Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line - Setting A New Bar

At autoX, we have always been fans of the VW Tiguan. Having driven them various times over the years, we loved its perfect size for a nuclear family, yet offering a spacious interior and big boot. Of course, there was always the feeling of quality and reassurance that comes with the German build quality and safety equipment. But, most of all, what we really enjoyed in the various iterations of the Tiguan we drove was its driving appeal. The engine was super responsive, the steering sharp, and the handling and ride comfort were spot on for anyone who loves driving.

The emperor has new clothes

However, the Tiguan was globally due for a generation change, and we were happy to hear that we were getting the new SUV soon. Of course, this also means a full new design, and we are happy to see that VW has taken a bold approach and given the Tiguan a new identity.

The new Tiguan stands out with its aggressive stance, big 19-inch wheels and the full-width taillight. However, we think the one thing that we really love is the bold colour choices the German brand has made for the Tiguan, it really makes it stand out in the crowd of SUVs in Black, White and Silver – in fact, we really love the Persimmon Red metallic shade!

If we were impressed with how the exterior has been redesigned, we think the interior redesign is even more impressive. The Tiguan now gets a massive central touchscreen multimedia system, and the new dashboard with its gloss black graphic pattern feels truly luxurious.

There are also other nifty touches, such as the instrument cluster in front of the driver is now full-colour, and you even get a nifty customizable touchscreen button in the centre console, which you can customise to choose your favourite functions that you control without having to use the big centre screen. Another nifty touch is the new gear lever – unlike the previous car – this one is next to the steering, and the best part about it is how intuitive the gear changing mechanism is. Controlled by a rotating knob, you twist it forward to go forward and the opposite for reverse. Once you get used to it, you really stop even looking at the gear lever when changing gears.

Sporty appeal

As we mentioned earlier, we loved driving the previous Tiguan’s, and the new Tiguan comes to India in R-Line trim. What does that mean? Well, basically, this is the sporty spec sold internationally, which means it gets nifty touches like the flat-bottomed steering wheel, which feels great to touch, and you get R-Line badging inside and out.

But our favourite part of the R-Line spec – other than the big wheels – are the sports seats. Finished in black Alcantara, you will love the seats the minute you step into them. Not only do they look great, but they are exceedingly comfortable and with raised and shoulder-hugging wings, they truly are the real deal. And, oh, they now even have a massage function, which is always a hoot to use.

We have, naturally, been saving the best for the last – the driving experience. Powered by an upgraded 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine, the Tiguan is an absolute hoot to drive. Producing 201bhp and 320Nm of torque, the new Tiguan R-line has more power, and with the slick 7-speed DSG gearbox, it launches off the line as soon as you press the loud pedal.

Of course, you also get help here from VW’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which gives you optimum traction in all weather conditions. The new Tiguan R-line features sharper steering, and with the extra power is really the best driver’s SUV in its segment. It comes with Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) Pro, offering 15 levels of damping! The Tiguan R-Line is an SUV that isn’t just meant for any other ordinary drive; it’s meant to be driven, be it the desert sands or city streets.

And naturally, it wouldn’t be a real VW if it didn’t offer best-in-class safety, and for that, the Tiguan R-line comes equipped with 9 airbags as standard as well as 21 new ADAS level 2 functions amongst the other active and passive safety features that one would expect from a car in its class.

So, what do we think of the new Tiguan R-Line? Well, to be honest, we think it’s a smashing upgrade. And if you’re looking for a sporty SUV that has the perfect blend of luxury, unique features, excellent space management and that driving appeal, it truly sets a new bar.