The Volkswagen Tiguan R will return for a second generation after the popularity of the original, but it may still be 18 months away.
Family Cars
The most popular Volkswagen R SUV in Australia, the Tiguan R, has been caught on camera in its second generation ahead of a launch expected in 2027 or even 2028.
Spy photographers have captured images of a Tiguan R-Line with four exhaust tips, a signature of Volkswagen R models from the Tiguan to the Golf and T-Roc.
While the bumpers are unchanged on this early prototype, it rides on larger 21-inch wheels wrapped in Hankook tyres, hiding drilled brake rotors.
Production models are likely to receive new front and rear-end treatments, blue brake calipers, a larger rear spoiler, and R badges.
The spy photos represent the first confirmation of plans for a second-generation Tiguan R, which was the brand's top-selling R model in Australia during its run, and found success in Europe.
Arrival timing is yet to be confirmed, but the early stage of these prototypes suggests it may not be due until the second half of next year, close to the regular Tiguan's mid-life update.
It is likely to use a tuned version of Volkswagen's 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, which produced 235kW and 400Nm in its predecessor, but is likely to be uprated to the latest Golf R with 245kW/420Nm.
Given the current Tiguan 195TSI R-Line is priced from $71,550 before on-road costs, expect the new Tiguan R to surge close to or beyond $80,000 before on-roads, due to the expected power bump, styling updates and technology.
The previous Tiguan R left showrooms priced at $73,790 before on-road costs.
Specifications for the new 2027 Tiguan R are yet to be released, and are expected closer to the vehicle going on sale.
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