Brits can now order the 40 mpg Tiguan TDI

Sure, diesel fuel costs a pretty penny in the U.S. these days, but that shouldn't stop Americans from fawning over a diesel VW Tiguan that gets over 40 mpg on the European combined cycle and emits 185 g/km of CO₂ (that number could be lower, in our eye, but still). The Brits will soon be able to take one of these CUVs home for the pretty penny price of £22,670 ($45,000 US) for the SE or £23,370 ($46,400) for the Sport trim. VW dealers are taking orders now. The Tiguan's new 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS common rail diesel engine can pump out up to 258 lbs ft of torque. Details after the jump. Early reports from the UK on the Tiguan TDI are favorable, and there's at least some hope that fawning Americans will get their chance.

Press Release:

40 MPG, 258 LBS FT OF TORQUE: NEW TIGUAN MIXES POWER WITH ECONOMY

The most powerful Tiguan yet, equipped with a new 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS common rail diesel engine, has now been released for ordering. Combining greater torque than a Golf GTI with the efficiency, lower emissions and refinement you'd expect from a modern diesel, the Tiguan strikes a balance between performance and economy.

This new common rail engine is capable of developing a maximum of 258 lbs ft of torque via a six-speed manual gearbox. As with the rest of the Tiguan range the new engine will route drive through an advanced 4MOTION system which can divert up to 100 per cent of drive to any wheel depending on the traction available.

The increases in both power and torque do not come at the sacrifice of either economy or performance. The new engine is capable of returning 40.4 mpg on the combined cycle while emitting 185 g/km of CO2. As you'd expect from the most powerful Tiguan to date the new 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS also assures that it's the fastest. The vehicle can accelerate from rest to 62 mph in 8.9 seconds before reaching a maximum speed of 125 mph.

As with the rest of the Tiguan range, the new model is equipped with a high level of standard equipment including six airbags, Electronic Stabilisation Programme (ESP), 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning and the RCD 510 touchscreen entertainment system with six-disc CD autochanger.

The new engine will be available in either SE or Sport trim levels. Prices for the new 2.0-litre TDI 170 PS start at £22,670 for the SE, rising to £23,370 for the Sport model.

[Source: VW]