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WATCH | A closer look at the SA-bound Tiguan R

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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R
2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R

• Volkswagen unveiled a new R model with its facelifted Tiguan range 

• The updated Tiguan arrives in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021 

• Volkswagen SA confirmed the R model will arrive in late 2021

'Give the people what they want' is probably what was said in a planning meeting for the Volkswagen Tiguan R.

News of a first-ever R-badged Tiguan  model dropped at the beginning of July and drew a lot of attention in Mzansi. 

In fact locally, Volkswagen sells more Tiguans than they do Golf models. The premium SUV was first launched in September 2016 and has performed admirably in the new car sales arena. 

In 2018 a seven-seat version, the Allspace, of SUV was added to the range.

"The company's market share in the segment is at a record new high and that international markets such as China, US and South Africa saw the need for a bigger and more versatile seven-seater," said VWSA's head of product and marketing, Stefan Buehrmann at the time. 

Five years after launch the facelifted version will touchdown in South Africa in the first quarter of 2021. The Tiguan range will benefit from cosmetic changes, however the engine range is likely to remain the same. 

All eyes are on the first-ever Tiguan R.  

The new flagship R version powered by a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine with 235kW and 420Nm. A 0-100km/h sprint time of under five seconds is on the cards. 

Take a closer look at the SA-bound model here:

Visually, the Tiguan has a wider front grille and the bonnet now sits slightly higher, it also sports new redesigned bumpers. 

The engine range is likely to remain the same but all eyes are on the Tiguan R model. It uses the EA888 engine and is fitted with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system. 

The R uses a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox and comes with torque vectoring. This system distributes power to the left and right wheels and front and rear axles to aid faster cornering. 

From the outside, the Tiguan R sits 10mm lower than the normal model and rides on 21-inch wheels. Like the Golf R, it has four tailpipes. The inside is festooned with R badges and there are upgraded sports seats. 

Volkswagen South Africa confirmed the facelifted Tiguan is set to arrive in the first quarter of 2021 and the Tiguan R will be coming to SA in the latter part of 2021. 

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