2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R spied during Nurburgring testing
Volkswagen Australia says it would 'certainly be keen' for a high-performance Tiguan.
The 2021 Volkswagen Tiguan R has been spied carrying out performance testing on the Nürburgring, with new photos revealing more details of the powered-up version of the popular crossover car.
Although its camouflage has been reduced, the Tiguan R pictured here retains some coverage on its headlights, exhaust pipes and grille, all expected to borrow cues from the new-generation Golf 8.
Despite these disguised elements, it's clear the Tiguan R will boast a more aggressive front bumper featuring big air intakes, plus a bigger grille and quad exhaust pipes.
As is typical of Volkswagen's R models, the Tiguan R also has big blue brake callipers fitted over larger brake discs.
While not confirmed, it's expected the Tiguan R will receive the same performance-specified version of Volkswagen's EA888 engine that powers the Golf R, among other Volkswagen Group offerings.
This will likely boast an increased output in line with the next-generation Mk8 Golf R, which a leaked presentation revealed could reach up to 245kW and 400Nm in Europe.
It's expected the Tiguan R will also receive Volkswagen's seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4MOTION all-wheel drive system as standard.
Asked whether the performance crossover is likely to make it Down Under, a spokesperson for Volkswagen Australia said there was certainly an appetite for it in the local market.
"In terms of Australia’s appetite, we know our customers love performance vehicles - the Tiguan 162TSI R-Line for example remains one of our most popular models - we would certainly be keen to introduce a high performance Tiguan if it became available to us," the spokesperson told CarAdvice.
In 2019, the Volkswagen Tiguan had a 4.5 per cent share of Australia's medium SUV market, with Volkswagen adding a limited-edition R-Line version of its mid-spec Tiguan 132TSI in April 2019.
Volkswagen Australia's director for customer experience and marketing, Jason Bradshaw, has previously said around 80 per cent of customers purchasing the top-selling, top-spec 162TSI – whether in five-seat or seven-seat Allspace guise – opt for the sportier R-Line package.
Currently, the only model available as a performance R variant in Australia is the flagship Golf variant.
A facelifted version of the existing Tiguan is also expected, although Australian timing remains unclear.