Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition review finds value less kit doesn’t mean going without

The worldwide computer chip shortage led Volkswagen to deliver the Tiguan R Grid Edition. It still has the speed, but less fancy gadgets.

The 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition could be in your driveway for about $70,200.

Optimists live by the ethos of when life delivers lemons, make lemonade.

There weren’t many positives for many people during the pandemic … apart from those who found themselves getting paid more to do nothing.

Yet for the hard work masses, Covid caused nothing but heartache with long-lasting effects.

Volkswagen faced major supply shortages during the pandemic and even had to shut the order books on its revered Tiguan medium-sized SUV.

But not only did the manufacturer find a way to make lemonade with the Tiguan R, VW added some extra kick.

Under the bonnet of the Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition is the same turbocharged four-clinder found in the fully-kitted ‘R’.

WHAT WERE YOUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS?

GRANT: Needs and wants. It’s a question raised in our household regularly.

KEL: Here comes “the shoes” discussion. They are all needed.

GRANT: In the case of Volkswagen’s Tiguan R, they wanted semiconductors to make all the fancy gear, like power tailgate, electric adjustable seats and a head-up display. But a global shortage meant they either waited or went without. VW Australia chose the latter.

KEL: So it’s a Covid car. It looks sportier than your standard Tiguan, and sounds athletic as well when you hit the start button.

GRANT: Being the ‘R’ version, which stands for “race”, it gets the most important thing – a cracking 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Dropping a range of equipment also means reduced price, and this Grid Edition equates to a saving of about $6500 at $70,200 drive-away.

KEL: The look remained classy with a range of black external highlights like the grille, roof rails, round the exhaust and side strips.

GRANT: Inside the special edition misses out on leather trim, instead the sport seats (better than the ones in the R depending on opinion) are covered with a combination of cloth and microfleece.

Sporty bucket seats are among the changes to the Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition.

WHAT DID YOU LOVE?

KEL: Maintaining its sporty persona, I still really enjoyed the flat-bottom steering wheel feel in my hands and the cabin smarts.

GRANT: The Tiguan maintains separate controls for aircon and infotainment – unlike the Golf which runs everything through the primary touchscreen.

KEL: My preference is the Tiguan cabin design for ease of operation. The seat heaters were some of the best I’ve experienced. Space is another boon for this model, three adults can fit across the back seat.

GRANT: Boot area is also generous with 10 full grocery bags easily swallowed. Having levers in the boot to drop the back seats 60-40 is another of my favourite modern features, perfect for when you’re quickly trying to load the car with bikes or boards.

Only two colour choices are available, blue or grey. But the blue brake calipers on the Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition remain a standout feature.

WHAT DID YOU LOATHE?

KEL: The console cupholders are good, but for some reason this time I found the slots needed extra analysis for takeaway coffees.

GRANT: Spring-loaded arms hug cups and bottles. You have to push back against the arms before pushing items in place.

KEL: Using the steering wheel controls could sometimes prove frustrating.

GRANT: The touch controls were often challenging to navigate and I often had to resent the radar cruise control due to hitting the wrong buttons.

KEL: While parking was easy, I missed the peace of mind of rear cross traffic functionality.

GRANT: Also missing was blind spot monitoring. Another limited factor with the Grid Edition is colour choice – blue or grey are the only options.

Kel and Grant Edwards.

HOW WAS THE DRIVE?

KEL: Nothing changed compared to the Tiguan R we drove last year. I love how it just feels solid on the road.

GRANT: During rainy periods it’s amazing how confident the European cars feel. Beautifully balanced, the Grid Edition version maintains composure in twisty conditions courtesy of an all-wheel drive which trades power to the wheel which requires the most grip while also remaining comfortable on the highway.

KEL: From the lights it was quick.

GRANT: The official 0-100km/h time is a tick over five seconds. That’s brisk for a family SUV.

the official 0-100km/h time in the 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition is 5.1 seconds.

WOULD YOU BUY ONE?

KEL: With impressive power and space, I’d have no hesitation in owning a Tiguan R. It’s not as hard-edged as the Golf version. Whether I’d take the saving or opt for the fully-fledged version is debatable … I really missed the absent safety features so if I was spending the money I’d opt for the one with all the kit.

GRANT: Keen drivers wouldn’t miss some of the gear which isn’t available on the Grid Edition. Finding a performance rival would require a visit to a prestige showroom, and it remains a great buy for those wanting a blend of athleticism and family nous.