VW Tiguan R 2022 Review

Tiguan R – Volkswagen released the Tiguan R model earlier this year to compete in the popular sport SUV segment. 

After spending a week in one I’m happy to say it’s a heap of fun to drive.

Powered by the same engine that sits on the Audi SQ2 and the Audi S3 sedan and hatch, the 2.0L TSi petrol engine produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This drives through a seven speed DSG and 4MOTION AWD along with quad exhaust and R Performance Torque Vectoring. Add to this tuned exhaust sounds and adaptive chassis control.

What all this means is that the Tiguan R is well equipped to be a Sports SUV.

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Along with the performance the R version adds quite a bit of external and internal bling. These include a bunch of R badges, IQ drive, LED Matrix headlights, digital driver instruments, 9.2 inch central screen that is reactive to both touch and voice control, heated front massage seats and more.

Well priced from $68,990 MLP* plus the usual costs and options, the Tiguan R is sure to be a popular choice for performance oriented buyers, with the only other real price competitor being the Audi SQ2 at around $65,200 MLP*

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

Read more about other sports SUVs  – OzRoamer 2022 Sports SUV COTY Award

Also Look at

• Audi SQ2
• Subaru WRX Sportswagon
• Hyundai Kona N

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

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More VW Tiguan R thoughts

• The styling is a touch boxy and conservative but practical
• The Matrix headlights are excellent as are the quad exhaust tips
• The “R” model comes packed with additional features both safety and comfort as well as more “R” bling
• Front seats, heated and driver massage function aid in comfort for long distance driving
• The general ambiance has a premium feel to it.
• Interestingly there is wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but no wireless charging tray
• The large central screen houses a myriad of functionality and now has gesture sensitivity. Can be a little problematic over bumps though when you press the wrong icon
• The now familiar 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, is configurable and infirmative
• The engine is a gem, smooth, torquey (still don’t know if that’s a real word but it sounds right) with plenty of mod range response.
• It can either potter along economically or when you sink the right foot it will blast away but will drink fuel much heavier.
• That’s the beauty of the Tiguan R, it is a chameleon
• The ability to tune the exhaust through 4 choices is cheating but sounds great
• Drive mode select allows more individualism
• With 4MOTION it retains true AWD SUV capability, more for safety though.

Tiguan R engine and drivetrain

The Tiguan R adds a new layer of performance of the Tiguan model.

It is powered by the familiar (see Audi SQ2,Audi S3, Golf R ) 2.0L TSI petrol engine that produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It will run from 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds driving all four wheels through a 7 speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION drive technology with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

R Torque vectoring brings something special to the price point. The ability to transfer all the torque to the rear outside wheel.

The wet type seven speed DSG is better than most, it isn’t as jerky at low speeds and should have a longer life. I would still prefer a seven or eight speed sports automatic though.

The ride can be a touch firm over bad road surfaces but overall it’s a smooth and dynamic set up.

The Tiguan R features four engine sound settings. When using the Individual driving profile, drivers are able to select a new Pure engine sound.

The Pure engine sound ensures that no sound amplification through the speakers is used. This means that drivers only hear the pure sound from the Tiguan R quad exhaust system.

The Tiguan R Features:

• LIGHT matrix LED headlights and premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
• 2” Discover Pro navigation system with gesture control and voice control
• Digital Cockpit Pro
• Adaptive Chassis Control
• Power folding mirrors with surround lighting and memory
• App-Connect including wired & wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Air Care 3-zone climate control with “Touch” front & rear controls
• Area view 360° camera system
• Easy open & close electric tailgate
• Heated and 12-way electric front seats with memory, massage and easy entry for the driver
• Ambient interior lighting with 30 selectable colours
• DAB+ Digital radio & AM/FM radio bands
• Head-up display projected on a glass panel
• Progressive steering
• Trailer hitch preparation

• IQ DRIVE:

  • Travel Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance,
  • Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring,
  • Lane Assist, Emergency Assist,
  • Adaptive Cruise Control,
  • Side Assist,
  • Rear Cross Traffic Alert,
  • Park Assist,
  • Front and rear parking sensors,
  • Driver Fatigue Detection and
  • 360⁰ Proactive Occupant Protection

Tiguan R Unique specification includes:

• 235TSI engine and 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring
• R badges in front grill, side spears and rear tailgate
• R front and rear bumpers with glossy black accents
• 21” Estoril alloy wheels
• Blue brake calipers front and rear, front with R logo
• Sports brakes with 18” cross drilled discs in front and 17” discs in rear
• Quad chrome tail pipes
• Exterior mirror caps in matte silver
• Illuminated R scuff plates and R logo projected on the ground from front doors
• Nappa leather seats with decorative stitching in blue with R logo stitched in headrest*
• Gear lever boot and centre console armrest with decorative stitching in blue
• Carpet mats in front and rear with decorative stitching in Blue with “R” logo in front
• R sports steering wheel, heated, with touch controls, racing paddles, blue decorative stitching and R logo
• R logo in infotainment system and Digital Cockpit Pro
• Tyre pressure monitoring system shows actual tyre pressures
• Heated front washer nozzles
• Keys with R logo
• Tyre Mobility Set – 12V compressor and tyre sealant

*Leather appointed seats has a combination of genuine and artificial leather, but are not wholly leather