Volkswagen’s high-performance Tiguan R SUV is now available for order for UK customers, priced from £45,915 RRP OTR.
Powered by VW’s familiar four-cylinder, two-litre turbocharged petrol engine, it produces 320PS and 420Nm of torque to deliver 4.9-second accelration to 62mph – just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R hatchback.
The R comes with 7-speed DSG transmission, 4MOTION four-wheel drive and the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, which distributes power to all four wheels.
The system manages this between the front and rear axles and between the two rear wheels. Up to 100% of available torque can be directed to the rear wheel on the outside of a bend, VW said.
Last year, Volkswagen unveiled new plug-in hybrid and high-performance Tiguan R SUV models as part of an update of the big-selling SUV which also drives forward its connectivity.
This new R model also features adaptive chassis control (DCC) and rides 10 mm lower than any other Tiguan.
In addition, the characteristics of the shock absorbers have been adapted individually to the Tiguan R.
The Tiguan R sits on standard-fit 21-inch ‘Estoril’ wheels and has an 18-inch performance braking system.
Its standard equipment list builds upon the R-Line trim and includes: Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC); IQ.Light matrix LED headlights; Digital Cockpit Pro with specific R functions; Keyless entry and start; rear view camera; 30-colour ambient lighting; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; and Travel Assist.
Items optionally available for the Tiguan R is an Akrapovič performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter in weight than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes, said VW.
As in the Golf R, the Tiguan R’s sports seats are finished in a blue-black ‘Sardegna’ cloth with ArtVelours outer areas, with the new addition of a heated R steering wheel. The steering column features extended paddle shifters to add to the driver-focus of the Tiguan R’s cabin.
The Tiguan R follows the new Golf R in the Volkswagen R line-up and is the third model in the current range to be given a stand-alone R variant.
The two new models join the T-Roc R as the performance flagships of their respective nameplates, as the R division is set to expand further later this year into the Touareg and Arteon ranges.
VW said more information on the upcoming models will be released nearer to their on-sale dates.