First Look: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan
Words: Calvin Chan
Published: January 11, 2017
Click here to read our full review of the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan.
Auto shows are always full of surprises and oddly enough, the new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan caught us quite off guard. While we heard of its impending debut long ago, what we were most surprised with was its dimensions. Volkswagen now calls it the long-wheelbase Tiguan. Compared to the outgoing model, it’s 271 mm longer overall, has a 111 mm longer wheelbase, has 57% more cargo capacity, and also comes with an optional third-row seat.
These swollen dimensions inflate the Tiguan out of the mid-size crossover segment and into the undefined void that lies between, say, an Audi Q5 and Q7. It’s quite a smart play to be honest – as the SUV market grows, more and more consumers are looking for cars that have the added flexibility to transport more passengers.
Volkswagen also promises to keep the Tiguan’s fun-to-drive personality and underpins their highly praised MQB platform underneath it, with motivation powered by an updated version of their 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 184 hp and 221 lb-ft through an 8-speed automatic transmission. 4MOTION all-wheel drive is also equipped, with four selectable driving modes.
The outgoing Tiguan was a handsome crossover to begin with and definitely stood the test of time, aging as gracefully as it could, but the new Tiguan looks even better, with a bolder and stronger front grill, and sleeker character lines that hide its recent growth in size. The interior has also been modernized with VW’s new steering wheel, infotainment system, and Digital Cockpit instrument cluster.
The regular suite of safety technology makes its way in, including a standard rear view camera, and available active cruise control, front braking assist, blind spot moitoring, rear traffic alert, and lane keeping assist.
Look for the new Tiguan to officially join the dealer lineup later this year.
Photo Gallery:
Press Release:
Detroit, Mich. – The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan unveiled today at the North American International Auto Show kicks off a big year for the Volkswagen brand in America. 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.”
As with the Atlas, the Tiguan is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Compared with the current model, the new Tiguan has far more interior space; at 185.2 inches long, the 2018 model is a stunning 10.7 inches longer than the current version and has up to 57 percent more cargo capacity. The 109.9-inch wheelbase—4.4 inches longer than the new Tiguan sold in Europe—provides both sliding second-row seats and an optional third row.
On the outside, the all-new Tiguan adopts Volkswagen’s clean and timeless design DNA. The MQB platform allows for a wider, lower stance, while the exterior design of sharper, stronger character lines, and LED lighting has already garnered several European design awards. The exterior design also enhances the Tiguan’s utility, from a 26-degree approach angle for off-roading to a lower lift-in height for the tailgate.
The Tiguan’s interior has been rethought and refreshed; even the cloth seats of entry models now feature a rhombus pattern that offers a premium 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 CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®. The new Tiguan also offers an available Fender® Premium Audio System.
To meet the demands of American SUV drivers, 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.
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. These systems include the class exclusive Automatic Post-Collision Braking System.
A new palate of exterior and interior colors combine with key available comfort options such as 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.
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.
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