New Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 140TDI returns

The brand has nailed its colours to electric vehicles since the Dieselgate scandal but its latest move marks a return to a more traditional line-up.

Almost five years after the Dieselgate scandal broke, Volkswagen is quietly returning to offering diesel vehicles.

The German manufacturer unceremoniously dumped diesel engines from most of its vehicles after the emissions cheating scandal. Other brands under the Volkswagen umbrella — including Audi, Skoda and Porsche — also turned their back on diesel power.

But tide appears to be turning and Volkswagen has just reintroduced the compact seven-seat Tiguan Allspace 140TDI.

VW has brought back the Tiguan Allspace 140TDI.

The variant was unavailable because of restrictions on production due to the new tougher global WLTP emissions testing regime that replaced the old system.

The Tiguan Allspace joins the full-size Touareg as the only diesel-powered passenger cars in the German brand’s local range.

The Allspace is now the second passenger car in the brand’s local line-up to have diesel power.

Volkswagen Australia marketing chief, Jason Bradshaw, said diesel remained “an essential part of our model mix” and “a necessity for many of our customers”.

The Tiguan Allspace is a compact seven seat SUV.

“It’s good news for everyone that we can once again offer this popular variant.”

The 140TDI will sit atop the Tiguan Allspace range priced from $54,690 (before on-road costs), which is $1500 more than the top petrol model.

Power comes from a 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine making 140kW and 400Nm.

VW has packed the 140TDI with gear, including desirable items such as leather accented seats, big 19-inch alloy wheels, ambient lighting and several driving modes.

Safety is well taken care of with auto emergency braking, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert and radar cruise control.

The Tiguan Allspace 140TDI is available to order now, with deliveries commencing in October.

Originally published as New Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 140TDI returns