VW Tiguan R 2022 Review

Tiguan R – Volkswagen released the Tiguan R model earlier this year to compete in the popular sport SUV segment. 

After spending a week in one I’m happy to say it’s a heap of fun to drive.

Powered by the same engine that sits on the Audi SQ2 and the Audi S3 sedan and hatch, the 2.0L TSi petrol engine produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. This drives through a seven speed DSG and 4MOTION AWD along with quad exhaust and R Performance Torque Vectoring. Add to this tuned exhaust sounds and adaptive chassis control.

What all this means is that the Tiguan R is well equipped to be a Sports SUV.

The first-ever ultra high-performance Volkswagen medium SUV – the 235kW/400Nm Tiguan R

TO LISTEN TO THE TIGUAN R RADIO REVIEW CLICK BELOW

Along with the performance the R version adds quite a bit of external and internal bling. These include a bunch of R badges, IQ drive, LED Matrix headlights, digital driver instruments, 9.2 inch central screen that is reactive to both touch and voice control, heated front massage seats and more.

Well priced from $68,990 MLP* plus the usual costs and options, the Tiguan R is sure to be a popular choice for performance oriented buyers, with the only other real price competitor being the Audi SQ2 at around $65,200 MLP*

This is a Motoring Minute

Im Rob Fraser

VW Tiguan R driver central screen

What is good?

What is not so good?

  • Performance/ride/handling
  • Fun to drive
  • Well equipped
  • Not a DSG fan
  • Cant select adaptive cruise control
  • Goop tyre repair kit

Read more about other sports SUVs  – OzRoamer 2022 Sports SUV COTY Award

Also Look at

VW 2022 Tiguan R engine

Model   

VW Tiguan R

Model Price $68,990 MLP*
Engine 2.0L 4 Cyl TSI Petrol
Drivetrain 7 Sp Sports DSG 4MOTION
Power 235kW @ 6,500rpm
Torque 400Nm @ 2,000-5,600rpm
Safety 5 Star ANCAP (Tested 2016)
CO2 Emissions 170 g/km
Economy ADR/ Capacity 8.8L/100km / 10.1L/100K on test / 58L
0-100kmh/Top Speed 6.1 Secs / TBA kmh
Servicing 12 Mths / 15,000km Service packs
Warranty 5yr/ Unlimited km with 1 Yr. conditional roadside assist

*MLP Includes GST and LCT but excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and dealer delivery. See your dealer for RDAP. Does not include price of options. Some features mentioned in the article are options. RDAP means Recommended Drive Away Price (without options but including all other charges)

2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R

Overall Rating    

86/100

Behind the Wheel 9
Comfort 8
Equipment 9
Performance 8
Ride and Handling 9
Practicality 8
Fit for Purpose 9
Towing/Payload Capability 8 – Towing 4.0/5 Payload 4.0/5
Technology / connectivity 9
Value for Money 9

*Towing and AWD capability is measured against similar vehicles in the same class.

VW Tiguan R boot and rear seats

Dimensions 

 
Overall Length / Wheelbase 4520mm / 2681mm
Width / Height 1859mm / 1668mm
Unladen ground clearance / wading depth Up to 177 mm / N/A
Approach / RO / Departure N/A
Fuel Tank  / Turning Circle 55 Litres / TBA KTK
Boot Space Min / Max 615L / 1655L
Kerb Weight /  GVM / GCM / Payload 1792 / 2280 / 4480 /
Towing Capacity / Tow Ball rating 2200KG / 200KG

Motoring Minute is heard around Australia every day on over 50 radio channels through the Torque Radio network

Our Motoring Minute has an average daily audience of over 550,000 listeners and they are also syndicated through various news sites around Australia.

Additionally Motoring Minute is also broadcast as part of Overdrive Radio Program, which is broadcast through the Community Radio Network across Australia

The first-ever ultra high-performance Volkswagen medium SUV – the 235kW/400Nm Tiguan R

More VW Tiguan R thoughts

  • The styling is a touch boxy and conservative but practical
  • The Matrix headlights are excellent as are the quad exhaust tips
  • The “R” model comes packed with additional features both safety and comfort as well as more “R” bling
  • Front seats, heated and driver massage function aid in comfort for long distance driving
  • The general ambiance has a premium feel to it.
  • Interestingly there is wireless smartphone connectivity for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto but no wireless charging tray
  • The large central screen houses a myriad of functionality and now has gesture sensitivity. Can be a little problematic over bumps though when you press the wrong icon
  • The now familiar 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro instrument cluster, is configurable and infirmative
  • The engine is a gem, smooth, torquey (still don’t know if that’s a real word but it sounds right) with plenty of mod range response.
  • It can either potter along economically or when you sink the right foot it will blast away but will drink fuel much heavier.
  • That’s the beauty of the Tiguan R, it is a chameleon
  • The ability to tune the exhaust through 4 choices is cheating but sounds great
  • Drive mode select allows more individualism
  • With 4MOTION it retains true AWD SUV capability, more for safety though.

VW Tiguan R Off road info central screen 2

Tiguan R engine and drivetrain

The Tiguan R adds a new layer of performance of the Tiguan model.

It is powered by the familiar (see Audi SQ2,Audi S3, Golf R ) 2.0L TSI petrol engine that produces 235kW of power and 400Nm of torque. It will run from 0-100kmh in 5.1 seconds driving all four wheels through a 7 speed DSG transmission and 4MOTION drive technology with R-Performance Torque Vectoring.

R Torque vectoring brings something special to the price point. The ability to transfer all the torque to the rear outside wheel.

The wet type seven speed DSG is better than most, it isn’t as jerky at low speeds and should have a longer life. I would still prefer a seven or eight speed sports automatic though.

The ride can be a touch firm over bad road surfaces but overall it’s a smooth and dynamic set up.

The Tiguan R features four engine sound settings. When using the Individual driving profile, drivers are able to select a new Pure engine sound.

The Pure engine sound ensures that no sound amplification through the speakers is used. This means that drivers only hear the pure sound from the Tiguan R quad exhaust system.

VW Tiguan R driver instruments configuration

The Tiguan R Features:

  • LIGHT matrix LED headlights and premium LED tail lights with dynamic indicators
  • 2” Discover Pro navigation system with gesture control and voice control
  • Digital Cockpit Pro
  • Adaptive Chassis Control
  • Power folding mirrors with surround lighting and memory
  • App-Connect including wired & wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
  • Air Care 3-zone climate control with “Touch” front & rear controls
  • Area view 360° camera system
  • Easy open & close electric tailgate
  • Heated and 12-way electric front seats with memory, massage and easy entry for the driver
  • Ambient interior lighting with 30 selectable colours
  • DAB+ Digital radio & AM/FM radio bands
  • Head-up display projected on a glass panel
  • Progressive steering
  • Trailer hitch preparation

VW Tiguan R Off road info central screen

  • IQ DRIVE:

    • Travel Assist with Adaptive Lane Guidance,
    • Front Assist with Pedestrian Monitoring,
    • Lane Assist, Emergency Assist,
    • Adaptive Cruise Control,
    • Side Assist,
    • Rear Cross Traffic Alert,
    • Park Assist,
    • Front and rear parking sensors,
    • Driver Fatigue Detection and
    • 360⁰ Proactive Occupant Protection

VW Tiguan R bling

Tiguan R Unique specification includes:

  • 235TSI engine and 4MOTION all-wheel drive with R-Performance Torque Vectoring
  • R badges in front grill, side spears and rear tailgate
  • R front and rear bumpers with glossy black accents
  • 21” Estoril alloy wheels
  • Blue brake calipers front and rear, front with R logo
  • Sports brakes with 18” cross drilled discs in front and 17” discs in rear
  • Quad chrome tail pipes
  • Exterior mirror caps in matte silver
  • Illuminated R scuff plates and R logo projected on the ground from front doors
  • Nappa leather seats with decorative stitching in blue with R logo stitched in headrest*
  • Gear lever boot and centre console armrest with decorative stitching in blue
  • Carpet mats in front and rear with decorative stitching in Blue with “R” logo in front
  • R sports steering wheel, heated, with touch controls, racing paddles, blue decorative stitching and R logo
  • R logo in infotainment system and Digital Cockpit Pro
  • Tyre pressure monitoring system shows actual tyre pressures
  • Heated front washer nozzles
  • Keys with R logo
  • Tyre Mobility Set – 12V compressor and tyre sealant

*Leather appointed seats has a combination of genuine and artificial leather, but are not wholly leather

  • 8.6/10
    Rating - 8.6/10
8.6/10

Summary

Tiguan R – Volkswagen released the Tiguan R model earlier this year to compete in the popular sport SUV segment.

After spending a week in one I’m happy to say it’s a heap of fun to drive.

Well priced from $68,990 MLP* plus the usual costs and options, the Tiguan R is sure to be a popular choice for performance oriented buyers, with the only other real price competitor being the Audi SQ2 at around $65,200 MLP*

Car Finance
About Rob Fraser 2507 Articles
Rob Fraser – General dogsbody & Director Rob is the founder of the business. He constantly mutters something about way too many red wines one evening being to blame. Often known for taking the 4WD in the driveway over the sports car, he has travelled pretty much everywhere in Australia and when he is bored goes for a drive. He first learned to drive on the farm in a left hand drive WW11 Jeep when he was 11, and was hooked on 4WDriving way back then. In addition to 4WD he is an avid motoring enthusiast and has maintained a strong interest in the industry ever since his teens. He has owned way too many cars in his time as well. Having previously lived at the top of corporate life he retired in 2000 and hasn’t put a suit and tie on since. Cars are his passion so why not have a business doing what you love he figures. He has towed either a caravan or camper trailer to most parts of Australia, has run guided tours for camper trailers’ and instructed drivers in off road towing.