PRESS RELEASE
Volkswagen New Zealand has just landed the first of its highly anticipated 2022 performance R Range – that’s R for Racing – and the Tiguan R and Tiguan R 1st Edition are leading the pack.
Until now the Golf R has been the sole preserve of the Volkswagen’s R offering – but that’s all changed. The introduction of Tiguan R sets a new benchmark for Volkswagen, combining the dynamic performance of a sports car with the convenience of a Sport Utility Vehicle.
“It’s not often that an SUV comes along that changes the way people think about driving,” says Greg Leet, General Manager of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles. “Now R customers can experience the same level of performance and driving dynamics, without compromising on space, versatility and practicality.”
Tiguan has long been the brand’s most popular model worldwide, and now this version of the family-sized SUV – the most powerful Tiguan ever produced – combines the next level of performance alongside pure driver appeal and Volkswagen’s renowned suite of safety features.
The first-generation Tiguan R delivers extensive ride and handling upgrades alongside its powerful 2.0L TSI petrol engine. Boasting 235kW of power,400Nm of torque and a 7-speed DSG with launch control – all contribute to an impressive 0-100km/h acceleration in just over five seconds.
“Just one trip behind the wheel of the new Tiguan R and you’ll understand, in more ways than one, how the Volkswagen ‘R’ DNA has been absorbed into this next level of fun to drive SUV.”
But what really helps set it apart is its all-new drive system – 4MOTION with R-Performance Torque Vectoring – and the Tiguan R (alongside the Golf R) is one of the first vehicles to feature it.
This newly developed technology does not just distribute the drive power between the front and rear axles, but also between the left and right rear wheels using a specially engineered multi-plate clutch coupling system. This can direct up to 100% of the possible torque to the wheel on the outside of the bend. With the new all-wheel-drive system, Volkswagen has noticeably improved handling agility when cornering and the bend radius is reduced, minimising the understeering effect. With this system, the Tiguan R sets a new benchmark for SUV driving dynamics.
The extended technical R equipment includes a powerful 18-inch brake system including blue brake calipers (with R logo at the front), Adaptive Dampers, and a driving profile selection enhanced for the Tiguan R with an additional R profile. This particularly sporty mode can be activated directly by means of a blue R button on the new multifunction sports steering wheel. This is also equipped with separate paddles for manual control of the 7-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.
The sporty R DNA is not just to be found in the turbocharged engine and all-wheel-drive system, but also its extensively customised equipment. Looking at the exterior: the standard equipment here includes bumpers in R design with aerodynamic elements, exterior mirror covers in matt chrome, and a body-coloured rear spoiler.
In the interior: the Tiguan R sets itself apart from the other models in the product line with features such as the ‘Nappa’ leather* appointed sport seats with the R logo, a customised 10.25″ Active Info Display with integrated lap timer, as well as R-specific decorative trim (Carbon Grey). The decorative trim elements are illuminated via the 30-colour ambient lighting.
Competitively priced and backed by Volkswagen’s five-year/150,000-kilometre warranty, the new Tiguan R also include five years of roadside assistance making it the perfect performance SUV for Kiwi families.
Tiguan R From $80,990 & Tiguan R 1st Edition From $85,990
