Third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan gets new touchscreen and plug-in hybrid power
One of VW's prized nameplates
There’s a new Volkswagen Tiguan hitting showrooms in 2024, and the German carmaker has today revealed the third-generation model in full, while providing plenty of details about the updated technology that’s under the skin.
The 2024 Tiguan has more SUV-like proportions than ever. The tall profile and raised rear end will be to the benefit of passenger space, while up front is a smooth nose that’s similar in design philosophy to the current Golf. This means the lights are connected by a smooth panel incorporating an LED light bar on higher-spec versions, while the Tiguan’s air intakes are set into the front bumper.
At the rear, there’s a tailgate spoiler to boost aerodynamics, while a large high-set light bar stretches across the width of the car, helping to give the Tiguan a boxy look from the back.
More glitz and quality promised inside
The exterior design is typically Volkswagen in that it doesn’t do anything radical, while the interior is an evolution of the previous model’s. However, there’s a bit more glitz inside, a response to criticism that some recent models, the Golf Mk8 and ID. electric models in particular, didn’t offer the kind of upmarket feel to which VW customers have become accustomed.
As a result, the new Tiguan comes with an increase in the number of soft-touch materials and more integrated LED lighting, including illumination for the drive mode selector on the centre console and dashboard panel ahead of the front-seat passenger.
Along with new materials, there’s the inclusion of Volkswagen’s latest infotainment system, which it claims improves on the outgoing system in every area. There’s a new menu layout with two shortcut bars at the top and bottom of the screen creating a widescreen layout for the main display.
Improved infotainment
The top bar features direct access to the infotainment apps and can be configured to permanently show the most frequently used functions, while the bottom one features a central home button and shortcut controls for the climate system and heat seating, where fitted.
Current Tiguan owners will be pleased to see that the lower touch-sensitive bar for temperature and volume controls is now illuminated so it’s easier to use at night.
A new digital driver’s display has also been added. This measures 10.25in across and features additional display modes that can be selected via the multifunction steering wheel. As well as classic dials, there are more modern digital read-outs, a navigation display and R-Line models add a sportier layout with gear change indicator and horizontal rev counter.
Focus on hybrid power
Under the skin, the new Tiguan uses a development of the structure that underpins the current Tiguan. Power will come from petrol, diesel, mild hybrid or plug-in hybrid powertrains.
Specs for UK cars have yet to be confirmed, but petrol engines for the Tiguan include 2-litre TSI options with 201bhp or 261bhp, with the latter featuring 4Motion four-wheel drive. In a similar vein, the 2-litre TDI diesel comes with 148bhp or 190bhp ratings, and again the latter is equipped with the 4Motion system. In this configuration, the Tiguan is capable of towing up to 2.3 tonnes.
The 1.5 eTSI four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system including a lithium-ion battery and belt starter generator, plus active cylinder shutdown technology to boost efficiency even further. It comes with either 129bhp or 148bhp power outputs and is front-wheel drive only.
The plug-in Tiguan eHybrid uses the same 1.5 eTSI engine, but adds a more powerful (114bhp) electric motor and comes with a choice of two power outputs, either 201bhp or 268bhp. It also features a 19.7kWh battery that offers up to 62 miles of range and 50kW charging so the battery can be taken from 10-80 per cent capacity in 25 minutes from a DC source.
Full prices and specs for the new Volkswagen Tiguan will be announced in due course, ahead of it going on sale in 2024.
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