Volkswagen has announced its facelifted Tiguan will be getting the 2.0-litre turbo engine straight from the Golf GTI.

Bridging the gap between the standard Tiguan and the potent Tiguan R are two additional engines. As it stands, these engines are available for the UK market right now, but we suspect VWSA will follow a similar strategy.

The 2.0-litre turbocharged motors are available in two states of tune; 140 and320 Nm, as well as 180 kW and 370 Nm. Petrolheads will be well aware the latter figure is identical to that of the soon-to-be-launched Golf 8 GTI. Both derivatives feature 4Motion all-wheel drive as well as 7-speed DSG automatic transmissions.

Both models are claimed to be quick, with the lesser-powered model capable of 7.4 seconds to 100 kph. It's GTI-powered sibling is good for a 6-second run to 100 kph – making it the fastest Tiguan available until the mighty Tiguan R arrives. For the record, that 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine pumps out 235 kW and 420 Nm, and is said to hit 100 kph in 4.9 seconds.

The Tiguan has been a top-seller for the VW in recent years, in fact, it has sold so well that in 2019 it was the best-selling VW on the planet. That’s right, better than a Polo and better than a Golf.

Currently, Volkswagen SA offers its Tiguan with an array of engines, ranging from a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol to a 2.0-litre turbodiesel. Both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive are available.Volkswagen South Africa will be introducing the facelifted Tiguan to our market in the first quarter of 2021, while the flagship performance Tiguan R is earmarked for arrival towards the end of 2021. Given the popularity of this model, we expect these additional engines to be introduced too.

Further Reading

Volkswagen Tiguan R (2020) International Launch Review

Facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan Revealed

245 kW Volkswagen Golf 8 R Plus Coming?

#CarsAwards – Best Hot Hatches in SA