Polished gem

Volkswagen’s accomplished Tiguan continues to shine on the back of measured changes for 2021

- Gareth Dean

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 2,0 TSI 4MOTION R-LINE ETA: NOW

Price: R710 000

Engine: 2,0-litre, 4-cylinder, turbo petrol

Transmission: 7-speed, dual-clutch

Power: 162 kW@ 4 500-6 200 r/min

Torque: 350 N.m@ 1 5004 400 r/min

0-100 km/h: 6,50 seconds*

Top speed: 225 km/h*

Fuel consumption: 8,30 L/100 km* CO²: 189 g/km

Rivals: Audi Q5, BMW X1, Honda CR-V, Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, Mazda CX-5, Nissan X-Trail, Renault Koleos, Subaru Forester

Volkswagen’s 2021 updates to its midsize crossover aren’t sweeping but when it comes to a product this accomplished, it’s fair to say that the old adage “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” rings no truer than it does in the Tiguan.

By and large, the updates to the Tiguan are primarily cosmetic, with the odd bit of new driver assistance tech folded into the mix. It still rides on the MQB A2 modular platform and changes to the overall dimensions are almost indistinguishable. The underpinning 2 681 mm wheelbase accommodates a sliding rear bench that can apportion luggage space versus legroom, making the Tiguan a compact but practically packaged member of its segment. This particular model’s running gear remains all but unchanged from that of the outgoing 2,0 TSI 4Motion Highline: the MacPherson front/multilink rear suspension setup, seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and 2,0-litre inline turbo-petrol feeding Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive.