The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV features a choice of two plug-in hybrid powertrains, with up to 62 miles of all-electric running
There’s no better indication of how important the Tiguan is to Volkswagen than the fact that over just two generations the brand has sold more than 7.5 million cars. And that’s why the German firm has reinvented the formula for this all-new, third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV, with fresh engine options, improved technology, more space and practicality and a sharper design.
Key to this and VW’s electrification push are upgraded plug-in hybrid powertrains that offer up to 62 miles of electric range (an increase of as much as 30 miles when compared with its predecessor) thanks to a larger 19.7kWh battery.
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Top 10 best hybrid SUVs to buy 2023There are two eHybrid specifications, both featuring the same battery and 113bhp electric motor, plus a 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine and six-speed automatic gearbox; there’s a choice of 201bhp/350Nm or 268bhp/400Nm outputs. The Tiguan eHybrid accepts rapid charging at up to 50kW, so a 10-80 per cent recharge will take around 25 minutes.
VW will also offer mild-hybrid 1.5 eTSI engines with 128bhp or 148bhp. Thanks to the 48-volt electric system, a compact battery and belt starter-generator, the eTSI powertrains allow for engine-off coasting.
If you want four-wheel drive, you’ll have to go for a 2.0-litre unit. Both TSI turbo petrol engines feature 4MOTION technology and produce either 201 or 261bhp, while the 190bhp 2.0 TDI unit also gets four-wheel drive. The lower-powered 148bhp 2.0 TDI is front-wheel drive only, while all Tiguans get an automatic gearbox as standard.
Efficiency is improved by the new car’s sleeker look. At the front, a faired-in grille below the bonnet helps to smooth airflow. All cars feature the option of VW’s latest IQ.Light HD matrix LED lights.
The new Tiguan is 30mm longer than its predecessor, which has resulted in more space inside. Boot volume has grown by 37 litres on eTSI, TSI and TDI models, to 652 litres overall, while the brand also claims more headroom inside.
The biggest update comes in the form of VW’s latest MIB4 infotainment system, with either a 12.9 or 15-inch display. Both units feature backlighting for the volume slider and temperature controls, while VW claims the user interface is more intuitive.
As a result, there’s a permanent climate control bar visible on the panel, while users can customise up to five on-screen shortcut buttons at the top of the display to make switching between functions easier. All cars feature a 10.25-inch digital dash panel with four different configurable views.
There’s also a new rotary dial on the centre console to choose between various ‘Atmospheres’ that adjust the interior lighting, chassis and powertrain tuning.
Four trim levels will be available from launch, with the range comprising the base-spec car, Life, Elegance and R-Line models. The entry-level version comes with climate control, a rear-view camera, 17-inch alloy wheels and LED headlights as standard. Life adds three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise, park assist, auto main beam, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay capability for the 12.9-inch screen, comfort seats and different alloy wheels.
Elegance is the more refined trim level, so features LED Plus headlights, acoustic glass, a powered tailgate, Park Assist Pro (a system that will record the last 50 metres of your journey and retrace these steps automatically) and 18-inch wheels, while R-Line models feature larger 19-inch alloys, a sportier body kit and sports seats.
UK pricing has not yet been revealed, but VW has outlined that the new Tiguan will start from 36,600 Euros (around £31,300) when it launches in Germany in February 2024. The outgoing DSG car (remember, no manual will be available) starts from £33,650 in the UK, so expect an increase over this when sales begin in spring 2024.
Click here for our list of the best plug-in hybrid cars on sale right now…
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