Volkswagen Tiguan getting power boost in 2025
By Alex Misoyannis
The most popular variant of the normal Volkswagen Tiguan range will get a booster, with around 200 kW, for the new model scheduled for early 2025.
The 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan family SUV will come in three different engine variants, all petrol: a 110kW base variant and 150kW and 195kW versions of a familiar 2.0-litre turbo engine. The 195kW (195TSI) version will succeed both the popular 162TSI variant and the high-performance 235kW Tiguan R model, which has already ended production and is expected to sell out by mid-year.
But there are still no plans for a plug-in hybrid variant.
Prices have not yet been announced, however the new model is expected to be more expensive given that it is larger, with more power and technology. The 195TSI R-Line is unlikely to be cheaper than the current model, as VW Australia named it in a media presentation as one of six SUVs it will sell in the price range of $60,000 and $90,000.
Diesel will not return for the new model, nor will a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) be introduced, as Volkswagen Australia focuses on the upcoming ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size electric SUVs.
Volkswagen Australia is preparing to unveil its first plug-in hybrid, the large Touareg R performance SUV, but company spokesman Paul Pottinger said they are not currently considering expanding the PHEV range to other models.
The new Tiguan 195TSI, with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, matches the updated Golf GTI hot hatch (due in early 2025) in terms of power. It is the first time a non-R Tiguan in Australia can claim this achievement in more than a decade.
“We may launch with the 110 and 195, and then the 150 may be a little behind,” VW Australia spokesman Daniel DeGasperi said.
Volkswagen Australia executives said that there will be three engine variants in the new Tiguan range, all petrol: a 110kW base variant and 150kW and 195kW versions of a familiar 2.0-litre turbo engine.
“We think widespread electrification will be the key to a more sustainable and low-carbon transport future,” a Volkswagen spokesperson said. “That’s why we are working on our ambitious roadmap to part or fully electrify our vehicle fleet.”
As of now, a new Tiguan R is not expected to arrive at launch and may be delayed for two years given that prototypes have not yet been seen in tests in Europe.
These plans come as Volkswagen looks ahead to the future of electric vehicles amidst increasing concerns over climate change and the decreasing availability of fossil fuels.
Volkswagen is focusing on electric vehicles and leans toward producing electric vehicles, citing the upcoming ID.4 and ID.5 mid-size electric SUVs.
This decision is also due to upcoming new car emissions targets planned by the Australian government, which reward low-CO2 hybrid vehicles and would help Volkswagen offset its less efficient range of vans and utes.
Volkswagen of America has found itself in a partnership with a well-known audio company to address issues on the integration of speaker size for its audiophile market.
In the future, they are hoping to launch a vehicle with a range of over 500 kilometers in a mid-size SUV body in order to focus on that vehicle and not on a Tiguan PHEV.
More updates regarding the new Tiguan are expected in the coming months, but from all indications, Volkswagen is betting big on electrification rather than promoting alternative powertrains.
Whilst diesel and gasoline combustion engines remain popular for now, Volkswagen believes the future is electric, signaling its intentions to go fully electric in the coming years.
For more information, contact Alex Misoyannis at alex.misoyannis@drive.com or read more at www.drive.com.au/about-drive/our-journalists/alex-misoyannis/
