Volkswagen gives Brits racier-looking Tiguan R Line
Volkswagen Tiguan R Line - Click above for a high-res gallery
In the States, Volkswagen's Tiguan has been struggling to find buyers, but over in Europe, there the cute-ute has been going gangbusters, enjoying wait-list levels of popularity.
No surprise, then, that it's Europe that will get a racier looking model first. Dubbed "R Line," the pumped-up Tiguan is primarily an appearance package, not really a full-blown performance model. In any case, the Tig benefits from a reworked front-end including a revised splitter and a matte chrome-finish grille, although perhaps the most distinctive element of the crossover's transformation are the fender flares that house a set of 19-inch alloys, which are tied together by a new set of side sills. Out back, there's a new bumper fascia incorporating an air diffuser motif and a discrete spoiler. All-in, it's a clean looking package that reminds us of VW's Tiguan concept from SEMA in 2008, albeit better resolved with a more unified appearance, particularly along the bodysides.
There are the usual interior upgrades for this sort of package as well, including R branded sport seats, aluminum pedal pads and trim, and additional standard equipment like dual-zone climate control. The biggest departure, however, is the fitment of a flat-bottomed wheel, a familiar looking (but entirely welcome) addition.
Volkswagen is providing no information about driveline upgrades, so for now, at least, the buyer apparently gets his or her choice of the same 2.0-liter TSI gasoline four-cylinder or either of a pair of 2.0-liter TDI diesels available in lesser versions. The Tiguan R Line will hit UK dealers in June, with prices ranging from £24,635 (nearly $37k USD) for the less powerful TDI on up to £26,305 (over $39k USD) for TSI engine.
VW remains mum on any plans for the States, but given the trickle of Tigs leaving dealers at the moment, it may be a tough sell. On the other hand, a racier looking model may be exactly what is required to jumpstart interest in the model, so who knows? Official press release after the jump.
Gallery: Volkswagen Tiguan R Line
[Source: Volkswagen]
PRESS RELEASE:
IMPOSING NEW R LINE MODEL JOINS THE TIGUAN RANGE
An aggressive new model is set to join the Tiguan range this summer with the introduction of the new R Line model promising stylish new body additions on the outside and greater comfort inside.
Designed and built by Volkswagen Individual, a separate engineering wing of Volkswagen established in 2003 and assigned to special projects including the Passat R36 and Touareg R50, the new Tiguan R Line features significant visual changes over the standard Tiguan.
The basis for the new R Line is the Sport model added to which is a new body-coloured front splitter sitting below the front bumper along with a unique matt chrome grille section. Blistered wheel arches surround new R Line 19-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels fitted with 255/40 tyres to lend the Tiguan a more purposeful stance. Next, a set of subtle body-colour sill extensions complete with matt chrome highlights are fitted leading into the new rear bumper complete with a small diffuser element. Finally, a small spoiler sits at the top of the rear window to complete the new look.
Inside the Tiguan R Line a new flat-bottomed multifunction steering wheel is joined by a set of contoured sports seats complete with 'R' logos. New R Line aluminium pedals and trim. Advanced 2Zone climate control is also fitted as standard in addition to the already comprehensive range of standard equipment fitted to the Sport model. This includes four airbags, automatic lights, front fog lights, rain sensors and sports suspension.
The new R Line model is available fitted with a range of efficient 2.0-litre TDI common rail diesel engines in 140 PS and 170 PS outputs as well as a 2.0-litre TSI engine developing 200 PS. The Tiguan R Line can be specified with a choice of five colours; Candy White (pictured), Reflex Silver, Deep Black, Biscay Blue and Mountain Grey.
Sales of the new Tiguan R Line are due to start in June. Prices start at £24,635 for the 2.0-litre 140 PS model rising to £26,305 for the 2.0-litre TSI range-topping engine.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
the_MVP_X 5:35PM (4/15/2009)
Still ugly.
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chineyz954 5:37PM (4/15/2009)
And the point is?
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JDMlover 5:59PM (4/15/2009)
Saw one of these a few days ago....blah
Just to mention, saw four 2010 RX, two 370z and a IS-F this past weekend. All that made my day.
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Taglane 6:09PM (4/15/2009)
I'm sure it would.
Jake B 6:40PM (4/15/2009)
I would rather see one 370z than a parade of RX.
smythe 12:00AM (4/16/2009)
uuckkkk..... seeing an IS-f would not make my day, it may actually ruin it with how stupid the vehicle looks.
JDMlover 12:28AM (4/16/2009)
@ Jake
The RX looks nice in real life. It seem smaller then the previous model. Very smooth car. Surprised I saw 4 in only two days....weird. Also weird was seeing two 370z in one day...saw one in sliver going to my aunts house in jersey. Then when i was coming back saw a yellow one. You have to look close it tell its not the 350z from afar.
@ smythe
Either your blind or....no just blind. The IS-f was bloody sexy. It just shined in the sun as it flew past me. All i could here was the sweet rumble of it 416hp V8 as it past me. Ahhh =)
Taglane 6:09PM (4/15/2009)
friggin adorable.
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xtasi 6:15PM (4/15/2009)
Is the manual transmission available state side?
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Sean 6:19PM (4/15/2009)
Manual is available in the states but not in 4-motion.
Again VW fails to get the US consumers what they want and dictate what we "want".
I think part of the reason for slow sales of the Tiguan is that its practically impossible to get an SEL version (fully loaded) without waiting for a long time. We had ours on order for 7 months before it came in.
MasterD 6:55PM (4/15/2009)
@ Sean
Really? Here in Canada, I see a VW dealership from time to time, and they always seem to have 4+ Tiguans in their lot. As a matter of fact, the other day, I saw a few people crowded against a silver Tiguan and I think they were about to take it out for a test drive and possibly buy it.
andy 7:10PM (4/15/2009)
Saw some pics when it first came out and thought it looked ok. When i finally saw it in person at the auto show it looked very dorky. Looked more korean the german(nothing against korean cars)
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Zach 11:29PM (4/15/2009)
With the body kit it looks like a vw g class to me.
JF 1:48AM (4/16/2009)
Performance "CUV"? Isn't that what wagons are for?
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Rick 11:51AM (4/16/2009)
Wagons can't go offroading like the Tig can.
Tony C 11:20AM (4/16/2009)
Looks pretty damn good to me.
Much better than a plain Jane Tiguan, though I can certainly do without the hideous name. And the luxury-level price tag.
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zergling 12:43PM (4/16/2009)
How about putting a 2.0 or 3.0 TDI in it?
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Razor 12:12PM (4/21/2009)
The Tiguan we have here in the states is a really nice vehicle. My wife wants one, but they are so expensive. I've been a VW guy for 20+ years but it is hard to justify the price.
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