Revised Tiguan launched from $28,990

Volkswagen Australia has launched its revised Tiguan this week, the facelift set to carry the compact SUV through to its replacement in 2016.

First launched in 2008, the Tiguan is refreshed with a more powerful diesel engine, more standard features and minor cosmetic enhancements. The starting price of the entry-grade, front-wheel drive Tiguan 118TSI (petrol) is unchanged at $28,990 (plus on-road costs).

Added to all Tiguan variants are new-look alloy wheels, a reversing camera with guidelines, a high-resolution 6.5-inch colour touch-screen audio system, leather-clad multi-function steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG variants), fatigue detection and Volkswagen's XDL electronic (front) differential lock, as first featured in the Golf GTI.

Mid-spec turbo-diesel models now receive more power and torque, rising 27kW and 60Nm respectively to 130kW and 380Nm. The four-cylinder unit is also more fuel efficient than before, achieving 6.2L/100km on the ADR combined cycle (down 0.2L/100km).

Regular Tiguan variants will also be offered with new-look 17-inch 'Philadelphia' alloy wheels, comfort seats, rear privacy glass and rear parking sensors, while the optional R-Line package ($2500) adds 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels, chromed window and fog light surrounds, chromed roof-rails, revised bumpers front and rear, electrically-adjustable heated front seats, leather upholstery, R-Line steering wheel (with paddle shifters on DSG-equipped models) and an upgraded RNS510 audio system with sat-nav and 30GD hard-disc drive.

The Tiguan range continues to be offered in front- and all-wheel drive format and with a choice of turbocharged petrol and diesel engines.

The range begins with the twin-charged (supercharged and turbocharged) 1.4-litre TSI unit providing 118kW and 240Nm in conjunction with a six-speed manual or optional six-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission.

The base-grade offering is the only Tiguan in the range to be front-wheel driven, and the only to be offered in conjunction with a manual transmission.

The entry-spec Tiguan receives all of the technology and equipment upgrades listed above with no change in list price. Manual variants are priced from $28,990 (plus ORCs) with DSG-equipped variants attracting a $2500 premium. Fuel economy figures for the pair are listed at 6.9L/100km and 7.3L/100km respectively. No options are available other than metallic paint ($700).

Mid-range Tiguan 132TSI (petrol) and 130TDI (diesel) models also receive the technology revisions listed above, as well as the aforemention uptick in engine performance for the turbo-diesel model. Each is also offered optionally with Volkswagen's R-Line styling and technology package ($2500), and can be further optioned with a panoramic glass roof, sat-nav and leather upholstery.

The Tiguan 132TSI is priced from $36,990 (plus ORCs) and offers 132kW and 280Nm, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission as standard. While the 130TDI model provides 130kW (up 27) and 380Nm (up 60) for a list price of $39,990. Diesel-powered models are likewise equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and are offered with a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. Fuel consumption figures for the pair are listed at 8.8L/100km and 6.2L/100km (ADR combined) respectively.

As was the case previously, the Tiguan range is topped by the $44,990 (plus ORCs) R-Line version, offering 155kW and 280Nm. Powered by a higher-tuned version of the 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol found in the 132TSI, the 155TSI variant returns the same combined fuel consumption figure (8.8L/100km) and likewise drives all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

The Tiguan 155TSI R-Line is available optionally with a panoramic glass roof, but as standard adds 18-inch Mallory alloy wheels, Adaptive Chassis Control (adaptive dampers), leather upholstery and sat-nav. Like the R-Line variants, the model is also distinguished by sportier reprofiled bumpers, side skirts, roof-edge spoiler and R-Line badging.

Interior touches include the R-Line steering wheel with paddle shifters, chrome-rimmed instrument dials, 6.5-inch touch-screen infotainment system and R-Line specific trim garnishes.

Speaking at the launch of the revised Tiguan this week, Volkswagen Australia product manager for Tiguan, Marcus Hofman, said the range continues to remain competitive.

"In order to be competitive within this segment, we really needed to ensure our product is in line with what's in the market, and obviously provide a good product offering to both consumers within the market, and the marketplace," explained Hofman.

"It's obviously quite exciting in terms of what we've been able to introduce as part of the model, and the features we've introduced as standard equipment to the model range as well," he concluded.

The revised Tiguan is on sale now.