Here’s what we’re missing out in the latest Volkswagen Tiguan

Remember the Volkswagen Tiguan? It was one of Volkswagen Philippines’ most popular offerings in our market. We got the first generation in 2013, the second in 2017, and back to the first in 2018 when everything spiraled downward.

Now, the German automaker’s presence can barely be felt and it has kept largely quiet. What if they didn’t though? Then maybe we’d have what we’re showing you here, the compact crossover’s third generation which we recently got to take a look at during the Auto Shanghai 2025.

Manufactured by SAIC-Volkswagen, this is the China-exclusive Tiguan L Pro which is a larger version of the standard Tiguan from other markets. It’s 4,735mm long (+197mm), 1,859mm wide (+17mm), and 1,682mm tall (+43mm), while its wheelbase measures at 2,791mm long (+111mm).

Design is pretty much the same as what other markets get with simple but sleek styling cues which are a far cry from what we last saw with this model in our market.

It features wraparound matrix LED headlights which are connected by an LED light bar, and a horizontally-slatted grille on the bumper. It rides on two-tone alloy wheels, and the rear features a full-width light bar for the taillights which come with a tri-cube signature.

The interior is also a huge step up. It’s still VW-simple but now features a trio of large screens: a 10.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 15-inch touchscreen infotainment system, and 11.6-inch passenger entertainment screen.

Powering the Volkswagen Tiguan L Pro is a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to a seven-speed wet DCT. It can be had in two different states of tune: the 330TSI makes 186 horsepower and 320 Nm of torque, while the 380TSI version makes 220 horsepower and 350 Nm. 

It is also equipped with Volkswagen’s IQ Pilot intelligent driving system which offers Level 2+ driving assistance at speeds of up to 130kph. A parking assistant, adaptive cruise control, automatic emergency braking and lane-keeping assist is also available, among others.

With Volkswagen Philippines extremely quiet these days, it looks like our chances of getting this are virtually next to zero. But yes, this is what we’re missing out on.

_{Photos by Julian Panlilio}