On Sale: Fall 2011
A revised and updated 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan crossover SUV was introduced at the 2011 Geneva Auto Show and will be in showrooms this fall. With improvements to fuel economy, upgrades to the interior and new color options, the 2012 Tiguan exterior now incorporates the new Volkswagen family front-end design.
The 2012 Tiguan design incorporates the horizontal Volkswagen brand face, with a redesigned grille featuring two horizontal bars running between the headlamps. Trapezoidal lower air intakes containing the fog lamp housings are separated by a new center element. A chrome accent along the lower body will be added to 2012 Tiguan SE and SEL trims. The taillamps for the Tiguan have been redesigned with cues similar to all new VW models, using a double-L design. 2012 Tiguan SEL versions will offer new bi-xenon headlamps with Volkswagen’s corner-following AFS headlight system for the first time.
The 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower TSI turbocharged four-cylinder four-valve engine also used in the Golf GTI is standard and remains unchanged for 2012. Low-rolling-resistance tires coupled with new ratios in the 6-speed automatic transmission and some other changes are expected to raise the Tiguan’s highway EPA figure from 25 to 29 mpg. A 6-speed manual is standard in the Tiguan S model. In all of the early reports, there was no mention of a V6 engine option, so that engine may not be available in this market for fuel-economy reasons. All three trim levels will offer the choice of front- or 4Motion all-wheel drive. The standard automatic transmission will be a 6-speed, with a new 7-speed DSG dual-clutch automatic offered as an option. Some reports say that a new limited-slip differential will be offered on models intended for off-road use. The 2.0-liter clean diesel engine may be offered as an optional powerplant as well.
The Tiguan S will offer black cloth seating surfaces. The Tiguan SE features V-Tex leatherette, in black or beige, and the Tiguan SEL will have leather seating surfaces with driver memory seat in either black or beige. 2012 Tiguan models will come with Bluetooth, an auxiliary port, power heated sideview mirrors and six airbags. An eight-speaker audio system is standard, and a touch-screen audio system will be available on the Tiguan SE. Also available are two color touch-screen navigation systems, the RNS 315 or the RNS 510 system with a rearview camera. Tiguan SEL models will feature a Dynaudio 300-watt sound system, alloy wheels and a sport-tuned suspension. The Tiguan will offer a 19-inch wheel option.
While it is already on sale in a number of countries, with a lot more engine options than we will ever get, the new 2012 Tiguan is not expected to be in the dealer showrooms until the autumn of 2011 at prices close to the current model.
