The Volkswagen Tiguan has two brand new engines - and they’re the most powerful petrol powertrains in the range yet.
The Tiguan, a mid-size SUV first released back in 2008, has always had a couple of trump cards up its sleeve, being both spacious and practical as well as great fun to drive.
As a rival to the likes of the Volvo XC40 and Mazda CX-5, it’s right up in the grilles of the competition.
And now the Tiguan is even more tempting, thanks to a pair of mills that add real grunt to the line-up.
Previously, the Tiguan could be had with a 2.0 litre TDI Diesel engine with 200 PS of power on tap. But VW has clearly recognised that not everyone wants to be driving a diesel in these eco-conscious days.
And, so, in steps two new turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol units, offering either 190 PS or a range-topping 245 PS, with 320 and 370 Nm of torque respectively.
The most powerful of the duo ensures an acceleration time of 0-62mph in just 6.0 seconds flat, while the 190 PS engine will do the same sprint in 7.4 seconds.
Both are also wedded to VW’s ‘4MOTION’ all-wheel drive system, giving it the ‘ability to venture off-road’, according to the German firm.
When it comes to fuel economy, and all important tax implications, the 190 PS will - rather obviously - be cheaper to run, returning around 34 mpg and emitting between 194 and 189 g/km of CO2, depending on which trim level you opt for.
The flagship 245 PS engine Tiguan - which starts at £39,560 - returns 32.1 mpg and emits 200 g/km of CO2.
There is, though, an elephant in the room here… because VW is preparing to launch an even sportier new Tiguan R model - with the hot SUV boasting around 320 PS and a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds.
So if you want truly blistering performance, you might want to hang on until the R hits showrooms in the coming weeks.
Hannah Doherty, Tiguan Product Manager at Volkswagen UK, said: “One of the key ingredients for any SUV is capability, whether it’s the ability to venture off-road, provide space for five people and their luggage, or even just stand up to the daily trials of family life.
“With this powerful duo of petrol engines, the Tiguan is more capable than ever – offering space, power, quality, flexibility and the road-holding (or off-roading) prowess of 4MOTION four-wheel drive. Increasing choice for customers for Volkswagen’s best-selling SUV is also a big boost!”
So what other reasons are they to drive a Tiguan - a car that sits between the T-Roc and the Touareg in the VW SUV range?
Well, even base models are generously loaded with tech.
As standard, you get an 8 inch colour touchscreen with full phone integration as well as a host of radar-powered driver assistance systems, including emergency braking, pedestrian monitoring, lane assist and ‘Front Assist’, which warns you when you’re too close to the car in front.
