The Tiguan crossover is very important for the Volkswagen brand. Since 2007, two generations of the model have sold a total of 7.6 million vehicles. Therefore, radical changes are not desirable in order not to lose the already established customer segment. At the same time, the car needs to be made modern and technologically advanced to be competitive. So how does the third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan look like?
The evolution of technology and size
To begin with, the new Volkswagen Tiguan has hardly changed in size: the length has increased by about 3 cm (now 4.54 meters), and the wheelbase remains about 2.7 meters long. And that’s because Europe doesn’t need a crossover that’s too big – after all, the main sales market for the third Volkswagen Tiguan is to be its native European countries.
But Europe needs a safe, technologically advanced, efficient crossover. Therefore, the new Volkswagen Tiguan has more aerodynamic shapes and a continuous “closed” line between the headlights: this has improved the aerodynamic coefficient to Cx = 0.28 (against Cx = 0.33 for its predecessor), which should have a positive impact on fuel efficiency. Speaking of headlights, Volkswagen Tiguan can now be equipped with IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights – each has 19200 lighting elements, meaning that there are more than 38,000 diodes in total. This matrix lighting technology is borrowed from the flagship Volkswagen Touareg model and comes to the Volkswagen Tiguan size class for the first time.
And in general, the new Volkswagen Tiguan visually resembles the older model. At least, thanks to the developed “shoulders” above the wheel arches. Moreover, the R-Line version (the red car in the photos above) has black glossy overlays on these same arches and is generally decorated with numerous R-decors on the sports theme: inserts on the bumpers, special wheels, etc. That is, Volkswagen does not change its mind and immediately launches two versions of the new Volkswagen Tiguan – a regular and a sporty one.
And the company does not change its mind about the platform. The new Volkswagen Tiguan is based on the well-known, but slightly updated MQB evo platform and uses the DCC Pro suspension – the main innovation here is 2-valve shock absorbers with the possibility of more precise adjustment. Although, of course, all the technological highlights will depend on the chosen configuration.
Cabin and ergonomics revolution
Where the new Volkswagen Tiguan revolutionizes is in the cabin. At first glance, everything looks the same: the Digital Cockpit, the touchscreen display in the center of the front panel, and the new MIB4 system to control all this goodness. But take a closer look at the details…
For example, the dashboard no longer has a sun visor: it’s just a “dashboard”. However, it is coated to remove sun glare. The central display can be up to 15 inches (my first monitor was of this size) and is responsible for almost all settings.
Almost: there is a large central washer with a built-in OLED display. Moreover, it is multifunctional – you can adjust the audio volume and switch the driving mode. And here are some more unusual solutions: an automatic joystick under the steering wheel, background lighting of the cabin through decorative panels, and a transforming armrest.
Of course, Volkswagen specialists did not forget about convenience and practicality – after all, this is a German company. So, from now on, Volkswagen Tiguan is available with seats with massage through ten pneumatic chambers. Yes, the predecessor already had massage, but it was realized simply by moving the lumbar support element. And now this function seems to have moved up a level.
Here’s an example of practicality: with almost unchanged dimensions, the car’s trunk has added 37 liters. Now the new Volkswagen Tiguan will be able to offer up to 652 liters of useful space. But what will it offer under the hood?
Choose what you want: gasoline, diesel, hybrid…
In general, the story of the new Volkswagen Tiguan’s technology and interior resembles the story of the new Volkswagen Passat, right? It is logical that a similar statement applies to engines.
The Volkswagen Tiguan crossover in Europe will be offered with gasoline or diesel engines and in various hybrid versions. The conventional eTSI MHEV hybrid is built as a combination of a 1.5-liter gasoline engine and a 15-kilowatt electric motor – the total power of the system will be 150 hp.
More interesting are the two PHEV variants of the hybrids, designated eHybrid: they also have a 1.5-liter gasoline engine, but a much more powerful electric motor. Thanks to this, the total power of the hybrid system can reach 204 or 272 hp (depending on the version). And the presence of a 19.7 kWh battery promises about 100 km of driving range exclusively on electric power.
In addition, the range of the new Volkswagen Tiguan will include the usual gasoline (TSI) and diesel (TDI) engines. They also promise a choice between front and all-wheel drive. However, what will not be available is a manual: the new Volkswagen Tiguan will be available only with a DSG automatic.
Of course, the question remains: which of the above will come to Ukraine and when? However, the question of whether the new Volkswagen Tiguan will become popular no longer remains. After all, it has always been popular in Europe and Ukraine.
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