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Volkswagen Tiguan R 2022: Australian price and release date revealed

 

The Tiguan R is set to launch in a matter of months bringing ferocious performance and everyday practicality to Australian’s with a heavy right foot


Volkswagen has announced the first-ever Tiguan R midsize will go on sale in April 2022 with prices starting from $69,990 before on-road costs.

The price tag offers a notable increase over the current range-topping Tiguan 162TSI R-Line at $54,790 before on-road costs but Volkswagen says the R is an entirely different animal.

Volkswagen Tiguan R 2021 front

When it arrives, the Tiguan will go head to head with rivals such as the Skoda Kodiaq RS but few midsize SUVs at a sub-$100,000 price point offer a high-performance option in Australia.

Under the bonnet of the Tiguan R is Volkswagen’s familiar EA888 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine that produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque, though a higher tune of 420Nm currently seen in Europe is expected to follow at a later date.

This is paired to a seven-speed DSG dual-clutch transmission that sends power to all four wheels, as per tradition in the ‘R’ family of vehicles.

Volkswagen Tiguan R 2021 rear

Once wound up and launched off the line the Tiguan will accelerate from 0-100km/h in 5.1 seconds.

While the Australian specification is yet to be released but our version is expected to arrive a high level of equipment that is seen on top-spec Tiguan Rs in Europe.

This includes a set of 21-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels that wrap over a set of beefed-up front brakes and an R-specific body kit.

Enhancing the Tiguan R’s handling are a set of adaptive dampers, that should provide some flexibility between on-road refinement and dynamic handling when needed.

Volkswagen Tiguan R 2021 interior

Volkswagen has fitted out the Tiguan R with a slew of appropriate trimmings including a Nappa leather upholstery along with heated and electrically adjustable front seats and a panoramic roof.

Tech such as the 9.2-inch centre touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are also likely to be standard fit, as is an additional 10.25 digital instrument cluster and a Harman Kardon sound system.

A more in-depth list of inclusions will be announced when the Tiguan R is launched in April next year.