New Volkswagen Tiguan gets design, safety upgrades

MANILA: The new Volkswagen Tiguan will get comprehensive upgrades, including advanced comfort and driver assistance features, and a new exterior and interior styling. Its long-wheelbase version will be arriving by mid-2021 in the US as a 2022 model.

Last year, the Tiguan was deemed the most successful model for the Volkswagen Group and the Volkswagen brand, with over 910,000 units manufactured. Since it was first launched, over six million units have already been made.

In terms of exterior updates, the front end of the Tiguan is entirely new. The new grille that flows into the standard LED headlights appears broader. Moreover, it tries to forge a visual connection between the Tiguan and the more massive models like the Atlas Cross Sport and European Touareg.

The new Volkswagen emblem is also placed centrally at the front. The attention-grabbing bumpers have also undergone a dramatic transformation.

At the back, the "Tiguan" lettering is now in a prominent central position below the Volkswagen logo. The lettering "4Motion" for all-wheel-drive models has also been reconfigured.

Updated hands-free Easy Open and Close for the power liftgate is available for midrange models. New wheel designs for each trim line also round out the exterior modifications.

An innovative version of the EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine powers the new Volkswagen Tiguan. This version of the standard EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged direct-injection engine utilizes an advanced change to the traditional four-stroke cycle to provide an exceptional combination of responsiveness, efficiency, and power.

It integrates the so-called Budack cycle for enhanced combustion performance. The power output is 184hp, and the maximum torque is 300Nm.

All Tiguan models are fitted with a start/stop system, which is configured to aid in enhancing fuel efficiency, and standard eight-speed automatic transmission.

Inside, Volkswagen has contributed a digital version of the new multifunction steering wheel, which features illuminated touch sliders and islands.  An all-new touch module is also available for the Climatronic automatic climate control functions on midrange models.

Aside from touch buttons, generously sized and illuminated touch sliders are utilized for temperature and fan control. The touch buttons can also be used to handle functions like opening the air-conditioning menu, rear window defrost, and newly standard heated front seats. Illuminated USB-C ports are also situated beneath the air-conditioning module.

The new Tiguan also features the latest-generation modular infotainment system (MIB3), the next-generation customization system, and a standard design digital instrument panel. MIB3 provides wireless App-Connect, natural voice control, and multi-phone pairing that can conveniently switch between devices.

Each Tiguan is fitted with the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, which enables the driver to design the instrument display. An eight-inch array comes as standard, and top-trim models will acquire a 10.25-inch screen.

The next generation of customization systems is also included for the personalization of features from mirror settings and driver-seat to driver-assistance system options. Other interior modifications include new accents for each trim and an all-new available 15-color ambient lighting system.

The Tiguan will feature the 480-watt Fender Premium Audio System as standard on top trims.

The Tiguan also features driver-assistance technologies such as the available Travel Assist that handles acceleration, braking, and steering of the new Tiguan at speeds reaching 209kph as the driver should maintain responsibility for SUV control all the time.

The system is activated when the driver presses a separate Travel Assist button on the new multifunction steering wheel, but his or her hands must be kept on the steering wheel even if the Travel Assist has been activated.

For this to materialize, the system utilizes functions which include the lane assist lane-keeping system (lateral guidance) and the adaptive cruise control (longitudinal guidance), and these are available as standard on midrange models and as an advanced driver-assistance package on base models.

The newest generation of adaptive cruise control (ACC), which is available on top trims, proactively considers roundabouts, junctions, town boundary signs, and local speed limit information. For this particular purpose, the assist system utilizes the signal from the front camera and the map information and GPS from the navigation system for control.

Photos from Volkswagen

Also read: Volkswagen Tiguan production tops 6-M units