If the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R performed American Soccer, or Gridiron when you favor, it could be a line-backer – as a result of regardless of its substantial peak, width, and weight, it covers floor at a powerful fee.
Fitted with the identical 2.0-Litre 4-cylinder turbocharged engine because the Golf R, the Tiguan R has a powerful 235kW of energy and 400Nm of torque on faucet. The 4motion all-wheel drive system and seven-speed DSG gearbox be certain none of that energy is wasted.
This mix additionally permits the Tiguan R to succeed in 100km/h from a stand nonetheless in 5.1 seconds. It’s efficiency that justifies the Tiguan carrying the R badge for the primary time. Volkswagen have made certain you received’t neglect that both.
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Virtually in all places you look there’s an R badge on show, with at least six on the outside and many extra inside. That apart, the brand new Tiguan has acquired a slight refresh over final 12 months’s mannequin with a extra curvaceous entrance finish and up to date LED tail lights.
The result’s one which makes the Tiguan look offended but elegant. Sitting on 21-inch wheels that Volkswagen have bestowed the title “Estoril” upon is one more lower than refined trace that this isn’t simply an SUV, however one with actual efficiency chops.
For many who might not be conscious, Estoril is a spot in Portugal that occurs to have a racetrack by the identical title that has hosted the Method One. Contained in the Tiguan R is all very Volkswagen. That’s to say it’s clear, crisp, and top quality.
A 9.2-inch show dominates the central space of the cabin and homes wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, in addition to DAB+ radio, and serves as one of many gateways to the plethora of customisable choices inside the Tiguan R.
You will have the selection of 30 ambient lighting colors, in addition to their depth, and you may as well arrange your individual driving mode. If you want the Tiguan to be as loud as potential but in addition as plush as potential, then you possibly can set it up that means; extra on this quickly.
The Tiguan R is available in at $76,433 drive away, nevertheless our check automobile has include the 2 obtainable choices; a Harman/Kardon stereo and a full-length panoramic sunroof. The trio provides $3,000 to the price.
In case you are somebody who wants a sunroof in your life, then you may be happy with the truth that this one spans nearly all the size of the automobile. When you take pleasure in listening to music, then the 10-speaker audio package deal is a should purchase possibility. It’s an absolute peach.
As soon as you might be within the driver’s seat, you might have a superbly chunky leather-based steering wheel which homes controls for customising the digital cockpit, working the infotainment system and radar cruise management, and has three ranges of steering wheel heating.
That’s a operate that this author didn’t realise he was lacking out on till driving the Tiguan R. Maybe essentially the most enjoyable factor concerning the wheel although is the R button. A fast press of this permits the motive force to cycle between drive modes. That’s good.
A firmer press although immediately locations the Tiguan in to race mode, and that’s even nicer. It’s a helpful trick if it’s essential to do a fast overtake or are feeling spritely and don’t need to faff round within the menus and simply need max assault.
The wheel is topped off with elongated shift paddles which really feel substantial and are a pleasure to make use of. Twin-zone local weather management up entrance is operated through a buttonless space underneath the principle show. Haptic suggestions confirms your inputs, and it does look neat and tidy – for now.
As soon as fingerprints take their maintain we will think about it could look fairly atypical. There are two USB-C charging ports in addition to a 12-volt socket, however no wi-fi charging pad. Rear occupants have their very own zone of local weather management as effectively.
Additionally they get a USB charging port and 12-volt socket. There’s a cubby between the entrance two seats, together with a generously sized glove field, door bins and cut up rear seats. With all seats down the Tiguan R presents 1,655-litres of house, or 615-Litres with them up.
Visibility is nearly excellent. Regardless of the sheer dimension of the Tiguan R, the massive quantity of glass means you might have an incredible view of your environment.
Coupled with a 360-degree digital camera, entrance and rear parking sensors, in addition to a reversing digital camera, you might be all the time effectively conscious of what’s round you and the place the corners of the Tiguan are. It’s out on the highway the place the Tiguan actually flexes its talents although.
Putting the automobile into consolation mode and wafting alongside the freeway is a particularly comforting expertise. It’s also simply as comfy at manoeuvring round tight inner-city streets.
As soon as you discover extra open pastures and slot the drive mode selector to race, then issues actually get thrilling. The exhaust valves open and are augmented with some artificial noise by way of the stereo (which may be disabled).
The transmission additionally shifts into sport for quick gear adjustments, throttle response is sharpened up and the suspension corporations up too. That is the place the Tiguan earns its R. It builds velocity at what may be described as a fast fee.
It doesn’t take lengthy in any respect to succeed in numbers that might trigger a slightly awkward dialog with the boys in blue – so tread the accelerator rigorously. Regardless of its 1,722kg kerb weight, the Tiguan feels as if it desires to bop.
It would fortunately carve up a set of corners with precision and depart you searching for any alternative to take the windy route wherever you go. Highway noise isn’t a difficulty both, regardless of operating 21-inch wheels.
As is to be anticipated, the Tiguan R is kitted out with nearly each security characteristic you might ask for. Some, just like the radar cruise management, work extraordinarily effectively. Others, such because the lane preserve help, detract from the driving expertise as a consequence of their overbearing nature.
Our testing was completed throughout a time frame the place a submarine could have been extra applicable than an SUV, due to horrific climate, and we discovered that it continuously had hassle distinguishing between a lane marking and a rutted little bit of highway.
This resulted in fixed wrestling with the automobile to remain inside the lane. Volkswagen declare an financial system determine of 8.8-litres/100km We noticed 11-litres in actual world testing.
We put this discrepancy all the way down to the truth that VW should have the ability to management its interior velocity demon a lot better than we will – oops! There’s additionally one obvious challenge with the Tiguan R although, and that’s the seats.
You’ve learn how a lot effort Volkswagen have put in to making sure the Tiguan R has efficiency talents, in addition to guaranteeing you recognize that that is the sporty mannequin inside the household line-up.
Why then they determined to omit the seats from the Golf R and slap within the a lot flatter seats from different, decrease spec’d, Tiguan’s is past us.
Granted they’re properly upholstered in Nappa-leather and are full with three stage heating, digital adjustment and embroidered with a blue R emblem. They simply don’t supply the help of their rivals, together with the Skoda Kodiaq RS.
Some potential patrons could also be glad that the extremely bolstered seats of the likes of the Tiguan’s rivals should not current right here, however to them I’d counsel the R-Line slightly than the R. When you’re going to go R, you go full R!
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R is offered in 5 colors; Pure White, Reflex Silver Metallic, Dolphin Gray Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Impact and Lapiz Blue Premium Metallic as examined. You’ll find out extra on the Volkswagen Australia web site.
As all the time, we advocate purchasing round to get a superb worth, or you possibly can go to PriceMyCar for the very best deal. When you’re eager to personal one and want finance, go to CreditOne.
Our 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R was equipped by Volkswagen Australia. To seek out out extra, contact your native Volkswagen vendor.
