2017 VW Tiguan



Volkswagen is presenting the newly developed VW Tiguan at the 2015 IAA. In this case, "new" means completely new - revolution instead of evolution. That is because the second generation Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV whose design is based on the MQB platform, which is future oriented in all of its aspects.



For Volkswagen, the new Tiguan marks the beginning of an SUV product offensive. In upcoming years, the brand will be launching other innovative SUVs that are precisely tailored to specific markets in a wide variety of segments worldwide. Volkswagen will be extending the range of SUV vehicles it offers, especially in the USA. Forecasts indicate that the SUV share will also increase significantly in China. Additional SUV growth will also occur in Europe. Unlike in Europe, car drivers in the USA and China prefer versions with a longer wheelbase. That is why the new Tiguan was systematically developed for two different wheelbases from the start. 


In the second generation Tiguan, Volkswagen designers have created an SUV that transfers a new design quality to this segment in a progressive and competitive way. The precision and logic of its lines as well as its clear and unmistakably dominant character have led to a visual profile of the Tiguan that clearly differentiates it from its competitors. The exterior and interior also form coordinated units in perfect harmony. This resulted in a new original - a masterpiece.

The new dimensions and proportions elevate the Tiguan from the previous model as well. It is now larger. At 4,486 mm in length, the new model is 60 mm longer, and its wheelbase has been lengthened by 77 mm to 2,681 mm. The new vehicle is 1,839 mm wide, which is 30 mm more than before. Meanwhile, its height was reduced by 33 mm to 1,632 mm (base model with front-wheel drive). The Cd figure of the new Tiguan was reduced as well, thanks to numerous aerodynamic improvements. One example of the innovative aerodynamics is the newly designed door mirrors. By means of wind tunnel testing and airflow simulations the shape of the mirror housings could be improved to such an extent that their share of overall air drag was reduced by 40 per cent. This, and other measures, enabled a 0.048 improvement in the vehicle's Cd figure to 0.31.


The interior of the Tiguan, which has also been fully redesigned, shows a decidedly sporty and yet conscious SUV character. Fitting into this picture is the consistently driver-oriented concept of the dash panel. The central elements are the instrument cluster (optionally implemented as the digital Active Info Display) and the infotainment system that is positioned high in the centre and is angled toward the driver. Beneath the infotainment system is the sporty centre console with climate controls that is also angled toward the driver. The dash panel and centre console form a single stylistic unit here. The centre console itself is dominated by an array of buttons that are laid out around the elevated position of the gear lever. As on the exterior, the designers also systematically applied the "Form follows function" principle here. The button array is lengthened diagonally on the driver's side. Optimally accessible here is the round, intuitively operated multifunction switch of the new 4MOTION Active Control. The interplay of the dash panel, centre console and door panels creates a remarkable cockpit atmosphere for the driver. An example of perfection in details: the narrow, precisely worked frames in aluminium look around the air vents and the door loudspeakers. Typical SUV ruggedness: the door handles. Designers also emphasised the SUV feeling of the interior in their choice of surface textures and distribution of volumes. The interior is marked by a high level of consistently thought-out ergonomics and intuitive operating structures. Noteworthy is the considerably increased head room at the rear seats, despite the low vehicle body height.


The many different equipment configurations may be combined with a total of eight Euro-6 engines. In this class, Volkswagen provides a turbocharger, direct injection, stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. The four petrol engines (TSI) produce 125 PS, 150 PS, 180 PS and 220 PS of power. The four diesel engines (TDI) produce 115 PS, 150 PS, 190 PS and 240 PS of power. The base engines of the new Tiguan are launching with front-wheel drive. All of the other Tiguan versions offer all-wheel drive either as an option or as standard. Compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines, the four-cylinders engines in the new Tiguan are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient. Compared to the retired model with Euro-6 engines, progress has been made that results in fuel savings of up to 10 per cent.


Many drivers of a Tiguan value the possibility of driving off-road in a safe way - either in business or private use. In addition, the all-wheel drive system offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The fact is that Volkswagen also offers the highly efficient 4MOTION all-wheel drive system in the new Tiguan, either as an option or as standard, depending on the engine selected. The ground clearance of all Tiguan 4MOTION versions is 11 mm higher (200 instead of 189 mm). In addition, the Tiguan can be ordered with a special off-road front end; in that case its approach angle is 25.6 instead of 18.3 degrees. The departure angle at the rear is 24.7 degrees for all versions, as is the ramp angle. New and specially developed for the new SUV is 4MOTION Active Control - an off-road switch with four different modes. Regardless of whether the vehicle has an on-road or off-road front end design, the new Tiguan is engineered for enormous trailer loads of up to 2,500 kilograms.