Volkswagen Tiguan R review

At What Car? we like to disseminate the facts about cars in a clear fashion, so to explain the difference between the Volkswagen Tiguan R and other models in VW's R performance range, we’re going to turn to the world of boxing.

You see, the Golf R is a featherweight, because it’s light and nimble; the T-Roc R is a middleweight that's still very agile, despite being heavier; and the Tiguan R is a light heavyweight – carrying a bit more beef again, yet able to deliver one hell of a punch.

It uses essentially the same engine as the smaller T-Roc R, but with even higher power and torque outputs: 316bhp and 310lb ft respectively. You also get the same seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, but the Tiguan offers the added benefit of an all-new version of Volkswagen’s 4Motion four-wheel drive system that can vary the power sent to each rear wheel individually, helping the car feel more agile in tight corners.

To ensure you can tell it apart from the regular Volkswagen Tiguan, it wears a more aggressively styled front bumper and features cues that mark it out as a member of the R line-up, including silver door mirror housings and big (21in) alloy wheels.

As for pricing, it sits between smaller sports SUV rivals that include the T-Roc R and Cupra Ateca, and more ‘premium’ alternatives such as the Audi SQ5 and Porsche Macan. That is some serious competition but, on paper at least, the Tiguan R looks like it has the firepower to take on all comers.

Over the next few pages of this VW Tiguan R review, we’ll see how it stacks up when it comes to performance, practicality, quality and fuel economy.

And whichever car you decide to buy, from a simple hatchback to a sizzling SUV, remember that our free What Car? New Car Buying service is here to help – it takes all the effort out of the process, while potentially saving you a handsome pile of cash, with some great deals on new Volkswagens.