Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace: Range-topping diesel returns

Diesels are back at Volkswagen Australia.

Technically, they never really left – you’ve been able to get an oil-burner across the company’s commercial vehicle range, plus the new Touareg. However, the October reintroduction of the Tiguan Allspace 140TDI signifies the return of diesel power to Volkswagen’s local car-based range.

Volkswagen had withdrawn its diesel Tiguan models over a year ago due to the changeover to Worldwide Harmonised Light-Vehicle Test Procedure (WLTP) emissions standards. Now, the 140TDI engine is back in the Tiguan Allspace in a single range-topping Highline trim.

Priced at $54,690 before on-road costs, it’s $1500 more expensive than the petrol-powered 162TSI Highline.

It features a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine producing 140kW of power and 400Nm of torque, mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel drive.

Its equipment list mirrors that of its petrol sibling, with standard equipment including adaptive cruise control, adaptive suspension, 19-inch alloy wheels, heated first- and second-row seats and Vienna leather upholstery.

That’s in addition to features found lower in the Tiguan range, including tri-zone climate control, proximity entry with push-button start, and a power tailgate.

All Tiguan Allspace models feature lane-keeping assist, lane-departure warning and autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, with the Highline models adding blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.

Options are the same as for the 162TSI Highline, including the $3000 R-Line package that’s exclusive to this trim level. Other options include the $3000 Sound and Vision package, which includes Volkswagen’s Digital Cockpit and a premium sound system, as well as the standalone option of a panoramic sunroof ($2000).

For a full breakdown of Tiguan range pricing and equipment, check out our pricing and specs article.

A small batch of 2020 model year 140TDIs will be at dealers in October, with 2021 model year vehicles beginning to arrive in November.

“Diesel remains an essential part of our model mix, and is a necessity for many of our customers,” said Volkswagen Australia’s marketing director Jason Bradshaw, citing the popularity of diesel Tiguans with customers in rural areas.