn’t quite emulate a Golf GTI on stilts, it’s endowed with more dynamic prowess than it justifiably needs.

Adding to the punchy powertrain is a MacPherson strut (front) and four-link (rear) suspension setup with adaptive dampers. Considering the Tiguan is rolling on sizeable 20-inch wheels wrapped in 255/40 Continental rubber, the adjustable suspension is appreciated.

The ride quality is compliant in Comfort mode, and switching it up to Sport mode doesn’t induce too much harshness to the experience, either, depending on the surface underneath. The more dynamic setting is great on a twisty country road, and the 162TSI doesn’t shy away from bends, remaining planted and composed.??

Engagement isn’t quite at R levels. Still, the 162TSI offers progressive steering, which means the variable ratio is light to twirl at city speeds while retaining a direct feel on the open road. It works well and can be further tailored, depending on the driving mode selected.

The seven-speed dual-clutch transmission can be left to its own devices, or you can play with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. On the run, it’s an appreciably smooth unit with quick shifts, but it remains less polished at slow speeds. It isn’t a deal-breaker, though.

Yes, the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line can traverse smooth dirt roads, but that’s about it. In any case, who is really going to want to risk damaging the attractive 20-inch wheels?? ?

Ground clearance tops out at 185mm and there are three driving modes (Snow, Off-Road and Off-Road Custom) to aid progress if you do tackle unsealed roads. And of course, the Tiguan 162TSI has that extra traction from the 4MOTION all-wheel drive system.

Somewhat unexpectedly, the Tiguan musters a significant braked towing capacity of 2500kg.

It’s a very nice place to be. The vibe inside the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line more than meets its premium pricing and makes you forget it's a 2016 vintage.

Build quality is solid, reflecting Volkswagen’s tradition of high-standard fit and finish. The top-shelf cowhide covering the supportive seats also helps to elevate the experience, as does the mood lighting at night. You’ll also find plenty of useful cubby holes and cup holders with lining to reduce rattles on the move.

Measuring 4509mm in length with a 2681mm wheelbase, the Tiguan packs a spacious cabin within its external dimensions. Rear leg and headroom are generous for kids or adults (even with the panoramic glass sunroof) while general amenity benefits from air vents, a USB-C and 12V port, map pockets and a central armrest with cup holders.

Handily, the back seats can be stowed using clever levers in the boot, and they fold in a 40/20/40 arrangement. The boot itself opens up to accept 615 litres of luggage, and it has a flat floor – although the floor conceals a space-save spare tyre instead of a full-size item. There are also convenient hooks and lighting.

The tall wagon body style introduces some road noise, especially with the bigger wheel/tyre combo, but overall, the Tiguan is quiet and comfortable on the road.

It depends on what you want from your medium SUV. If you’re after a balance of performance and functionality, then the 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line ticks a lot of boxes.

There’s also just enough verve from the turbocharged powertrain to satisfy those who considered an R variant but couldn’t bridge the monetary gap.

It’s hard to ignore the fact the current Tiguan is getting long in the tooth or that the third generation has already launched overseas – it’s expected Down Under in the second quarter of 2025. Pricing of the current version has also crept up since its local release.

However, the higher-grade 162TSI R-Line is a popular variant for a reason and it’s no longer hampered by supply. The key ingredients to the main event are its ease of use and upmarket appeal, but the sportiness comes as a welcome side dish.

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line at a glance:
Price: $60,590 before on-road costs
Available: Now
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 162kW/350Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 195g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated

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