Cost-cutter! 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R lowers price to become even more affordable Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC 43 rival in Australia

It might not arrive in showrooms until later in the second quarter of 2022, but Volkswagen Australia has just cut the hot new Tiguan R mid-size SUV’s price.

As reported, the Tiguan R was priced from $69,990 plus on-road costs as of mid-last month, but it’s now $1000 cheaper as Volkswagen Australia attempts to get ahead of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage.

Last week, the related next-generation Golf R small hatchback and wagon were given the same pricing adjustment as a Harman Kardon sound system was removed from their shared list of standard equipment due its unavailability from factory.

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That said, a number of Golf Rs had already been built with the audio feature, so it became a – you guessed it – $1000 option for buyers.

Which brings us to the Tiguan R. While it’s still available ex-factory with a Harman Kardon sound system, Volkswagen Australia has decided to move it to the options list ($1000), too, for not only a lower starting price, but also improved supply.

Volkswagen Australia passenger vehicles brand director Michal Szaniecki said: “The majority of the more than 7000 expressions of interest and the 1000 paid deposits for our new R range have so far been for the Tiguan R.

“To keep the lines running, Harman Kardon becomes optional on the Tiguan R, as it is with the Golf. Harman Kardon Tiguan Rs are still being built, so too will be versions with the standard eight-speaker audio system familiar from the rest of the Tiguan range.”

For reference, the Tiguan R is motivated by a 235kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder engine, which is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with torque vectoring.

Other standard equipment in the Audi SQ5, BMW X3 M40i and Mercedes-AMG GLC43 rival includes adaptive suspension, Matrix LED headlights, 21-inch Estoril alloy wheels, sports brakes, keyless entry and a hands-free power tailgate.

Inside, push-button start, a 9.2-inch touchscreen multimedia system, satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support, digital radio, a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a head-up display, tri-zone climate control, power-adjustable front sports seats with memory functionality, Nappa leather-appointed upholstery and ambient lighting feature.

Advanced driver-assist systems extend to autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep and steering assist, adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality, park assist and surround-view cameras, among others.