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2021 Volkswagen Tiguan pricing and specs detailed: Diesel power returns to European Toyota RAV4 and Mazda CX-5 alternative

The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan is topped by a 147TDI diesel engine, outputting 147kW/400Nm.

Volkswagen Australia’s updated Tiguan range will hit local showrooms next month with a fresh look, boost in equipment and new diesel engine range topper.

The Tiguan’s variant nomenclature has also changed, mirroring the upcoming eight-generation Golf, with the grades now called Life, Elegance and R-Line instead of last year’s Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

Paired with a 110TSI and six-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission (DCT), the cheapest Tiguan Life is now $39,690 before on-road costs, a noticeable jump of $4700 compared to last year’s range-opening 110TSI Trendline.

The Life grade is also available with a more potent 132TSI engine and seven-speed DCT for $43,690.

The 162TSI engine is now available in two flavours, the Elegance and R-Line for $50,790 and $53,790 respectively, whereas last year it was available exclusively on the top-tier Highline.

However, topping the range in 2021 is the new 147TDI turbo-diesel engine, which can be had in Elegance ($52,290) or R-Line ($55,290) forms.

In terms of output, the 110TSI produces 110kW/250Nm from a 1.4-litre engine and drives the front wheels, while the 132TSI ups the ante to a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol that drives all four wheels.

The 162TSI punches out 162kW/350Nm and the 147TDI makes 147kW/400Nm, both from turbocharged 2.0-litre engines (petrol and diesel respectively) and both sending drive to all four wheels via a seven-speed DCT.

Volkswagen will stagger the rollout of the new Tiguan range though, with the entry-level 110TSI landing in March, followed by the 162TSI and 147TDI in late May, before the arrival of the 132TSI from mid-year.

Next year however, VW Australia will bring in the performance-honed Tiguan R and its 235kW/420Nm engine to top its mid-size SUV range.

Not only will the new Tiguan share its naming conventions with the new Golf, but technology and equipment will also be shared between the two models.

As standard, the 2021 Tiguan scores an all-digital 10.25-inch instrument cluster, touch climate controls and VW’s ‘IQ Drive’ advanced safety suite that includes adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, rear cross-traffic alert, front and rear parking sensors, drive attention alert, and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection.

Equipment highlights in the Life grade include a reversing camera, LED head- and tail-lights, 18-inch wheels, 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen, tri-zone climate control, electric tailgate, heated and power-folding side mirrors, and automatic wipers.

Stepping up to the Elegance nets buyers a Vienna leather appointed interior, electronic front seat adjustment with heating, heated steering wheels, 19-inch wheels, matrix LED headlights, 9.2-inch multimedia system, rear privacy glass, interior ambient lighting, and chrome and silver accenting.

The top-spec R-Line is fitted with 20-inch wheels, black headliner, stainless steel foot pedals and progressive steering rack, as well as R-Line bodykit, door sills, spoilers and badging.

Premium paint will add $800 to the bottom line, while a panoramic glass sunroof is available to Elegance and R-Line customers for another $2000.

Buyers of the Life grade can also option a Luxury Package for $5000 that includes leather interior, heated steering wheel, electric front seats and the panoramic glass sunroof, while Elegance and R-Line buyers can opt for the $2500 Sound and Vision Package that bundles a head-up display, surround-view monitor and premium Harman Kardon sound system.

As with all new Volkswagens, the 2021 Tiguan comes with a five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, while three- or five-year service packs can also be bought for $1200 and $2400 respectively.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan pricing before on-road costs

VariantTransmissionCost
110TSI LifeAutomatic$39,690
132TSI LifeAutomatic$43,690
162TSI EleganceAutomatic$50,790
147TDI EleganceAutomatic$52,290
162TSI R-LineAutomatic$53,790
147TDI R-LineAutomatic$55,290