In order to save us time and more importantly to give us twice as much excitement, Volkswagen NZ invited us to the launch of not one but two VERY important model releases. The all-new third generation Tiguan and the eighth generation Golf facelift.
Firstly, Golf. Originally launched in 1974, the benchmark hatchback celebrates its half century this year. And although it only seems like yesterday that the eighth generation appeared on our shores, it seems fitting that there a mid-cycle facelift has been created to celebrate its 50th (coincidence, I think not).
The Golf is essentially the heart of the Volkswagen brand. With more than 37 million vehicles delivered to date, it’s the best selling Volkswagen of all time, and the latest refresh is out to bolster those numbers.
Visually, the exterior sees a new front bumper and slimmer headlights. The sensors have been moved lower to the ground too, allowing for the inclusion of an illuminated VW badge for the GTI model. The rear has also seen some subtle changes to the lights, but you’d have to be a ‘wookie’ to notice.
The interior now comes with better tech (as seen in the new Tiguan) and a more prominent infotainment screen. And VW has listened to customer feedback, with (aside from the GTI) buttons on the steering wheel and an illuminated volume and temperature strip below the screen.
The line up begins with a ‘fleet-friendly’ Life at $44,990, an R-Line at $50,990 and a GTI at $67,990. The former two come with a 1.4-litre turbo (110kW/250Nm) and the GTI boasts a 2.0-litre turbo (195kW/370Nm).
Equally important to VW is the all-new Tiguan. The first generation Tiguan launched back in 2007 and with over 7.6 million units being sold globally, it rapidly became the brand’s number one seller. Now we’re up to the third-gen, and it’s been completely revamped.
In terms of looks and size, it’s slightly larger, and certainly more shapely than before, but also lost none of its capability, in fact it’s been enhanced. The nose is more muscular and comes with (model dependent) IQ matrix lighting and a horizontal light-strip bar.
Two things of particular note greet you upon entry to the spacious cabin. The gear selector has been moved to the steering column and is now on a stalk like the ID-range and the infotainment screen (12.9 or 15-inch) sits proudly out from the dashboard.
The tech itself has been greatly upgraded with a very personalisable screen layout, multiple apps and voice interaction with IDA, the new assistant. It’s also got satellite navigation and app-Connect (wireless Android Auto or Apple CarPlay), plus two wireless chargers.
Along with the Tiguan’s driving modes, they have added ‘Atmospheres’, various cabin modes that offer different moods for interior lighting and ambiance. However, more importantly, the ADAS suite has been upgraded across the range and now incorporates (among other things) a centre airbag, better blindspot detection, traffic sign recognition, improved vulnerable road user safety (pedestrian/cyclists) and will now park itself with you as a mere spectator.
VW has released three models in the line-up. The Life at $54,490. The R-Line at $61,990 and the yet to arrive, all singing, all dancing, all wheel drive R-Line at $79,490. The former two come with a 1.4-litre turbo (110kW/250Nm) with 8.5l/100km and 192g/km, while the AWD boasts a 2.0-litre with 195kW/400NM. And for those that like their weekend’s away, the Life and R-Line can tow 1,800kgs, while the AWD bumps this up to 2,300kg.
