Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line lineup expanded

The price of entry for a Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line has fallen to $46,990 with the introduction this week of a limited edition 132TSI variant that pairs athletic R-Line styling with the more modest power train of the mid-range Tiguan.

Based on the permanent Tiguan Comfortline variant and powered by a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol engine, the 132TSI R-Line makes buying into a sporty Tiguan more than $6,000 more affordable. All-wheel-drive and a seven-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox are standard fitment.

In normal circumstances, Tiguan R-Line ownership requires a spend of $53,050 for the five-seat Tiguan 162TSI Highline optioned with the R-Line package. This specification of the Volkswagen SUV has accounted for a majority of Tiguan sales over the last year.

Limited to a thousand units for Australia, the 132TSI R-Line borrows many of the 162kW/350Nm 162TSI’s traits, including a sporty body kit, larger wheels, and highly bolstered seats.

That said, there is a more modest specification in the 132TSI: 19-inch wheels are used instead of the 162TSI’s 20-inchers, and the upholstery is cloth rather than leather in the $53k grade.

That said, there are plenty of inclusions to justify the $3,750 premium over the standard 132TSI Comfortline grade.

A 12-inch Active Info Display is made standard, as are tinted windows. The Driver Assistance Package, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane keep assist, blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, is also made standard.

In particular, the Active Info Display is the second-generation version of that technology, allowing full-screen mapping to be displayed.

Volkswagen Australia’s director of customer experience and marketing Jason Bradshaw said the 132TSI R-Line was a response to customer demand for a more affordable R-Line grade.

Other standard equipment includes auto LED headlights and wipers, an eight-inch touchscreen with navigation, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto, an electric tailgate, tri-zone climate control and full keyless entry and start.

The 132TSI Comfortline’s otherwise standard safety technologies also carry across in the form of front and rear AEB and parking sensors in addition to the R-Line’s additional package.

An electric sunroof can be optioned for an additional $2,000 while premium paints cost $700.

Four colours are available. The no-cost option is Pure White while Tungsten Silver, Indium Grey and Deep Black command the additional fee.

We’ll be driving the Tiguan 132TSI R-Line shortly and will have a full review available.