Volkswagen has been testing the Tiguan R for quite a while now, and it seems that the sporty derivative will finally launch as part of the facelifted lineup that could bow as early as next month at the Geneva Motor Show.
Visually, you should expect a dedicated body kit like the one this prototype spied in northern Europe was wearing. Notice the slightly redesigned intakes in the front bumper, partially wrapped in camo, which will feed air to the engine, as well as a slightly bigger diffuser at the back with cutouts for the quad exhaust pipes.
The Tiguan R will further set itself apart with special logos and wheels, and its cabin should also gain front sports seats, R-badged steering wheel and gearshift lever, as well as different upholstery and trim.
We don’t know if Volkswagen has done anything else to the interior, but the changes could include an updated infotainment system and perhaps some extra safety tech.
It is understood that power will come from a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine with a rumored output in excess of 300 horsepower, likely matched to a dual-clutch automatic transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive. If the upcoming 2021 Golf R will share its powertrain with the Tiguan R, the hot compact SUV should get 333 PS (328 HP / 245 kW).
That sounds plausible since the smaller T-Roc R, for example, has a 2.0 TSI that makes 300 PS (296 HP / 221 kW) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) of torque. Paired to a seven-speed DSG, it does 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and tops out at 250 km/h (155 mph).