Tiguan's White Magic

By Jack Carfrae

17th April 2009

The Volkswagen Tiguan has joined the Line of fire! Designers at the company have injected some drama into the compact SUV inside and out – and the result is the new R Line.

Bosses have taken cues from the Audi S line and BMW M Sport ranges by borrowing styling from high-performance models in the VW line-up. So, the Tiguan features design touches from the Passat R36 (tested here) and mighty Touareg R50.

The most striking change is the introduction of a new body-coloured splitter under the front bumper, which gives the R Line’s nose a more aerodynamic appearance.

New sill extensions further beef up the looks, while the blistered wheelarches are filled by 19-inch multi-spoke alloys exclusive to this model. At the rear is a purposeful tailgate spoiler, and the new bumper incorporates a diffuser.

The racy feel continues inside, where drivers get a flat-bottomed steering wheel, plus a set of body-hugging sports seats finished with a unique R logo.

Standard kit includes VW’s 2Zone climate control system, while the R Line also comes fitted with automatic headlamps, front foglights, rain-sensing wipers and sports suspension.

The changes are only cosmetic, however, as power comes from a 2.0-litre TDI diesel with 138bhp or 168bhp, or VW’s proven 197bhp 2.0-litre TSI petrol engine.

The R Line goes on sale in June. Prices start at £24,635 for the 138bhp TDI model, and rise to £26,305 for the TSI.