2015 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: PUTTING THE "SPORT" IN SUV
08/29/2014
VOLKSWAGEN
The 2015 Tiguan focuses on the successful design aesthetics, driving dynamics, safety features, premium content, and precision German engineering which have positioned the model as a favorite in the midsized CUV segment.
New for 2015
The Tiguan sees minimal changes for the 2015 model year, although the trim portfolio is refined and high value content added. The changes are most significant in the interior of the vehicle with a wealth of infotainment features being brought into all trims as standard features. These include VW Car-Net(R) connected services, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with iPod(R) cable, rearview camera and Premium VIII touchscreen audio system. For the exterior, the top trim R-Line(R) model gets a stylized new rear bumper.
Exterior
The 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan combines the style and sophistication of a sporty, urban compact SUV that caters to an active lifestyle. At 174.3 inches nose-to-tail, 71.2 inches wide and 66.3 inches tall, it's the perfect size for city dwelling and country living.
In profile, the 2015 Tiguan is distinguished by its raked-back windscreen, rising waistline, large side windows, and an unmistakable, trademark C-pillar at the rear. On SE with Appearance and higher trims, a distinctive ring of chrome around the side windows, coupled with gloss black window frames, works to visually enhance the car. The R-Line model features R-Line specific features such as a roof spoiler, body-color side skirts, and R-Line badging; for 2015, a distinctive R-Line rear bumper is added.
Engineered to accommodate available 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive, the Tiguan's design reflects its ability to conquer practically all terrain and weather conditions. The squared-off wheelarches feature plastic surrounds to help protect the paintwork, while the short overhang at the front allows a 28-degree approach angle.
Always ready for an active lifestyle, the 2015 Tiguan is designed to be a carry-all for fun gear. The robust roof rails, now standard on all trims, can accommodate an array of accessories such as bike racks, or kayak and surfboard carriers. The available towing hitch accepts an attachment to carry up to four bikes, or can be used to pull up to 2,200 pounds of jet skis, dirt bikes or ATVs when properly equipped.
Interior
Cabin designs don't come much more flexible than the 2015 Tiguan's. There is spacious seating for five adults, easy step-in through the wide-opening doors, and generous legroom and headroom.
But the versatility of the Tiguan's seating sets it apart and makes it the perfect lifestyle vehicle. The rear seat has a 40/20/40 split to fit an owner's load-carrying needs. Fold down the wide center section and it can accommodate skis, or fishing gear, or rugs, while still having space for passengers on either side. With the rear seats in place, there is still an impressive 23.8 cubic feet of space in the load area. Fold the second row seats forward and it increases to no less than 56.1 cubic feet. And for the ultimate in load carrying, the available folding front passenger seatback also folds forward and flat to accommodate loads up to 98 inches long. The rear seat can also slide forward six inches to increase luggage space in the back, and for a little extra comfort on road trips, each of the rear seatbacks can be adjusted.
The high-lifting rear door can be opened wide to accommodate large objects. In the cargo area, there are tie-down hooks to help keep stuff in place and a12-volt outlet to power coolers or air pumps. In models equipped with the newly available Fender(R) Premium Audio System, the sub-woofer is hidden in the spare tire area, not sacrificing cargo space.
To let the outside into the Tiguan's cabin, there's an available huge panoramic glass tilt/slide sunroof. This aerodynamically and acoustically optimized panoramic roof comprises one glass segment for opening, and one fixed glass panel at the rear. It features pinch protection and an electrically-operated one-touch sunshade that covers the inside of the entire glass area. For 2015 the expansive sunroof comes standard on the 2.0T SE with Appearance and as part of the long list of standard equipment on the Tiguan SEL and R-Line models.
Between the large speedometer and tachometer is a multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption, to trip distance, Bluetooth(R) connection status and navigation directions (when equipped).
The highlight story for the 2015 Tiguan is the significant number of added standard interior features. In addition to the existing Bluetooth(R) connectivity and aux-in for portable audio players, VW Car-Net(R) Connected Services, SiriusXM(R) Satellite Radio, a Media Device Interface (MDI) with an iPod(R) cable and the Premium VIII touchscreen audio system with a six-disc CD changer and SD memory-card reader all become standard features on all 2015 trims for the 2015 model year. All of the infotainment functionality is easily controlled with the standard leather-wrapped multi-function steering wheel. Capping off the exceptional value offering is the standard rearview camera standard on all trims.
The interior features rich, soft-touch plastics on the fascia, beautifully-stitched cloth on the seats, and crisp, brushed-metal-style trim surrounding the eight dash-mounted air vents and shift lever. The Tiguan S offers high-quality cloth seating surfaces in black along with available front heating function; the Tiguan SE, SE with Appearance and SEL trims feature Volkswagen's perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surface, available in black or beige; and the Tiguan R-Line offers rich leather seating surfaces in black or beige along with the standard heating function as well as a black headliner.
Engine and Transmission
The 2015 Tiguan comes with Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TSI(R) turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This technically-sophisticated powerplant features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection, and variable intake timing. Turbocharged and intercooled, the compact four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque from just 1700 rpm.
The Tiguan's 2.0T comes standard with a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic(R) manual shifting, Sport mode, and Dynamic Shift Program (DSP). The R-Line includes steering wheel mounted-paddle shifters for a sport focused driving experience. The six-speed automatic transmission includes a second overdrive gear to reduce engine revs at cruising speeds. The transmission in non-Sport mode shifts at slightly lower revs, making greater use of the turbo engine's considerable torque.
To help provide added traction for 2015 Tiguan models, Volkswagen's 4Motion(R) all-wheel-drive system is offered on all models. The electro-hydraulic system delivers drive to all four wheels without any buttons to press or levers to pull. A Haldex(R) center differential can continuously vary the driveforce between the front and rear axles, depending on the traction available.
In most driving conditions, 90 percent of the power goes to the front wheels, which helps save fuel. But when accelerating from standstill, for example, front-wheel slip is controlled by the Haldex(R) coupling's ability to progressively direct nearly 100 percent of the drive torque to the rear wheels.
Suspension
Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece aluminum subframe, the Tiguan's strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of off-roading and to accommodate the Tiguan's available 4Motion all-wheel drive. For the driver looking for even sportier handling, the Tiguan R-Line model features a sport-tuned suspension with firmer settings together with 19-inch "Mallory" wheels shod with lower-profile 255/40 R19 all-season tires.
Electro-mechanical power steering with variable assistance contributes to the Tiguan's fun-to-drive character. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, increasing its assistance at parking speeds. Between curbs, the Tiguan has a turning radius of 39 feet with 2.7 turns lock to lock.
To match the Tiguan's athletic performance is an impressive braking system. At the front there are 12.3-inch vented discs, with 11.3-inch solid discs at the rear. The system features a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Tiguan models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Safety
Safety in the 2015 Tiguan starts with a strong, rigid laser-seam-welded bodyshell, crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end, and heat-formed steel center B-pillars.
The driver and front-seat passenger are protected by front, and side-thorax airbags, while Side Curtain Protection(R) head airbags help protect those in the front and rear seats, in addition to safety belt pretensioners.
Electronic assistance includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
And all Tiguan models features the advanced Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System that automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and even switches on the hazard warning lights if the airbags deploy.
Scheduled Maintenance
For real peace of mind, the Tiguan, like every 2015 Volkswagen, is covered under the Carefree Maintenance(R) Program at no additional charge. The first scheduled maintenance service is covered for one year or 10,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
Model Line-up
There are five models in the 2015 Tiguan model line-up, powered by the 2.0 TSI(R) turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All models have the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive.
S
With a starting MSRP of $25,995, the 2.0T Tiguan S provides entry to the Tiguan range. Key standard features include a six-speed automatic transmission; 16-inch "Portland" aluminum-alloy wheels with 215/65 R16 98H all-season tires, electronic parking brake; power-adjustable, heated side mirrors; trailer hitch prep; roof rails; cloth seating with optional heated front seats and washer nozzles; front manual lumbar support and height adjustment; 40/20/40-split-folding rear seats with recline and center armrest; carpeted floor mats; cruise control; Bluetooth(R) technology; VW Car-Net(R) connected car services with a six-month, no-charge trial period; MDI with iPod(R) adapter, rearview camera and Premium VIII touchscreen audio system with auxiliary input and SiriusXM Satellite Radio compatibility, eight-speaker sound system with in-dash CD player; leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob; speed-sensitive power steering; multi-function display; Climatic(R) air conditioning; intermittent front windshield wipers.
SE
Starting at $27,970, the SE takes the S automatic features and adds 17-inch "Philadelphia" aluminum-alloy wheels with 235/50 R17 97H all-season tires; V-Tex leatherette comfort seats with seat back pockets; power driver seat recline; privacy glass; heatable front seats as well as heated front washer nozzles.
SE with Appearance
Priced from $30,950, it adds front passenger seat power recline; 18-inch "New York" aluminum-alloy wheels; silver roof rails; chrome lower door trim and window surround; front fog- and cornering lights; Keyless access with push-button start; and a panoramic, power sunroof.
SEL
Starting at $33,255, this well-equipped trim adds dual-zone Climatronic(R) climate control; the acclaimed Fender(R) Premium Audio System; and the RNS 315 touchscreen navigation system.
R-Line(R)
The most dynamic and sport-focused of the Tiguan line-up has a starting MSRP of $37,280. Its comprehensive list of standard features includes, in addition to the SEL: the new for 2015 stylized R-Line rear bumper;19-inch "Mallory" aluminum-alloy wheels with 255/40 R19 96H all-season tires; black wheelarch extensions; sport suspension; leather seating surfaces; power adjustable front seats with power lumbar and memory on the driver's side; R-Line roof spoiler and aluminum sill kickplates, body-color side skirts and R-Line badging; flat bottomed leather-wrapped multifunction "sport" steering wheel with paddle shifters; stainless-steel pedal cluster; decorative inserts on door trim panels; Titanium black headliner; interior light in footwell; intermittent front windshield wipers with rain sensor; power foldable/adjustable/heated exterior mirrors with surround lighting and curb view; auto-dimming rearview mirror; Bi-Xenon headlights with AFS and LED daytime running lights and "coming home" function.
Competitive Set
Honda CR-V
Toyota RAV4
Ford Escape
Nissan Rogue
Chevy Equinox
Subaru Forester
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc., (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, Eos, e-Golf, Golf, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, Tiguan, and Touareg vehicles through approximately 644 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Notes:
This press release and images of the 2015 Tiguan are available at media.vw.com. Follow us @VWNews
"4MOTION", "Climatic", "Climatronic", "RNS", "TSI", "VW", "Volkswagen", all model names and the Volkswagen logo are registered trademarks of Volkswagen AG. "Carefree Maintenance," "Car-Net", and "Side Curtain Protection" are registered trademarks of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. "Bluetooth" is a registered trademark of Bluetooth SIG, Inc. "Haldex" is a registered trademark of Haldex Traction Systems, Sweden. "iPod" is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc. "SiriusXM" and "SiriusXM Satellite Radio" are trademarks of SiriusXM Radio, Inc. "Tiptronic" is a registered trademark of Dr. Ing h.c. F. Porsche Ag. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Features and technical data apply to models offered in the USA. They may differ in other countries.
All prices listed are the Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price and exclude transportation, taxes, title, options, and dealer charges.
The Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) will only activate in a collision where the airbags deploy or safety belt pretensioners activate. Not all collisions cause airbags to deploy or safety belt pretensioners to activate.
VW Car-Net services provided by Verizon Telematics, Inc. See applicable Terms of Service and Privacy Policy available at www.vw.com/carnet for details. Always pay careful attention to the road, and do not drive while distracted.