Volkswagen got a little full-fledged French taste to complement its matured German technology in late July when its Hong Kong subsidiary press-launched the second-generation Tiguan at the BLT Steak restaurant in Ocean Terminal on the 27th, utilising the restaurant’s outdoor driveway area as launch ground and providing sumptuous canapés to the invited crowd (courtesy of the restaurant).
The Tig 2 benefits from increased cabin space thanks to the highly scalable MQB architecture, and thus sizes larger than Audi’s Q3 (first-gen) and Mercedes’ GLA, but similar to BMW’s X1. Such underpinning has also paved way to an LWB variant which is available only in China and the US (with the latter version assembled in Mexico).
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| VWGHK MD David Goggins |
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| Latest Park Assist v3.0 supports perpendicular parking with front-end entry |
VWHK says five versions will be offered in town, starting with the 1.4 Street and 2.0 Trail. The 2.0 R-Line (220hp) is also scheduled to arrive later, although additional details are not yet revealed.
Speaking of R-Line, the current-gen Touareg and previous-gen Tiguan models were also displayed at the launch, for comparison purposes. The 210hp gen-one R-Line is still available during VWHK's latest summer promotion where the last three units of the vehicle will be let go at around $330k.
Tiguan 2.0 Trail (4WD Active Control, 180hp)
This higher-tier 330TSI model with off-road style exterior is indeed very well equipped, per MGJMW's observations. The optional Comfort Package, which consists of panoramic roof, surround camera, parking assistance (v3.0) and power front seats adjustment and memory, complements the standard specs which include near-full 12.3” digital driver’s instrumentation, leather upholstery, tri-zone auto climate control, 19” wheels, multi-mode 4WD settings, hands-free power tailgate (with “virtual pedal” sensor, albeit difficult to operate), and so on. Actual retail price is still pending but is expected to be below HK$400k, according to sources.
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| Illuminated scuff plates could've been great |
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| Centre load-though is a bit difficult to operate due to "hidden" release button which is also hard to press on |
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| Rear trunk up to 615L capacity thanks to sliding rear seat bottoms, extendable to 1655L with seatbacks folded; hands-free tailgate is not easy to "kick" open though |
Tiguan 1.4 Street (FF, 150hp w/CDM)
Starting from below $300k, this 280TSI mainstream model emphasises everyday practicality and fuel efficiency, featuring the 1.4L turbo I-4 with cylinder deactivation technology which helps decrease fuel consumption and exhaust emissions. That said, equipment-wise it does feel leaner than expected, spotting Microfleece fabric upholstery and mono-zone manual climate control, with panoramic roof, digital driver’s cluster and rear camera being part of the optional Technology Package. MGJMW however feels that at least a dual-zone ACC should have been included in the specs.
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| Good quality fabric means leather is not really necessary, but how about waterproof fabric? |
Other available features which didn’t make it to the HKDM specs lists include various driver’s assistance systems, HUD, navigation (with connectivity), and upgraded DynAudio 400W speakers. Diesel models are also out of the question, at least at initial deployment.
Nevertheless, MGJMW was told the marketing team has been having a tough time prepping the equipment specs for HKDM. We think the HUD is a bit redundant, but the premium DynAudio speakers could've been considered.
As for driver's assistance systems, we were told they won't see the light in VW's HK lineup anytime soon, even though sister brand Audi HK is deploying a partial list of such features on the new B9 A4 (as an option).
Best-selling CUV despite being overpriced
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| Driver's digital instrumentation makes debut in the local VW vehicle lineup, with better graphics than Audi's variant |
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| Glove box-mounted audio head unit with CD player and SD card slot; nav-equipped versions will come with 2nd SD and SIM slots |
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| The 180hp tune from the EA888 has always been standard on the Trail spec; R-Line will certainly stay with 220hp |
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| Torque-based model nomenclature still regarded as confusing |
Despite criticised for being grossly overpriced by overseas media, VWHK says the previous-gen Tiguan has been the best-selling CUV (ASUV segment) in town, with the brand maintaining a 30% share in the local SUV market. Given its high cost performance ratio the Tig 2 will hopefully win support again from the local audiences.
The vehicle will be publicly deployed in August, pending exact retail pricing. Which means, the local press will likely be in line for vehicle testing during the wait period.
Update 8-2-2016: Per local forum reports the vehicles' pricing have been revealed internally. The 1.4 Street will retail for $299,980 and the first ten units will receive a free upgrade to locally-brewed (ie. non-factory) leather upholstery. The 2.0 Trail meanwhile will cost $399,980 plus an early-bird $20k reduction for the first five units, where three have reportedly been pre-reserved. It's not known however if option packages are included in these prices.
The vehicle will be publicly deployed in August, pending exact retail pricing. Which means, the local press will likely be in line for vehicle testing during the wait period.
Update 8-2-2016: Per local forum reports the vehicles' pricing have been revealed internally. The 1.4 Street will retail for $299,980 and the first ten units will receive a free upgrade to locally-brewed (ie. non-factory) leather upholstery. The 2.0 Trail meanwhile will cost $399,980 plus an early-bird $20k reduction for the first five units, where three have reportedly been pre-reserved. It's not known however if option packages are included in these prices.
Overseas availability
Despite being unveiled late last year, the Tig 2's market deployment only commenced since April this year in Europe, while the US will get the LWB versions later this summer, complete with an 8AT. And while Hong Kong got the early-bird launch, our neighbouring Japan won't see the new Tig until October, where the vehicle is expected to be available in different trim lines and engine options.
