2024 is set to be a significant year for Volkswagen South Africa as it plans the introduction of at least three new SUV offerings.
Updated T-Cross
With more than 1.2 million sales globally since it was introduced in 2019, the T-Cross is the smallest member of Volkswagen’s all-important “T” family of SUVs. Sharing its MQB A0 platform with the sixth-generation Polo hatchback, this is a product that continues to sell well in South Africa, too.
The updated T-Cross introduces revised bumper styling, front and rear, as well as the option to include the brand’s innovative IQ. Light technology. Together with its adaptive Matrix LED headlamp setup, this modern lighting system features a bespoke LED signature, including light bars in the grille and on the vehicle’s tailgate.
Three new exterior colours, including Grape Yellow, as well as a selection of updated 16- and 17-inch alloy designs will also be introduced.
The updated T-Cross will gain from standard digital instrumentation, as well as a redesigned infotainment display.
While the R-Line exterior upgrade will likely continue to prove popular in South Africa, the local range will retain a choice between 1.0 TSI and 1.5 TSI drivetrains.
Updated Touareg
The updated third-generation Touareg will introduce redesigned bumpers, front and rear, carefully considered interior upgrades and myriad under-the-skin technology enhancements. The flagship member of Volkswagen’s all-important raised ride height SUV family, the Touareg will also gain the brand’s newest IQ. Light signature lighting systems, including an LED light bar and red backlit VW badging on the tailgate.
As introduced with this generation Touareg, the brand’s Innovision Cockpit houses top-of-the-range Discover Premium instrumentation and infotainment technologies within a 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster and a 15.0-inch display screen that angles towards the driver.
Faster-charging 45W USB-C ports can top-up devices such as smartphones and laptops, while customers can now also opt for a 730-watt Dynaudio sound system.
On-the-move driver assistance technologies like Travel Assist, Park Assist Plus with remote control, Trailer Assist and Night Vision will also be available. The updated Touareg will also offers the brand’s ErgoComfort seating as standard fitment, with a massage function included in the flagship R-Line derivative.
All Touareg models feature Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive and an 8-speed automatic transmission.
All-new Tiguan
Set to launch towards the middle of 2024, the all-new third-generation Tiguan looks set to build on the success of VW’s top-selling global SUV package. The brand has sold more than 7.5 million units of this product since it was introduced in 2007.
Built on a heavily reworked MLB Evo platform, the new Tiguan will sold globally with a choice of internal combustion engines, hybrid and, indeed, all-electric powertrains. The SUV is 32 mm longer yet has the same wheelbase as the outgoing model. No longer available as a seven-seater Allspace derivative, this important VW product has a 37-litre larger luggage capacity compared with before.
Including ambient lighting, the option of an augmented reality head-up display and a considered refocus on build quality, the Tiguan’s interior benefits from the relocation of the car’s transmission lever to the steering column to free up space on the centre console. An infotainment display of up to 15 inches in size houses the brand’s latest operating system, while a return to physical buttons for key functions will please users.
The Tiguan’s ride comfort benefits from the inclusion of a revamped DCC adaptive chassis-control setup, with a DCC Pro system from the Mk8 Golf R available on high-end derivatives.
