2021 Volkswagen Tiguan facelift unveiled
Volkswagen released the first collection of images and specifications of the updated Tiguan SUV, and also introduced the top-spec sportier R-Line trim. The Tiguan is the most popular SUV on the brand worldwide, having sold more than six million examples since it was first unveiled back in 2007.
The refreshed SUV gets an all-new grille that merges into headlights with a new look; these units are similar to those on the current-gen golf. Styling changes include updated bumpers, new head, and tail light systems, and new versions of alloy wheels. The SUV also receives a more sporty front bumper with more pronounced air intakes. It also gets new taillights, restyled wheel designs, and a rear bumper redesign.
Even the “Tiguan” logo has been moved to the tailgate area. The model gets additional chrome bits on the side and at the back, depending on the variant.
The interior updates put the Tiguan in line with the new Volkswagen models, with the newest iteration of the VW’s infotainment system now available and bigger touchscreens. Apart from Volkswagen’s We Connect program, which includes live traffic data and various app-based features, Wireless Apple CarPlay is also provided. Tools involve the regulation of natural voice. The optical dial monitor was also revised to 10.0-inch.
There are also specifics in the center console, such as two illuminated USB-C ports, modern multi-colored ambient lighting and an external logo projection on the Tiguan R. In place of the physical dials, the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan can be configured with a touch-sensitive control module for climate functions, including illuminated fan and temperature control sliders.
You can use a sports steering wheel, as can a separate wheel that has touch-sensitive controls and sliders instead of buttons. In the meantime, the old Dynaudio stereo upgrade has been ditched in favor of a Harman Kardon system with 480W, 10-speaker.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R joins the greater Touareg R as part of the increasingly growing line-up of the output group. It uses the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine of fourth-generation EA888. Information on performance and quality has yet to be published.
As standard, this four-cylinder engine is fitted to a dual-clutch 7-speed gearbox, four-wheel drive, and the Dynamic Chassis Control system, which reduces the height of the ride by 10 mm. In its four-wheel-drive system, the Tiguan R also benefits from a similar torque-vectoring feature as the Arteon R. This system can vary the drive between the front and rear axles, as well as the rear left and right wheels.
Earlier this year Volkswagen India replaced the Tiguan model with the larger, 7-seat Tiguan AllSpace. However, the 5-seat Tiguan will return to India in the facelifted form in the future as reported by us earlier.
The SUV will be powered by a turbo-petrol engine with 150hp, 1.5 TSI, identical to the one under the Skoda Karoq hood. No Diesel engine will be on sale. The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan in India will come with a willing twin-clutch 7-speed automatic gearbox or DSG as VW calls it, paddle shifters, and features such as hill-descent control and an electronic parking brake.
The SUV will come to India with only a front-wheel-drive configuration to keep costs down. The facelifted 5-seater Tiguan may be assembled at VW’s Chakan plant near Pune. Expect aggressive pricing in India for the 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan, somewhere within the Rs 23-26 lakh (ex-showroom) range.
