Volkswagen will complete the development phase of the new Volkswagen Tiguan with a final extreme test in Namibia. During the final acceptance drive on the African continent, the electronic components and chassis of the new SUV are the primary focus of testing. Considering the electronics, a technical highlight on board the VW Tiguan is of special interest for the testers: the completely new generation radio and navigation system. This was developed in close cooperation with the most important local Volkswagen operations in Europe, Asia and America. Worldwide development collaboration made it possible for a wider than ever pool of specialized know-how, and also the requirements of all markets, to influence the devices. The top system of the new line, with the designation RNS 510, has a 30 GB hard disk and is controlled with a touch screen. A rear-view camera enables a view behind in this case. Completely new electronic systems also simplify offroad driving in the Volkswagen Tiguan. The particularly agile and dynamic SUV uses an innovative network of assistance systems with the name of "Offroad Mode".
Just on touch of a switch activates a whole armada of safety features, supporting the driver in a multitude of situations. Five motors. All of the engine and body versions of the VW Tiguan have to "swallow" the dust of Namibia in this final test. Volkswagen will be offering the SUV - and this is unique so far - exclusively with charged engines. The TSIs (gasoline) output 110 kW / 150 PS, 125 kW / 170 and 147 kW / 200 PS; and the TDIs (diesel) develop 103 kW / 140 PS and 125 kW / 170 PS. Two front ends. The two body variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan differ primarily in their front ends. The "Trend & Fun" and "Sport & Style" versions are designed for a maximum entry angle of 18 degrees in front. The "Track & Field" Tiguan that is tuned even more for offroad duty can assume entry angles of up to 28 degrees with its front end. During the testing program in Africa, as however already mentioned, the emphasis is less on engines and entry angles than on final checking of the electronics and chassis.
Items no longer found on board include: Cardan shaft, rear final drive and drive shafts. But the sub frame is utilized in both drive variants. The innovative modular system of this rear axle has a decidedly positive effect on costs. For the rear axle, newly developed shock absorbers were developed with increased oil volume; a favorable temperature level makes the absorbers well equipped for even the toughest offroad use. Like the front damper struts, also newly developed, both components provide for exceptionally good ride comfort properties. A new generation of steering. A technological highlight in the indirect chassis area is the completely new generation of electromechanical power steering. A decisive advantage of the system: Despite the very precise steering feeling, even in offroad operation no jolts whatsoever are transmitted to the steering wheel. Primarily responsible for this is a newly constructed steering gear. Wheels and tires. Providing contact to the road or trail on the base versions of the Tiguan are 16-inch wheels with 215/65 R16 tires. The "Sport & Style" Tiguan also has as standard 17-inch alloy wheels and 235/55 R17 tires. 18-inch wheels with tires in 235/50 R18 format are available as special equipment. Also in the area of electronics, the Tiguan was designed to set new standards in the compact SUV class. Typical of Volkswagen is the high standard it sets for making the interface to the driver as comfortable as possible. An example of this on the Tiguan is a newly designed radio and navigation system generation. The software and hardware of this new system fulfill the highest demands for operation, sound and the multitude of functions offered. The RNS 510. A glance at the top device - a radio navigation system with the designation RNS 510, emphasizes this impressively. The RNS 510 is controlled using fixed menu buttons, two knobs and a touch screen for the numerous information, entertainment and system functions. In this case a rear-view camera eases the view behind, a standard fitting.
It gets manual height adjustable driver seat, electrically adjustable and folding mirrors and cruise control. The 2-DIN music system has USB, AUX and Bluetooth compatibility. The interiors are in black with a flat bottom sporty steering wheel with steering mounted audio controls. It gets a driver armrest as well as a pull-out armrest for the rear passengers. The rear seats are foldable to increase the stowage capability of the hatchback. Well, this is the most exciting part for the enthusiasts. It gets a 1.8-litre turbocharged petrol engine from the Octavia churning out 189bhp of power and 250Nm of torque. While it gets the expected DSG automatic gearbox, enthusiasts would have loved the six-speed manual option. The Polo GTI matches the Mini Cooper S as the most powerful hatchback and is way ahead of the 160bhp Abarth 595 Competizione. It is the only one in the reckoning to get a dual-clutch gearbox as the Mini gets a torque converter and the Abarth sports a sluggish AMT.
