Saturday, December 28

Volkswagen is expanding the model range of the best-selling Tiguan SUV to include a newly designed 7-seater model – the even bigger, particularly elegant and versatile Tiguan Allspace. The new SUV’s longer wheelbase makes it a true space giant. The Tiguan Allspace also marks the continuation of a Volkswagen SUV offensive.

Digitised, automated, perfected – the new Tiguan Allspace and its shorter sister model perfectly reflect the new Volkswagen brand strategy: “We make the future real.” Among other things, this strategy is defined by the following areas of innovation: Connected Community, Semi – Automated Driving and Intuitive Usability.

EXTERIOR DESIGN

Different front and side area designs. The Tiguan Allspace doesn’t just stand out through its longer wheelbase. It also sets itself apart from the more compact Tiguan through design modifications in the front and an expanded range of standard equipment.

New hood and radiator grille. The Tiguan Allspace is easily recognizable from the front through the slightly altered design of the hood and radiator grille. The front of the hood has a different contour and it is also built higher.

The newly designed radiator grille  is immediately recogniseable with its chrome trim strips, some of which extend into the headlights. Particularly striking: the upper chrome strip that stretches across the entire front end. Tiguan Allspace vehicles are also all equipped with granite grey underbody protection as standard. The roof itself has also been redesigned: striking structural lines are being used for the first time instead of a smooth roof surface – in homage to classic SUVs.

The Tiguan Allspace is also available in on-road and off-road versions. Both the Tiguan NWB and the Tiguan Allspace can be ordered with an optional “off-road package” together with special engine underbody protection that extends to the bumper for off-road driving. The off-road front section improves the vehicle’s ramp angle by 7 degrees.

Changes to the end of the body. The Tiguan Allspace boasts an exclusive silhouette that begins at the rear door handle. The side window in the D pillar is much larger than in the NWB Tiguan; the lower line rises towards the top. The rear section is also longer than the rear of the NWB Tiguan.

The NWB Tiguan and the new Tiguan Allspace were developed at the same time. Accordingly, the two body versions consistently exhibit a confident stance on wheels sized at least 17 inches. The rear doors of the Tiguan Allspace are longer. The bonnet was also raised up at the front above the radiator grille to adapt the proportions to the longer overall length. A unique, defining line accentuates the side window design that rises behind the C-pillar.

More room in the back and 115 litres of additional cargo volume. 7 seater. The longer body significantly alters the side proportions of the Tiguan Allspace. The wheelbase is 110 mm longer, and now measures 2,791 mm. The more extensive rear overhang underscores the independence and superiority of the SUV. The vehicle’s total length has increased by 215 mm to 4,701 mmwhich make the Tiguan Allspace a space giant among SUVs of its class.

The increase in wheelbase and total vehicle length makes the Tiguan Allspace a supremely spacious car that offers an extra 60 mm of knee room for rear passengers and an additional 115 litres of cargo volume. This clever concept has enlarged the interior to an extent that enables the installation of a third row of seats. This third row transforms the Tiguan into an extremely versatile 7 seater. When not in use, the third row of seats can be folded down and integrated in the cargo floor.

Thanks to it great flexibility, the new Allspace can be used in many varied ways. There’s a 230 litre boot behind the third row. Fold the third row seats flat and the boot space increases to 700 litres, fold the second row flat and you have 1,775 litres of boot space. The cargo space length is then 1,921 mm – enough space even for surfboards.

INNOVATION ADVANCEMENTS

Connected Community. App Connect which uses Android Auto or Apple CarPlayT to link all common smartphone types to the vehicle’s infotainment systems is standard on Highline models (optional on Trendline/Comfortline).

Digitised and connected. The new Tiguan Allspace offers not only a great deal of space, but cutting-edge configuration and connectivity as well. The Volkswagen can, for instance, be ordered with an Active Info Display (fully digital instruments) and a Head-up Display. In addition to that, three different infotainment systems are available. As standard, Trendline and Comfortline models are fitted with the Composition Colour infotainment system. The Composition Media system is available as an option (standard on Highline). In addition, Volkswagen is also offering the Discover Pro navigation system.

The Active Info Display in detail. The instruments are created virtually by software on the large Active Info Display (31.2-centimetre screen). In general, there are five different info profiles, via which the type of information and graphics displayed in certain areas changes. The driver chooses either the Classic, Consumption & Range, Efficiency, Power & Driver Assistance or Navigation profile. A good example of the interactive elements of the Active Info Display is shown by the Navigation profile. Here, the speedometer and rev counter are relocated to the sides to make more room for the navigation map in the middle. Information on driving, navigation and assistance functions can be integrated into the graphic areas of the speedometer and tachometer as needed.

Head-up Display. The Head-up Display projects key information such as vehicle speed or navigation pictograms directly into the driver’s primary field of vision. This projection lets drivers keep their eyes focussed on the road while looking at data such as speed. Via the infotainment system’s menu, drivers can decide for themselves what information is to be displayed: current speed, permitted speed, navigation advice, assistance systems information and/or warning messages. The Tiguan Allspace
Head-up Display is a “combined solution”: the data is projected onto an extendable glass panel in front of the windscreen. When not in use, the display retracts into the instrument panel.

Automated Driving. With innovative driver  assistance systems such as ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) with Front Assist (including City Emergency Braking function), the NWB Tiguan and Tiguan Allspace offer semi-automated driving features that improve comfort and safety.

TRIM LINES

The Allspace is available in three trim lines – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline. The new Tiguan Allspace include expanded standard features; highlighting its positioning between the NWB Tiguan and the flagship Touareg.

Tiguan Allspace Trendline. Available with the 1.4 TSI 110 kW engine, the Tiguan Allspace Trendline is entry level only in terms of price. It offers so much more in terms of features. Compared to the NWB, the Tiguan Allspace Trendline has the following extras:

  • LED daytime running lights
  • Light and Visibility Package (Auto dimming mirror, rain sensor and auto headlight control and High Beam Assist)
  • Chrome trapezoidal panels for exhaust system tailpipes
  • Front underbody protection in granite grey
  • Privacy glass on rear and side windows

Tiguan Allspace Comfortline Compared to the Allspace Trendline it is available in 2.0 TSI 132kW 4MOTION or 2.0 TDI 110kW 4MOTION variation. In addition to the features of the Comfortline (NWB) and Tiguan Allspace Trendline, this version offers the following:

  • Electrically opening and closing tailgate
  • LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights
  • Hill Descent Assist

Tiguan Allspace Highline The top-of-the-range model is the Tiguan Allspace Highline. The Allspace Highline is exclusively configured with the powerful 2.0 TSI 162 kW engine with 4MOTION. Even on the NWB Tiguan, the Highline features already include 18-inch alloy wheels, a silver front spoiler, silver roof rails, LED headlights with dynamic cornering lights, ambient lighting and Composition Media infotainment. Over and above this, the Tiguan Allspace Highline has further features added:

  • Keyless Access (locking and starting system)
  • Easy Open sensor controlled boot opener
  • App-Connect and Voice Control

DRIVETRAINS

110 kW to 162 kW. Like the NWB Tiguan, the Tiguan Allspace for South Africa will also be available in three equipment lines (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline), and in front and all-wheel drive variants. Three petrol (TSI) engines and one diesel (TDI) engine will be offered. The TSI engines have output ratings of 110 kW, 132 kW and 162 kW, while the TDI engine develops 110 kW. All-wheel drive including 4MOTION with driving profile selector is available on the Comfortline and Highline models.

Diesel engine. The 2.0 TDI with 110kW power output is the only engine of the diesel range. The four-cylinder diesel engine has 340 Nm of torque that is available between 1750 and 3000rpm. The combined fuel consumption is 6.6 litres per 100 kilometers. The engine is available with a 7-speed DSG transmission.

Petrol engines. TSI engines are fitted with BlueMotion Technology which include a Start/Stop and brake energy recuperation system to enhance fuel economy.

The 1.4 TSI with 110kW power output is the base engine of the petrol range. It has 250 Nm of torque that is available from 1500 up to 3500 rpm. The classic 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 9.5 seconds and has top speed of 200km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres. The 110kW engine is only available with a 6-speed DSG transmission.

The next engine in the petrol range and new for the Tiguan is the 2.0 TSI with 132kW power output. The four cylinder petrol engine has 320 Nm of torque that is delivered from 1500 to 3940 rpm. It sprints from 0-100 km/h in 8.2 seconds and its top speed is at 208km/h. The combined fuel consumption is 7.7 litres per 100 kilometres. The 132kW engine is mated to a 7-speed DSG transmission.

The range topping 162kW 2.0 TSI engine has a maximum torque of
350 Nm available from a low 1500 rpm. The 0-100km/h sprint is achieved in 6.8 seconds and it has a top speed of 223km/h.  It is available with
7-speed DSG transmission. The combined fuel economy is a respectable 8.1 litres per 100 kilometres.

From Comfortline, 4MOTION is standard. The Tiguan Allspace 1.4 TSI is available as front-wheel-drive only. All other Tiguan Allspace models have 4MOTION as standard. The front-wheel drive Trendline can comfortably accommodate large trailer loads of up to 2,000 kg (braked 8% incline). The 4MOTION equipped Comfortline and Highline models are able to tow up to 2,500 kg (braked 8% incline).

4MOTION in detail. The all-wheel drive 4MOTION system operates with an innovative multi-plate clutch for seamless power distribution between the front and rear axle. In normal situations, like all other Tiguan Allspace models, the all-wheel drive versions are also driven primarily via the front axle. This saves energy. However, as soon as there is a risk of losing traction, the rear axle is smoothly engaged in a fraction of a second. Therefore, the 4MOTION system is considered to be a permanent all-wheel drive. The distribution of traction to all four wheels is already active before slip occurs. This almost entirely eliminates any loss of traction. There is, therefore, no ‘fixed’ distribution of drive forces. The distribution is continually adapted to current driving conditions. If slip still occurs at a wheel, power is redistributed to where it is needed at that time.

Function of the multi-plate clutch. As noted, power can be delivered to the rear axle in the blink of an eye if required. And this is how the system works: A control unit continually adjusts the ideal drive torque for the rear axle and controls how much the multi-plate clutch should engage by activating the oil pump. The oil pressure increases the contact pressure at the clutch plates proportional to the desired torque at the rear axle. So, the level of pressure applied to the clutch plates can be used to continuously vary the magnitude of the transmitted torque. Even when driving off at speed and accelerating, the wheels of the Tiguan Allspace 4MOTION are prevented from spinning, because the control unit regulates the torque distribution based on dynamic axle loads. Activation of the multi-plate clutch is based primarily on the engine torque demanded by the driver. In parallel, what is known as a driving status identification system within the all-wheel drive control unit evaluates parameters such as wheel speeds and the steering angle. If necessary, nearly 100 per cent of the drive torque can be directed to the rear axle. During manoeuvring or when driving through tight bends, mechanical stresses to the drivetrain are avoided by reducing the torque at the multi-plate clutch. The opposite occurs when the accelerator pedal is pressed hard: in this case, the clutch torque is quickly increased accordingly. Meanwhile, at high speeds the pre-control of the coupling, which is based on engine torque, is disabled in order to reduce fuel consumption. In this case front-wheel drive dominates.

4MOTION Active Control in detail. The intuitively operated rotary/pushbutton switch of the 4MOTION Active Control is located on the centre console. The driver uses it to activate four higher-level modes and various pop-up menus. When the driver turns the switch to the left, one of the two road profiles. When it is turned to the right, the driver can select one of the two off-road modes, i.e. “Off-road” (automatic setting for off-road parameters) or “Off-road Individual” (variable settings). When the driver presses the control in one of these modes, a pop-up menu appears on the touchscreen of the infotainment system. 4MOTION Active Control lets the driver switch the assistance systems in a matter of seconds with a single manual operation to adapt to the precise driving situation.

“On-road” mode. This is the drive system’s standard mode; the Tiguan Allspace automatically controls the distribution of drive forces between the two axles according to driving conditions. If the driver presses the 4MOTION Active Control switch while in “On-road” mode, they call up the driving profile selector. “Normal”, “Sport”, “Eco” and “Individual” profiles can be selected here. The tuning parameters for engine control, the gearbox (with DSG), the steering and the optional ACC (Adaptive Cruise Control) and dynamic cornering lights are varied according to the driving profile.

“Off-road” mode. If a trip off the beaten track is on the agenda, the Tiguan Allspace 4MOTION can be tuned to the task via the all-wheel “Off-road” mode; this mode supports the driver with a completely modified and bespoke driving strategy. Its name says what it does. In “Off-road” mode, the engine and gearbox adopt off-road characteristics. The driver feels an improved responsiveness through the pedals. As the Tiguan Allspace 4MOTION is equipped with DSG, the dual clutch gearbox shifts up a gear later. When the driver operates DSG manually using the tip gate (+/-), a forced gear shift by the DSG is avoided (can be overridden by kickdown); so the engine brake is available to provide support. The start-stop system is not used in this mode, while ACC is switched over to the “Normal” profile. As described, the accelerator can be operated more sensitively.

“Off-road” with Hill Start and Hill Descent Assist. Another “Off-road” characteristic becomes active for the ESC, inclusive of ABS and EDL. By changing the ABS regulation interval in “Off-road” mode, the tyres can build up a wedge of stones and sand on loose surfaces during emergency stops, thus reducing the stopping distance. EDL increases the degree of locking and avoids unnecessary intervention by the ESC. Hill Start Assist and Hill Descent Assist are also automatically activated. The latter prevents unwanted acceleration on gradients. When descending a slope with a gradient of more than 10 per cent, driving speed is limited to between
2 and 30 km/h. The driver can vary the speed within these limits at any time by accelerating or braking. Hill Descent Assist becomes inactive as soon as the gradient is less than 5 per cent. Hill Start Assist makes starting from standstill easier when on steep slopes – this is a valuable safety benefit on loose driving surfaces.

“Off-road Individual” mode. When drivers select “Off-road-Individual”, they can make several adjustments to the “Off-road” mode themselves. It is now possible, for exampl, to keep the “Normal” driving profile for the engine, gearbox and steering. In contrast to “Off-road” mode, Hill Start and Hill Descent Assist can be deactivated. Moreover, the EDL can be switched to the normal “On-road” mode. As with the “On-road” mode, the “Normal”, “Eco” and “Sport” profiles are available for ACC and Front Assist. The dynamic cornering lights can also be switched to the “Normal”, “Eco” or “Sport” profiles.

Off-road package. The off-road attributes are further perfected with the optional off-road package. It contains an engine underbody guard, a body-coloured off-road front bumper with an increased approach angle of 7 degrees, black sills and bumper bottom section and aluminium door tread plates at the front inscribed with the word ‘OFFROAD’.

R-Line package. As an alternative to the Off-road package, the everpopular R-Line package is available as an option on Comfortline and Highline models. It features a lowered sports suspension with uniquely shaped body-coloured front and rear bumpers, gloss black front air intakes and body-coloured side skirts. Distinctive styling includes 19 inch ‘Sebring’ alloy wheels on Comfortline or 20 inch ‘Suzuka’ alloy wheels on Highline. Sporty refinement continues with the inclusion of a black rooflining in the interior.

Partially automated driving functions. Even now, with its innovative driver assistance systems the Tiguan Allspace provides some driving functions that are partially automated such as the Multi Collision Braking System. Tiguan Allspace models also boast optional ACC (Adaptive CruiseControl) with  Front Assist with City Emergency Braking abilities. The innovative Trailer Assist first introduced on the Passat (including Park Assist and rear-view camera) is also available as an option on all models.

New Tiguan Allspace Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)

1.4 TSI 110kW Trendline DSG                                      R463 400

2.0 TSI 132kW Comfortline 4MOTION DSG                    R523 800

2.0 TDI 110kW Comfortline 4MOTION DSG                   R571 100

2.0 TSI 162kW Highline 4MOTION DSG                      R604 800

The new Tiguan Allspace comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty, 12-year anti-corrosion warranty and space saver spare wheel. Service Interval is 15 000km.

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