Volkswagen’s newly-minted Tiguan is a Category A COE “price fighter”, that includes MHEV ointment that helps soothe those fuel cost pains

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PHOTOS: Clifford Chow

SINGAPORE

Volkswagen’s new third-generation Tiguan retails from $199,900 for the ‘Life’ trim, while the ‘Life Plus’ retails for $209,000. And to combat sky-high COE prices, their new compact SUV is only available with one Category A-friendly powertrain. 

If you have guessed that this would be their 1.5-litre engine, equipped with Mild Hybrid  (MHEV) technology, then you’re right. For those who are unfamiliar, the same powertrain is found in the Volkswagen Golf, Skoda Octavia, Audi A3 and Audi Q3; albeit in different power configurations.

The important bit we feel is the powertrain, so allow us to dive a little more into it. The 1.5 four-cyl puts out 128hp (130ps) and 122Nm, and gets an added boost from a 48V Mild Hybrid system. The MHEV architecture also allows the engine to “sleep” or idle, when lifting-off on the accelerator. It is also equipped with Cylinder Deactivation, which shuts off two cylinders, when the engine is lightly-loaded. All this is mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Official combined fuel consumption is rated at 14.9km/l (6.7l/100km).

Designers have softened the look of the new Tiguan, which brings it visually closer to the all-electric ID.4. The front-end, apes the in-coming Golf 8.5, with its “light bar” DRL strip, and down-sized lower grille, the latter which sits within a thick frame. On the outside, the entry ‘Life’ trim version is equipped with LED ’Plus’ headlamps, while the rear-end receives 3D LED combination lamps. Volkswagen Singapore has also specced the car with a full-sized panoramic sunroof and larger 19-inch ‘Catania’ rims. 

The higher-spec ‘Life Plus’ model is upgraded with intelligent IQ. Light HD matrix headlights (a trickle from the flagship Touareg SUV), which is a first for a VW car based on the MQB architecture. At its rear, its tail lamps receive dynamic indicator lights.

On the inside, the Tiguan is filled to the brim with features that include leather upholstery, ventilated massage front seats with driver-side electric adjustments with memory. For the driver, a 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display is further bolstered by a windshield-projected Head-up Display. A ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment system, which is fronted by a large 15-inch screen, provides wireless connectivity for both Apple and Android mobile devices, and is equipped with voice control.

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Driving safety and convenience comes in the form of a 360-degree surround camera, Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control, that allows the Tiguan to park autonomously, while the Adaptive Cruise Control suite, also incorporates Travel Assist 2.0, which also helps to detect vehicles and road signs ahead, and adapts the vehicle, or even brakes during an emergency.

For added versatility, the Tiguan’s 557-litre boot, which is 37-litres more than its predecessor, can be enlarged by sliding the rear seats forward, revealing 652-litres of cargo room.

During the launch, Dr. Kurt Leitner, Managing Director of Volkswagen Group Singapore mentioned: “Globally, the Tiguan has been the best-selling model of not only Volkswagen Passenger Cars but also the Volkswagen Group. Now, as we unveil the eagerly anticipated new generation of this iconic SUV, we’re proud to introduce a vehicle that sets new standards in design and technology. Now available in Category A COE with the enhanced efficiency of mild-hybrid drive, we’re confident that the Tiguan will not only captivate but also deliver exceptional value to car buyers in Singapore.”

The Tiguan is available now at Volkswagen Singapore, with a choice of seven colours, that include two new shades – Persimmon Red Metallic and Cipressino Green Metallic.

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