TThe Volkswagen Tiguan, a globally celebrated SUV, enters its third generation, poised to build on its legacy of success. Since its debut in 2007, Volkswagen has sold more than 7.4 million Tiguans worldwide, making it a top-seller in its segment. In South Africa alone, the Tiguan has made a lasting impression, with over 41,000 units sold since its local introduction in 2009. The all-new Tiguan, designed to captivate with its blend of modern aesthetics and cutting-edge technology, promises to redefine the compact SUV experience.

Bold, Aerodynamic Design

At first glance, the new Tiguan is both distinctly Volkswagen and refreshingly new. The front end, with its powerful stance, boasts integrated LED headlights and a sleek glass-covered horizontal bar with an LED strip, replacing the traditional radiator grille. This new design element adds a touch of sophistication while enhancing the vehicle’s aerodynamics. In fact, the drag coefficient has improved from 0.33 to an impressive 0.28, making the Tiguan not just stylish but also more efficient.

The athletic silhouette of the Tiguan is accentuated by muscular shoulder sections above the wheel housings, with wheel sizes reaching up to 20 inches. At the rear, a horizontal LED strip further emphasizes the SUV’s wide, commanding presence. Adding to the visual appeal, Volkswagen introduces three new exterior colors: Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, and Oyster Silver Metallic, ensuring the Tiguan turns heads wherever it goes.

Advanced Cockpit and Infotainment

Volkswagen has completely revamped the Tiguan’s interior, blending high-quality materials with intuitive technology. The latest modular infotainment matrix (MIB4) is at the heart of the cabin, merging seamlessly with the redesigned cockpit to offer a premium user experience. Drivers are greeted by the new Digital Cockpit, featuring anti-reflective coated digital instruments in a sleek tablet landscape format.

The centerpiece of the infotainment system is a large display, available in both 12.9-inch and optional 15-inch sizes. A new menu structure, advanced graphics, and backlit touch sliders offer simplified operation for everything from climate control to volume adjustment. For an even more futuristic driving experience, an optional head-up display and multifunctional driving gear shift with integrated OLED display are available. All these elements create a cabin that feels both modern and luxurious, breaking the boundaries of what one expects from a compact SUV.

Comfort for the Long Haul

Volkswagen understands the importance of comfort, especially on long journeys. The new Tiguan offers ergoActive Plus leather seats, complete with four-way lumbar adjustment and a 10-chamber pneumatic massage function. These seats are standard on the R-Line derivative, while the Life variant offers them as an option. With these seats, the Tiguan ensures that even the longest road trips are enjoyed in complete comfort.

Cutting-Edge Lighting Technology

The new Tiguan is the first model in Volkswagen’s MQB platform to feature IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights. These advanced headlights, borrowed from the luxurious Touareg, boast 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs, providing exceptional brightness and clarity on the road. The high-definition lighting not only enhances safety but also elevates the Tiguan’s futuristic appeal.

Spacious Yet Compact

While the Tiguan has only grown by three centimetres in length, its interior space is better utilised, particularly in the luggage compartment. The SUV now offers an impressive 652 litres of luggage space, an increase of 37 liters over the previous model, making it perfect for family trips or weekend getaways.

Next-Level Driver Assistance

Volkswagen has equipped the new Tiguan with an array of driver assistance systems to ensure a safer, more enjoyable driving experience. Standard features include Park Assist Plus, which handles parallel and bay parking, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, and Electronic Stability Control. Additionally, systems like Trailer Assist, Lane Assist, and Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert take the stress out of challenging driving situations.

Innovative Infotainment System

The fourth-generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB4) offers a highly customisable digital interface. The large home screen integrates key apps and functions, such as navigation, media, and phone. Users can personalise the display with graphic tiles and shortcuts, creating a system that is intuitive and tailored to individual preferences. The system’s new voice assistant further simplifies operation, offering suggestions for various functions based on driver behavior.

Performance and Engine Options

At launch, the new Tiguan will be powered by a 1.4 TSI engine, producing 110kW and paired with a 7-speed DSG transmission. This engine delivers 250 Nm of torque and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds, with a top speed of 207 km/h. For those seeking more power, Volkswagen will offer 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI engines in late 2024 and early 2025.

Final Thoughts

With its bold design, cutting-edge technology, and luxurious interior, the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan is set to continue its reign as a global bestseller. Whether you’re looking for style, comfort, or performance, the Tiguan delivers it all in a sleek, modern package. Whether on city streets or long road trips, this SUV is built to impress.