VW Tiguan plug-in revealed
A plug-in powertrain has been added to the line-up of the refreshed Volkswagen Tiguan compact SUV.
But sadly, there appears no chance the frugal turbo-petrol four-cylinder will be coming to Australia when the updated Tiguan range arrives in 2021.
The PHEV model is prioritised for Euro 6 emissions markets while Australia is Euro 5.
Sold in short and long wheelbase seven-seat versions in Australia, the Tiguan variants add up to be VW’s second most popular model here.
Globally, it was the most popular model in the VW Group in 2019 with 911,000 produced.
It is currently offered with only turbo-petrol engines.
The new plug-in hybrid powertrain is already offered in Europe in GTE versions of the Golf, Passat and Arteon.
It combines a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol engine with an electric motor to produce around 180kW and 400Nm.
The electric motor is fed by a 13kWh lithium-ion battery and zero emissions range should stretch beyond 50km.
Confirmed range and economy numbers are yet to be revealed.
A mild hybrid and cleaner diesels are also part of the updated Tiguan package.
Beyond the engine bay the Tiguan features an exterior restyle that brings it closer to the larger Touareg, as well as interior updates including a new multifunction steering wheel and touchscreen display.
Semi-autonomous driving capabilities will also be improved in the new Tiguan.
