Volkswagen Tiguan R 2022: price down $1000 but Harman Kardon stereo no longer standard

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Volkswagen has been forced to decontent the 2022 Tiguan R ahead of its April launch in Australia, with the midsize performance SUV losing its standard Harman Kardon stereo – a blow softened by a $1000 reduction in sticker price to $68,990 before on-road costs.

Volkswagen Australia made a similar move with the Golf R hot hatch and wagon earlier this month – citing semi-conductor-related supply constraints – though the move to remove the high-end stereo from the Tiguan R’s specification is preemptive.

There is currently no shortage in capacity to produce Tiguan Rs with the Harman Kardon stereo (unlike the Golf R, where it is already in effect), however Volkswagen Australia has chosen to offer the regular eight-speaker stereo as standard and the Harman Kardon system as a $1000 option.

The ongoing semi-conductor shortage has seen other manufacturers make choices to keep supply going either reactively, as BMW did when it removed the touchscreen from around 200 vehicles sold in Australia, or proactively such as Kia’s choice to continue offering the Sportage midsize SUV with a manual transmission.

Other carmakers have simply had to stop production. Toyota has had to pause production in most of its Japanese factories, which has had a considerable impact on in-demand models such as the RAV4 and Land Cruiser 300 Series.

Regarding other models affected in the Tiguan line-up, brand director of Volkswagen passenger vehicles Michal Szaniecki noted “because our customers typically select the top-end variants, semi-conductor constraints have especially affected the Tiguan 162TSI R-line.” 

What’s included in the revised Tiguan R specification?

The changes made to the Tiguan R specification are minor. It retains important technology such as a 9.2-inch central touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, customisable ambient lighting, a head-up display, keyless entry, and a power tailgate.

Additionally, the electrically adjustable Nappa-leather-appointed sports seats, 21-inch alloy wheels, adaptive dampers, adaptive cruise control with lane-trace assist, 360-degree camera, and front and rear AEB remain on the spec sheet.

The 235kW/400Nm ‘EA888’ 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine remains the powertrain of choice, with outputs sent to all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

Only the option list grows, with the $2000 panoramic sunroof now joined by the $1000 Harman Kardon sound system.

The Volkswagen Tiguan R will launch in Australia in April this year, though examples are expected to land at dealers in May or June. 

Volkswagen Tiguan 2022: prices in Australia

All prices listed are before on-road costs.

• 110TSI Life: $41,490
• 132TSI Life: $45,490
• 162TSI Elegance: $52,990
• 147TDI Elegance: $54,490
• 162TSI R-Line: $55,990
• 147TDI R-Line: $57,490
• Tiguan R: $68,990