2021 VW Tiguan R unveiled and it’s quicker than 1st-gen Cayenne Turbo S

Earlier this month, Volkswagen announced they will make the ‘R’ brand a range-topping performance brand for the marque with the launch of the eight-generation Golf R.

Now, the company has unveiled the second model to join the family with the 2021 Tiguan R.

Like the Golf R, it features a more aggressive front fascia with deeper air intakes and aerodynamics enhancements in body colour or high-gloss black. Along the sides, there are subtle wheel arch extensions that are filled nicely with large 20-inch alloy wheels, while the rear end gains a set of high-gloss black rear diffuser.

Its ride height has also been dropped 10mm compared to the regular variants thanks to specially tuned suspension with adaptively controlled shock absorbers. Stopping power comes courtesy of a set of 18-inch discs with blue R logo on the front calipers.

Inside, separating the Tiguan R from lesser models are premium sports seats with integrated headrests, carbon grey trim, mood lighting, alloy pedals and a Digital Cockpit with a lap timer.

The headline news is of course what lurks underneath its bonnet. Sharing the Golf R’s 235kW/420Nm 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol, it distributes power to all four wheels via Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring along with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.

VW says the new Tiguan R needs only 4.9 seconds to rush from 0-100km/h in the dedicated ‘R’ driving mode – a tenth of a second quicker than the first-generation Porsche Cayenne Turbo S. Flat out, it will hit a speed-limited 250km/h.

Options include an Akrapovic titanium exhaust, while the 20-inch wheels can also be swapped for a set of 21-inch Estoril.

The Tiguan R is not yet confirmed for Australia at this stage but given Aussie’s appetite for performance metal, the chances are good.

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