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Volkswagen’s first R-badged Tiguan will be more affordable than initially planned – but the premium Harman Kardon sound system has moved to the options list as a result.
Volkswagen Australia has cut the price of the 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R ahead of launch – but the reduction in price hasn’t come without a reduction in equipment.
Whereas the removal of the Harman Kardon system as standard equipment in the Golf R was a necessary measure designed to prevent a production stoppage of a few months due to a lack of semiconductor chips, its removal in the Tiguan R appears to be precautionary – for now.
Volkswagen Australia says it “is aware of the possibility” of a shortage similar to that being experienced by the Golf R – and removing the Harman Kardon system from the standard feature list would allow some Tiguan R production for Australia to continue without interruption, should the system suddenly become unavailable.
“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,” said Brand Director of Volkswagen Passenger Vehicles in Australia, Michal Szaniecki .
“To keep the lines running, Harmon Kardon becomes optional on the Tiguan R as it is with the Golf. Harman Kardon Tiguan Rs are still being built, so too will be versions with the standard eight-speaker audio system familiar from the rest of the Tiguan range.”
For more details on Australian pricing and specifications for the new Volkswagen Tiguan R, click here to read Drive’s earlier story.
The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R will launch in Australia in April, alongside the Golf R hatch – though VW Australia says the Tiguan “will not begin to be visible in showrooms until May or June along with Golf R Wagons.”
2022 Volkswagen R range Australian pricing
- Golf R hatch – $65,990
- Golf R wagon – $68,990
- Tiguan R – $68,990 (down $1000)
2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R 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 calipers
- Adaptive dampers
- 9.2-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay, wireless Android Auto, satellite navigation and digital radio
- 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
- Matrix LED headlights
- R-specific 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
- Hands-free power tailgate
- Adaptive cruise control with stop and go
- Lane-keep assist
- Lane following assist
- Autonomous emergency braking
- Semi-autonomous parking
- Head-up display
- 360-degree camera
- Harman Kardon sound system – $1000
- Panoramic electric glass sunroof – $2000
Cars have played a central role throughout Alex’s life, from flicking through car magazines as a young age, to growing up around performance vehicles in a car-loving family.
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