WOLFSBURG: The Volkswagen Tiguan (Mk2) has proven itself as a popular mid-sized sports utility vehicle (SUV) and in its next stage of evolution, it will receive a comprehensive update.
The German carmaking giant said in its statement that the refreshed Tiguan will be going on sale in Europe shortly and will include some new interior and exterior styling changes as well as the inclusion of innovative driver-assistance and comfort features.
The updated Tiguan (Mk2.5) will have its front end completely changed with a new front grille which flows into the standard LED headlights to give it a bigger sense of breadth.
The rear will be where the centrally-positioned “Tiguan” lettering resides right below the new VW logo for its badge.
Not to mention, the “4Motion” lettering for the all-wheel-drive variant has also been revamped.
For greater convenience, the company has indicated that the hands-free Easy Open and Close system for the powered tailgate is now available on its mid-range models before providing new wheel designs for every trim line.
Inside, the cabin sees the addition of a digital version of the new multifunction steering wheel which features illuminated touch islands and sliders.
An all-new touch module is also available for the Climatronic automatic climate control functions for the midrange models.
In addition to touch buttons, generously sized and illuminated touch sliders are used for fan and temperature controls.
The touch buttons can also be used to operate functions such as the newly standardised heated front seats, rear window defrost, and to open the air-conditioning menu.
Illuminated USB-C ports will be located under the air-conditioning module.
Entertainment will be handled by the latest third-generation modular infotainment system (MIB3) while the driver will get to peer into a configurable digital instrument panel with the next-gen personalization system as standard.
The MIB3 system offers natural voice control, multi-phone pairing and wireless App-Connect.
Not to mention, every Tiguan will be equipped with Volkswagen's Digital Cockpit, which allows the driver to configure the 8.0-inch instrument display, although top trim models will receive a larger 10.25-inch display.
The next generation of personalization systems is included as well, to customize features from driver-seat and mirror settings to driver-assistance system preferences.
Rounding out the interior changes is the new 15-colour ambient lighting system and new decors for every variant and will continue to offer the 480-watt Fender Premium Audio System as standard equipment for range-toppers.
For those in the US, the Tiguan will continue to be offered as a long-wheel version from next year onwards and will be powered by a revised 2.0-litre EA888 four-cylinder TSI engine producing 184hp at 4,400rpm and 300Nm of torque from 1,600 to 4,360rpm.
All Tiguan models will be equipped with a standard eight-speed automatic transmission with a Start/Stop system to help improve fuel economy.
For safety, the Tiguan will be equipped with advance driver aids that include a Travel Assist system that can take over steering, braking and acceleration from speeds of 0 to 210kph.
However, the company says that the driver must remain responsible for the control of the SUV at all times.
To do so, the system uses functions including Adaptive Cruise Control and Lane Assist lane-keeping system — both available in the Advanced Driver-Assistance Package on base models or standard on midrange models.
The driver activates the system by pressing a separate Travel Assist button on the new multifunction steering wheel but must keep their hands on it while the system adding that touch-detection is far more reliable than steering angle-based systems even on long and very flat stretches of road.
Lastly, the latest generation of the company's adaptive cruise control (ACC) - available on top trims, now proactively takes into account local speed limit information, town boundary signs, junctions and roundabouts.
The assist system will use the signals picked up from the forward-facing camera as well as the GPS and map data from the navigation system to improve control.
