ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE CARS has just had $1000 knocked off its price. But there’s a reason: due to supply problems, the $1000-cheaper Tiguan R makes the premium sound system a $1000 option.
Earlier this month, Volkswagen reduced the RRP of its Golf R and Golf R Wagon by $1000 due to the temporary unavailability of Harman Kardon audio systems. From our perspective, the popping and crackling of the Tiguan R’s engine beats whatever comes out of a sound system any day.
While such a shortage is yet to be flagged for the Tiguan R, Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles Michal Szaniecki said that the Australian operation is aware of the possibility.
“The majority of the more than 7000 expressions of interest and the 1000 paid deposits for our new R range have so far been for the Tiguan R,” Mr Szaniecki said.
“To keep the lines running, Harmon Kardon becomes optional on the Tiguan R as it is with the Golf. Harman Kardon Tiguan R’s are still being built, so too will be versions with the standard eight speaker audio system familiar from the rest of the Tiguan range.”
The Golf R hatchback and Tiguan R SUV will launch locally in April, though the latter will not begin to be visible in showrooms until May or June along with Golf R Wagons.
Mr Szaniecki addressed the broader Tiguan range supply situation.
“Because our customers typically select the top end variants, semi-conductor constraints have especially affected the Tiguan 162TSI R-line,” he said. “Fortunately, the refreshed Tiguan Allspace arrives in May.
“In addition to a third row of seating or the extra storage space this model provides, we’ve ensured the Allspace has extra specification to more than ameliorate the sight price premium over the five seat Tiguans.”
| Tiguan R hatchback | $68,990 |
Photoshop the hardon/karmon system out of this image
Standard features
- 4MOTION all-wheel-drive with R Performance torque vectoring
- 21-inch ‘Estoril’ alloy wheels with direct tyre pressure monitoring
- Performance brakes with blue brake callipers
- Adaptive chassis control
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital radio
- 10.25-inch Digital Cockpit Pro
- IQ.LIGHT matrix LED headlights
- R Nappa leather appointed upholstery with R logo in blue
- Electric front seats with memory
- 30 colour ambient interior lighting
- Tri-zone climate control
- Keyless entry and start with Easy Open & Close electric tailgate
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Head-up display
- Area view
- Travel Assist
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Semi-autonomous parking
Options
| Harman Kardon sound system | $1000 |
| Panoramic electric glass sunroof | $2000 |