The best-selling Volkswagen in Ireland is, somewhat surprisingly, not the mighty Golf. No, Irish buyers - clearly high on their SUV supply - have made the Volkswagen Tiguan the best-selling car from Wolfsburg in Ireland.
Monthly repayments start at €339
Now, there's a new Tiguan - well, a heavily updated version at any rate - arriving into Irish dealerships, with a starting price of €31,510. Monthly repayments on a Volkswagen Bank 0 per cent interest PCP scheme start from €349 for a Tiguan Elegance, or €349 per month for a top-spec Tiguan R-Line. So, what's new about the Tiguan?
Volkswagen says that the Tiguan is now 'cleaner and more digital' with updated engines and some styling tweaks. Those tweaks include new front bumpers, grille, and lights (which can be optioned up to Matrix LED spec) which give the Tiguan a bit more of the flavour of the larger Touareg. The bonnet is apparently more 'concise' although quite what that means is anyone's guess.
At the back, the Tiguan name is now picked out in letters below that iconic VW badge. Inside, there is a new steering wheel with touch-sensitive controls and a new heating control setup that uses Volkwagen's (somewhat controversial) 'sliders' for altering the heat settings.
Two petrols, three diesels, and a plug-in hybrid on the way
The engine lineup consists of two versions of the 1.5 turbo petrol engine (with either 130hp or 150hp) and three versions of the 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with 122hp, 150hp, or 200hp. A seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox is optional on all models aside from the least-powerful petrol and diesel models, while 4MOTION four-wheel drive comes as standard on that top-spec 200hp diesel.
Later in the year, we'll see the first plug-in hybrid Tiguan, which will have a 245hp powertrain, and an electric-only range, when fully-charged, of 50km. For those who count themselves as seriously power-hungry, or have the whole no-claims bonus thing wrapped up, there's also the option of a seriously sporty €66,990 Tiguan R with a 320hp 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine, four-wheel drive, and the ability to hit 100km/h in 4.9 seconds.
Basic equipment for the most affordable models (simply badged as 'Tiguan') starts with 17-inch 'Montana' alloy wheels, eight-inch 'Ready 2 Discover' radio system and touchscreen, two USB-C ports in the front, air conditioning and LED daytime running lights. There is also Wireless App Connect for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Step up to a Tiguan Life, with a starting price of €35,285 and you'll get 18-inch 'Frankfurt' alloy wheels, eight-inch Discover Media navigation system, adaptive cruise control, parking sensors, three-zone climate control, 'natural' voice control, black roof rails and tinted rear windows as well as comfort seats in the front and additional storage compartments.
Inclusive service scheme
Go for a €43,350 Elegance model, and you'll find 19-inch 'Victoria Falls' alloy wheels, 'ArtVelours' upholstery, an ambient lighting pack with 30 colours, a multifunction steering wheel, heated front seats, chrome elements, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control with Stop & Go and a speed limiter, parking assistant, keyless entry, a lane change system called 'Side Assist' and rear traffic alert, all on the standard list.
Top spec R-Line models, which start at €44,195 come with 20-inch 'Suzuka' alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers in 'R-Line' design and a rear spoiler in 'R' style. Inside there is an 'R-Line' interior including decorative 'Carbon Grey' inserts and a black headliner. There is also the option of an R-Line Black Style Exterior Pack featuring light-absorbing privacy glass, body-coloured bumpers in R-Line black style, black decorative trims and black exterior mirror housing for €435.
Volkswagen is also offering a three-year inclusive servicing pack at a cost of €14.99 per month, which includes genuine Volkswagen service parts like oil filters, pollen filters, high-quality lubricants and brake fluid changes.