Much of the focus on Volkswagen’s attempt to comeback from its recent problems has been on how the new Atlas SUV will improve the maker’s weak line-up of SUVs. However, it took another big step in Detroit today as it rolled out its new Tiguan utility at the North American International Auto Show.
Engineered specifically to meet the needs of American customers, the all-new Tiguan builds on the current vehicle’s fun to drive character and adds a more sophisticated and spacious interior, flexible seating and high-tech infotainment and driver assistance features.
“The new Tiguan demonstrates how we plan to give American customers the usability and versatility they demand without sacrificing style or Volkswagen’s trademark driving dynamics,“ said Hinrich J. Woebcken, CEO of the North American Region, Volkswagen.
“Every detail of the Tiguan has been thoughtfully engineered for our U.S. customers to maximize space and convenience, while retaining its performance, agility, and value. We plan to price Tiguan very competitively with other compact SUVs. With the brand-new Tiguan and the all-new Atlas, 2017 is the year of #SUVW.”
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Also like the aforementioned Atlas, it’s based off the German automakers much ballyhood MQB architecture designed to provide room and flexibility for finicky American (and other) drivers. The new model is 185.2 inches long, which is 10.7 inches longer than its predecessor. That translates to a 57% increase in cargo space, VW claims.
The Tiguan’s exterior is longer and bigger and the interior has gotten a corresponding makeover as well with improved seats, right down to the new rhombus pattern offering a high-end look. The Tiguan now features the optional Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display, offering drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and center for easy viewing.
The available Volkswagen Car-Net system provides a suite of connected vehicle services, including standard App-Connect technology that offers compatible smartphone integration with the three major platforms—Apple CarPlayTM, Android AutoTM and MirrorLink. The new Tiguan also offers an available Fender Premium Audio System.
VW is keeping up with the desire of Americans to have as many safety technologies crammed into their people haulers as possible. The Tiguan now offers a comprehensive suite of driver assistance technology.
A rearview camera comes standard and available features include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), upgraded for use in stop and go traffic; Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist) with Pedestrian Monitoring; Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Traffic Alert; and Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), which actively helps the driver steer the car back into its lane should the vehicle start drifting into another lane without using the turn signal.
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In addition, the 2018 Tiguan offers a combination of both passive and active safety systems that are engineered to meet or exceed current crash regulations, VW notes, including the class exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
As with any new makeover, the Tiguan received a new palate of exterior and interior colors. It also go some nice upgrades with things like an eight-way power driver’s seat, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.
The second-row bench can slide seven inches fore and aft and be split 40:20:40. The third-row seats will come standard on front-wheel-drive models and be optional on all-wheel-drive versions. An available panoramic sunroof lightens the entire interior space, while the foot-activated power liftgate makes the cargo space more accessible than ever.
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The new Tiguan will be powered by an updated version of Volkswagen’s 2.0-liter turbocharged and direct- injection TSI engine, making 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque, driving the front wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission. Optional 4Motion with Active Control all-wheel-drive offers four driver selectable modes to maximize driving enjoyment and grip, on pavement or off.
