Updated Volkswagen Tiguan Gets GTI Power

David Taylor

18 Feb 2021

Updated Volkswagen Tiguan Gets GTI Power

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 and 320 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

David Taylor

David Taylor

Having contributed to multiple motoring titles as well helping run the public relations machine of the Johannesburg International Motor Show, Dave has experience in both sides of the motoring industry. He's based in the Western Cape and is responsible for the performance testing, photography & weekly YouTube news for Cars.co.za.

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