Updated Volkswagen Tiguan SUV revealed

The German brand has given its popular family SUV a big makeover with one model making a triumphant return after a sales hiatus.

Volkswagen is giving its popular Tiguan SUV a major makeover.

One the menu for the new family-hauler is fresh looks, upgraded tech, new variant names and the return of a controversial variant.

More than five years since the Dieselgate scandal broke, VW is slowly expanding its range of diesel vehicles.

VW’s popular Tiguan is in line for some big upgrades.

In late 2015 the German maker dumped diesel-powered vehicles from its line-up after the emissions cheating scandal. Its sister brands Audi, Porsche and Skoda did the same.

It has since then sold the Tiguan 140TDI but the variant has recently become unavailable because of restrictions on production due to the new tougher global WLTP emissions testing regime that replaced the old system.

But the brand’s heavily revised Tiguan range due to hit showrooms in coming months sees a return to form for the previously derided fuel thanks to a new engine.

Two new diesel-powered Tiguans will arrive in May and join other diesel options in the larger Tiguan Allspace and Touareg SUVs.

A new engine has seen the return of diesel power.

The new 147TDI Tiguan uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged unit making 147kW and 400Nm matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

Prices for the diesel models start at $52,290 (before on-road costs) in Elegance specification and $55,290 for the range’s flagship R-Line grade.

Three carry-over petrol options will be available alongside the diesel machines.

The base front-wheel drive Tiguan 110TSI Life uses a small 1.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder unit making 110kW and 250Nm and is priced from $39,690.

While the more powerful all-wheel drive Tiguan 132TSI Life uses a turbo petrol engine making 132kW/320Nm and is priced from $43,690.

The new range will start to arrive in showrooms from March.

Basic equipment for the two Life variants include rear view camera, LED headlights, 18-inch alloy wheels and an eight-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The 162TSI comes in Elegance and R-Line grades priced from $50,790 and $53,790 respectively.

Both are powered by a turbocharged petrol engine making a hefty 162kW/350Nm combined with a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.

Elegance models get several luxury features including heated and electrically controlled front seats, leather trimmed upholstery, a 9.2-inch centre screen and 19-inch alloy wheels.

While R-Line versions score sporty looking bumpers, rear spoiler, side sills, 20-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel pedal, R-Line steering wheel with haptic feedback controls and an auto electric tailgate.

All models now get the brand’s digital cockpit.

The entire Tiguan range has received big tech upgrades, which bring it into line with the new VW Golf 8 due later this year.

This includes the brand’s excellent 10.25 digital cockpit and smartphone like touch sensitive climate controls with haptic feedback.

The Tiguan is also boosted by upgraded safety, which makes the brand’s occupant protection tech standard across the range. This tech works by detecting an accident and automatically closes windows, the sunroof and tighten seat belts.

Safety is high on the brand’s agenda.

Plus the brand’s IQ. Drive tech, which replaces the previous traffic jam assist and allows for semi-autonomous driving in slow crawling traffic conditions with easy to use controls.

All models come with a high amount of standard safety gear including auto emergency braking with pedestrian detection. Lane Keep assist, radar cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and driver fatigue warning.

Parking is easy thanks to a 360-degree camera and front and rear parking sensors.

The base 110TSI will arrive in March with the 147TDI and 162TSI models following in May with the 132TSI bringing up the rear as it is due to drop in showrooms mid-year.

Originally published as Updated Volkswagen Tiguan SUV revealed