The Insignia from Vauxhall gains the full five star result from Euro NCAP, both Saloon & Estate.

The all-new Vauxhall Insignia, in both Grand Sport and Sports Tourer body styles, has been awarded the maximum five stars from Euro NCAP making it one of the safest cars on the market. It achieved exceptionally high scores for its occupant protection for both adults and children, pedestrian protection and safety assist technology. 

In Vauxhall showrooms now, the Insignia has a number of new active and passive safety technologies available, and Euro NCAP made special mention of two of the car’s innovative safety features. The active bonnet, which lifts up in milliseconds in the event of a collision increasing the distance to the engine for improved pedestrian protection. Testers at Euro NCAP commented that it: “operated robustly for a variety of pedestrian statures and over a wide range of speeds.”

 

It was also noted that the Automatic Emergency Braking system, which can detect pedestrians and other vehicles, “performed well and showed good performance at highway speeds, with accidents avoided or mitigated.” 

“The five-star rating from Euro NCAP helps to demonstrate the design and innovation that can be found throughout the new Insignia, making it one of the safest models in its class,” said Dougie McColm, Vauxhall’s Brand Manager - Insignia. “The latest technologies included within the new Insignia work together to provide ultimate safety, not only for the car’s driver and passengers, but also for other road users and pedestrians.” 

The new Insignia features a wide range of intelligent safety technologies in addition to the active bonnet and Automatic Emergency Braking systems. One such technology is the next generation of Vauxhall’s innovative and award-winning IntelliLux LED matrix light, with 32 LED segments, all integrated in the new slimmer headlights of the Insignia. 

The increased number of LED elements enables the various light patterns to adapt to the prevailing traffic situation with seamless transitions between each mode. This results in an improvement in both the quality of light distribution and light intensity. 

New functions, including curve and spotlight illumination, improve long-range visibility especially when driving at night. If drivers find themselves taking a curve with the full beam engaged, the light intensity automatically rises based on the steering angle, in order to increase illumination and help the driver to see the road situation ahead. Each headlight also features a high-beam spotlight for additional illumination of up to 400m, further improving the Insignia Grand Sport’s long-range visibility. 

Head-up-Display technology is also available. This displays information on speed, traffic signs, speed limiter setting and navigation direction onto the windscreen in the driver’s direct line of sight ensuring that their eyes remain on the road. 

Available as part of the standard spec, the Lane Keep Assist with Lane Departure Warning (LDW) provides gentle steering wheel movements (and LDW alerts if necessary) to help drivers avoid accidents by unintentionally drifting out of their lane. The new Insignia is available with Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC), which measures the distance to the vehicle in front and adapts the speed accordingly. ACC will initiate automatic emergency braking if the distance decreases abruptly. 

The optional Rear Cross Traffic Alert system uses radar sensors in the rear bumper to detect objects coming from up to 20m at 90 degrees from the left or right side behind the vehicle. Forward Collision Alert assists drivers in avoiding or mitigating the impact of front-end collisions with situation-dependent emergency braking settings. If the Insignia nears the vehicle ahead too quickly, the system warns the driver with a loud audible alarm, a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an LED projection on the windscreen. 

Parking is easier too thanks to Advanced Park Assist. Ultrasound sensors on the Insignia’s front and rear bumpers identify suitable parking spaces and detect possible obstacles. When the parking spot is calculated, the system automatically parks the vehicle without the driver needing to touch the wheel, only requiring the driver control the pedals and gears.

Readers of Auto Bild Allrad choose the Winner in the category "Off-road vehicle and SUV is the VW Tiguan.

• Readers of Auto Bild Allrad choose their favourites
• Winner in the category "Off-road vehicle and SUV up to 30,000 Euro"

Readers of Auto Bild Allrad, Europe's largest magazine for off-road vehicles, have named the new Tiguan "All-wheel Car of the Year".  The successful compact SUV from Volkswagen received the award in the category "Off-road vehicle and SUV up to 30,000 Euro".  Since its market launch in 2007, the Tiguan has now won the coveted title of "All- wheel Car of the Year" five times.

For many years, the Tiguan has been an important pillar of the Volkswagen product line-up. Since 2007, more than 2.8 million have been sold in over 170 markets worldwide, making the popular compact SUV into a best-seller. With the new Tiguan, Volkswagen intends to continue the success. The new design is now even more elegant, with a design radiating both power and confidence. At the same time, the interioris more generous compared with the predecessor and the infotainment offering has been extended.

The new Tiguan shines with a new range of eight engines from 115 PS/85 kW up to 240 PS/176 kW* – all more powerful and more economical than their predecessors – including four standard engines equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Several pioneering safety and assistance systems are available on the new Tiguan. They include Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and an integrated Pedestrian Monitoring; Lane Assist, a proactive occupant protection; and an active bonnet to protect pedestrians and cyclists. But the many minor details all pursue the aim of making driving and travelling more pleasurable. Finally, there is also a new optional range of ergo Active seats, a lowered load sill and an "Easy Open and Close" system which makes loading and unloading much easier.

*Tiguan 2.0 TDI SCR BMT (110 kW/150 PS) fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.6 – 4.7 (combined), CO₂ emission in g/km: 147 - 123 (combined); efficiency class: B – A

*Tiguan 2.0 TDI SCR 4Motion BMT (140 kW/190 PS) fuel consumption in l/100 km: 5.7 (combined), CO₂ emission in g/km: 149; efficiency class: B

Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion BMT (132 kW/180 PS) fuel consumption in l/100km: 7.3 (combined), CO₂ emission ing/km: 168; efficiency class: D

The new Tiguan SUV goes on sale next month, with better looks, new Platform and upgraded spec.

• The stylish new Volkswagen Tiguan goes on sale from 5 April
• First Volkswagen SUV to sit on the innovative MQB platform 
• Prices expected to start from around £22,500 (RRP OTR) for entry-level model

The first versions of the dynamic new Tiguan SUV today open for order at Volkswagen UK Retailers nationwide. Designed and engineered to redefine the compact SUV segment new Tiguan introduces class-leading levels of interior space, practicality and safety while also debuting cutting-edge technology and connectivity.

New from the ground up, today’s Tiguan brings previously unseen levels of quality and refinement to its sector with a premium look and feel that belie its price.  The first new Volkswagen SUV to sit on the innovative and flexible MQB platform – which also underpins the class-leading Volkswagen Golf – the new car signals the start of a comprehensive SUV offensive which will see the brand represented in all core SUV segments over time.

By virtue of its cutting edge MQB underpinnings the new Tiguan debuts exceptional levels of safety and connectivity.  Standard from entry will be a raft of valuable safety features such as Front Assist; City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring, while hi-tech features available for the first time in a Tiguan include Active Info Display; Head-Up Display; Area View and Trailer Assist.

Designed to excel

Perfectly proportioned, and shaped to develop the character of the original best-selling Tiguan, the new car balances clean lines with a powerful, dynamic stance.   

With a 33 mm reduction in height versus the outgoing car to 1,632 mm, and a 30 mm growth in width to 1,839 mm, new Tiguan exhibits an even more sleek, confident shape.  At 4,486 mm in length it is also 60 mm longer than its predecessor.  The wheelbase has been significantly extended to 2,681 mm – a gain of 77 mm.  At the front, in particular, the unit formed by the radiator grille and optional LED projection headlights reinforces the car’s powerful impression and upright stance.

At the sides the waist and character lines as well as the eye-catching wheel arches attest to the creativity of the designers, led by Volkswagen Head of Design Klaus Bischoff.  Meanwhile the Tiguan’s character line helps to define a rear section boasting clear edges and horizontally aligned surfaces.

The SUV design language is taken up consistently inside new Tiguan, too.  The cockpit, for example, is now aligned towards the driver for better comfort and without constricting the airy impression of the interior. At the same time, the wider centre console typical of SUVs is paired with the new 4MOTION Active Control rotary switch to create a defining interior element with a premium feel.  Ambient lighting generates a sophisticated overall impression, completed by the optional panoramic roof – standard from SEL trim upwards – and details such as the elegant door handles and smart trim strips.

This generously-proportioned interior offers more head room and knee room than previously – up by 29 mm in the case of knee room – and when the rear bench is folded the cargo space, at 1,655 litres, is 145 litres larger than before.  Meanwhile a lower load sill improves ease of use and underscores the Tiguan’s everyday utility, while an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics add to occupant comfort via reduced cabin noise.

The car also offers a sliding rear bench seat that has been optimised to permit up to 180 mm of adjustment – 20 mm more than in the previous model. When the rear bench is slid forwards, the boot provides 615 litres of space – a gain of 145 litres.  Highlighting the new Volkswagen’s practicality is a towing capacity of up to 2,500 kg (depending on model and drivetrain) which is unique in this class of compact SUVs.

Engineered to perform

The extended engine range of the new Tiguan gives customers the greatest possible range of choices for power, style and comfort.  A broad line-up has been created to appeal to the widest possible customer base.

In the UK the car will over time be offered with up to three new petrol engines, with power outputs from 125 PS to 180 PS, and four new diesel engines ranging from 115 PS to 240 PS.  All EU6-compliant, they are more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the comparable EU5 engines of the previous model.  The diesel engines feature SCR catalytic converter technology, using the now familiar AdBlue additive.

As order books open, the high-volume diesel will be available as a 2.0 TDI 150 PS with 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG) or six-speed manual transmission; or with front-wheel drive and a manual gearbox.  In addition the 2.0 TSI with 180 PS, 4MOTION and DSG is also on offer from today. These engines are expected to account for around three quarters of UK Tiguan sales.  Extended engine, drive and gearbox options will be available in two further order waves which open in the UK on 5 May and 2 June.

The first wave of engines in the UK offer 0-62 mph times of between 7.7 seconds (2.0 TSI 180 PS) to 9.3 seconds (2.0 TDI 150 PS), with top speeds, where legal, ranging from 129 mph to 124 mph. For the first wave of engines, CO₂ emissions* are calculated at between 125 g/km (2.0 TDI 150 PS front-wheel drive with six-speed manual gearbox), to 170 g/km (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

Fuel economy* for the launch engines, on the official EU combined cycle, ranges from 58.9 mpg (2.0 TDI 150 PS front wheel drive six-speed manual) to 38.2mpg (2.0 TSI 180 PS 4MOTION with seven-speed DSG).

Safety is paramount

New Tiguan sets standards when it comes to safety, with a raft of active and passive safety measures delivered by virtue of the use of the MQB platform.  Front Assist with City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring; active bonnet; automatic post-collision braking and Lane Assist are fitted as standard (in Europe).

The first active bonnet on a Volkswagen reduces the risk of injury to pedestrians and cyclists by lifting upward in the event of an impact – rising 50 mm within 22 milliseconds of an impact. The safety equipment roster also includes a network of seven airbags – including a knee airbag on the driver’s side.  It sets standards, and not only for A-SUVs.  The new Tiguan, like all Volkswagen cars based on the MQB platform, also comes with the automatic post-collision braking system which helps to avoid dangerous secondary collisions.

A market leader is born

In the UK, the new Tiguan instantly becomes one of the five key pillars of the Volkswagen passenger cars brand sitting alongside up!, Polo, Golf and Passat.  Indeed, last year the outgoing Tiguan accounted for 21,889 sales here – up from 8,121 just four years before.  Tiguan is now the third best-seller in the UK, bettered only by Golf and Polo.

The UK range will be badged using Volkswagen’s familiar S, SE, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line designations, with diesel engines expected to account for around 95% of sales.

Welcoming the arrival of new Tiguan Rod McLeod, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen UK, said: “This exceptional new car showcases the very best of what Volkswagen can deliver.  Ingenious engineering, exceptional practicality and fine styling sit alongside class-leading safety in a package that brings a premium look and feel to the compact SUV class.

“I know our Retailers are gearing up for a busy time as orders for, and deliveries of, new Tiguan take off here in the UK.” 

The new Volkswagen Tiguan range is expected to be priced from around £22,500 (RRP OTR) when all versions are available, and deliveries of the first customer cars are expected this summer.

Volkswagen Tiguan – launch wave
Trim	Engine	Drive	Gearbox	Power	CO2 (g/km)	RRP
S	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	2WD	Six-speed manual	150 PS	125*	£25,530.00
S	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Six-speed manual	150 PS	146*	£27,130.00
S	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	150 PS	149*	£28,730.00
SE	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	2WD	Six-speed manual	150 PS	125*	£27,280.00
SE	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Six-speed manual	150 PS	146*	£28,880.00
SE	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	150 PS	149*	£30,480.00
SE Nav	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	2WD	Six-speed manual	150 PS	125*	£28,005.00
SE Nav	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Six-speed manual	150 PS	146*	£29,605.00
SE Nav	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	150 PS	149*	£31,205.00
SEL	2.0 TSI BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	180 PS	170*	£32,115.00
SEL	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	2WD	Six-speed manual	150 PS	125*	£29,580.00
SEL	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Six-speed manual	150 PS	146*	£31,180.00
SEL	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	150 PS	149*	£32,780.00
R-Line	2.0 TSI BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	180 PS	170*	£34,430.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	2WD	Six-speed manual	150 PS	125*	£31,895.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Six-speed manual	150 PS	146*	£33,495.00
R-Line	2.0 TDI SCR BMT	4MOTION	Seven-speed DSG	150 PS	149*	£35,095.00