New Volkswagen Tiguan R spotted at the Nurburgring
Volkswagen’s new performance-focused Tiguan SUV has been spied during its handling test, ahead of its expected launch later this year
The launch of the Volkswagen Tiguan R is drawing ever nearer, and our spy photographers have snapped an undisguised prototype during its handling assessment at the Nurburgring. Volkswagen’s latest hopped-up SUV is expected to make its debut towards the end of the year, where it will join the Mk8 Golf R in the German manufacturer’s line-up.
Volkswagen has steadily been expanding its performance SUV line-up over the last few months, with this new Tiguan R following the recently launched T-Roc R into showrooms. And, like its performance-focussed stablemates, the Tiguan R features an understated design, wearing a body kit that’s not dissimilar to that of the standard-issue Tiguan R-Line.
New Volkswagen Tiguan R: design and interior
At the front, there’s a slightly deeper front bumper with a full-width air-dam, while the rear bumper features a new diffuser and a set of quad-exit exhaust tips. There’s a larger tailgate spoiler, too, while the wider alloy wheels hide a set of uprated brake discs and Volkswagen’s trademark, R-badged blue calipers.
Inside, expect we’re expecting a comparable level of equipment to a well-specced Tiguan R-Line. Standard kit should include a pair of leather-trimmed sports seats, a sports steering wheel, a panoramic sunroof, a digital instrument cluster, an eight-inch infotainment screen and a premium audio system.
Like most Volkswagen products, the options list for the Tiguan R will be extensive, with potential upgrades including a tow-bar and three-zone climate control. However, like the T-Roc R, the Tiguan R is unlikely to be offered with Volkswagen’s Performance Pack, as found on the outgoing Golf R.
New Volkswagen Tiguan R: engine and platform
The new Volkswagen Tiguan R will feature the same turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine found in the Cupra Ateca. As such, it should have an output of 296bhp and 400Nm of torque – which will be sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, giving the SUV a 0–62mph time of around five seconds.
To cope with the extra grunt, Volkswagen will fit its usual suite of chassis upgrades, including adaptive suspension, new anti-roll bars, performance brakes, uprated differentials, lighter alloy wheels, stickier tyres and a sophisticated traction control system.
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