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Volkswagen has unveiled the high-performance R version of its compact four-wheel-drive Tiguan, months before standard models go on sale here.
VW took the covers off an Individual R-line design study at Germany's Essen motor show.
Established in 2003 and based in Wolfsburg, Individual is an engineering department wholly owned by VW and is responsible for special projects, including the Golf R32 and the BlueMotion range of vehicles.
Individual's influence on the Tiguan R-Line extends to a set of 19-inch multi-spoke wheels, unique front and rear bumpers, subtle wheel arch extensions and colour-coded sills.
The grille section is also new and features a pair of split chrome bars.
Inside, the R-Line adds to the Tiguan's extensive list of standard equipment. Sports seats and a flat-bottomed steering wheel distinguish the R-Line from the conventional vehicle.
No word yet on whether VW will pick up the R-Line Tiguan for New Zealand.
The standard Tiguan goes on sale here in March. There will be two models - luxury on-road with a deeper front bumper and off-road with a cutaway front that allows better movement through the rough stuff.
The likely price for the on-road model is around $60,000. The off-road version is expected to cost about $55,000.
Both are powered by a 2-litre turbodiesel engine mated to a six-speed sequential gearbox driving all four wheels. Towing capacity is 2.2 tonnes.
A petrol variant is expected to arrive here later in the year.
