Volkswagen presents the new generation of its best-selling SUV, which we were able to preview. Design, interior, hybrid engine, features… Here you have all the news about the Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid. Discovery in images.
After the latest Volkswagen Passat, followed by the ID GTI concept, it is time for the German’s other best-seller: the Tiguan. As a reminder, the Tiguan has had 7.5 million sales since 2007 and 1.2 million units produced in the last two years. As you may have understood, to say that it is acclaimed is an understatement. And as expected, the manufacturer takes advantage of this third generation to remodel its successful SUV with its new image. But not only. The Tiguan also features a modernized interior, and optimized hybrid and electrical features, without forgetting its new platform. Here’s our preview of the Volkswagen Tiguan Hybrid.
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The Volkswagen Tiguan Hybrid Looks: New Identity
It even has a sequel in the IDs! Okay, I’ll stop. But you will have noticed, and it is even more marked than in the new Passat, the Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid looks very “ID”. The SUV is more athletic than daring and gains in slight curves which it loses in edges.
Starting of course with this front, which goes from the “old” to the “new” Volkswagen. That is a small ID 5 style face, with its light strip that connects the projectors with the rounded corners. The hood, meanwhile, integrates more naturally with the fenders, while sliding more smoothly forward. The waistline follows the same logic and loses its clean lines in favor of more curved lines. Enough to clean the surface of the doors and simplify the Tiguan at the bottom. Aesthetic and functional, the air curtains enhance the aerodynamics of the SUV.
You’ll still have to choose between the R style (a little too much, personally) and the standard front bumper. At the rear, we find the evocation of small “old-fashioned” inclined blocks in the lights. But it’s the LED strip that takes over, making us think more of a Volkswagen T-Cross than anything else. In addition to defining the rear, this cross member balances the surface of the trunk, which extends towards the bumper. Slightly more imposing, the Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid (like the rest of the engine range) maintains its proportions. Its dimensions: are 4.53 m long (+30 mm), 1.63 m high (+4 mm), and 1.84 m wide. Therefore, the width is identical to that of the previous model, as is the wheelbase of 2.68 m. In the eTSI, TSI, and TDI the trunk volume increases by 37 liters, reaching 652 liters.
On board: new interior and central control
The Volkswagen Tiguan Hybrid welcomes a new interior, which shares many points in common with that of the Passat. We think in particular of the return of physical buttons on the steering wheel, as well as the MIB4 infotainment system and its large screens. As a reminder, the central screen ranges between 12.9 inches as standard and 15 inches as an option. That’s all. The 12.25-inch “Digital Cockpit” also dispenses with covers thanks to its anti-reflective treatment.
It is rather at the bottom, on the side of the center console, where things change. The plug-in hybrid SUV debuts a new rotary profile selection control, with an integrated OLED screen. Choosing modes or even adjusting the volume is done with a certain high-tech elegance. There is the new IDA voice assistant and the head-up display projected directly on the windshield. The Tiguan also uses the left multifunction switch from the Volkswagen ID.7.
The “disassembly” of the center console makes it possible to gain a little additional storage space, which is still appreciable.
Comfort is not far behind on board this new Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid. While you wait to get behind the wheel, you can quickly enjoy the new ergoActive Plus seats with pneumatic massage. The seat seems very comfortable for long trips and the cabin is spacious both front and rear. Good legroom, a promising second row even with three, and more than satisfactory headroom. As expected, the careful lighting environments and the panoramic roof contribute to the feeling of modernity and space. In any case, the plug-in hybrid SUV benefits from nice materials, everything is foamed and everything is taken care of. Therefore, a very promising first contact in terms of perceived quality and space on board.
Performance and autonomy: up to 200 kW and 100 km electric
The Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid once again shares its technical part with that of the Passat. The SUV is therefore available in TSI, TDI, eTSI mild hybrid, and eHybrid. Our plug-in hybrid SUV, like the rest of the engines, is based on the MQB Evo platform. Or as VW says: “the final step in the evolution of the MQB modular transverse engine platform.” All diesel, gasoline, and hybrid versions are entitled to a 7-speed DSG gearbox. 4MOTION and drive for the 2.0 TDI, 4MOTION for the 2.0 TSI, and drive for the 1.5 eTSI. The one that interests us is of course the eHybrid which is offered in 150 kW (204 HP) and 200 kW (272 HP). PHEVs will only be available with front-wheel drive, with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission. Driving ergonomics will also be similar to that of the ID models, with which the Tiguan shares the gearbox control located to the right of the steering wheel.
The electric mode of the Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid is based on a 19.7 kWh battery, up from 10.6 kWh previously. The manufacturer announces up to 100 km of 100% electric autonomy, as well as fast charging at 50 kW. AC charging is also evolving, going from 3.6 to 11 kW. Between thermal and electric, the Tiguan PHEV should reach 1,000 km of autonomy, a fully charged battery, and a full tank.
Finally, the plug-in hybrid SUV integrates DCC Pro adaptive regulation for this new generation of undercarriage. A true “dynamic behavior manager” intervenes in the transverse dynamics of the shock absorbers, the electronic differential lock, or even the electromechanical power steering. All in order to offer “more stable, more agile, and more precise” driving. All we have to do now is wait for the full test to confirm (or not!) all of this.
Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid: from €36,600
While waiting for prices for France, VW only communicated about the entry ticket of 36,600 euros for the new Tiguan in Germany. Therefore, you will have to wait a little before knowing the prices of each engine/trim level. There will be four for this Volkswagen Tiguan hybrid and its variants: Tiguan, Life, Elegance, and R-Line.
The digital cockpit, mode dial, and 12.9-inch center screen (among others) are available on the base Tiguan. The Life gains 3-zone Climatronic, comfort seats in the front, as well as Park Assist and Light Assist. Finally, the top-of-the-range Elegance and R-Line allow you to choose between elegance (obviously) and a sporty look. Among other things: electric trunk and Park Assistance Pro for the Elegance, specific bumpers, sports seats, and 19-inch wheels for the R-Line. Different options for tires, roof racks, and other accessories will be available. So what do you think?
