Volkswagen Tiguan (2020) Expected In Ireland
Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed that an updated Volkswagen Tiguan range will launch in Ireland before the end of 2020.
The Tiguan has been a huge success for Volkswagen in Ireland and now outsells the Volkswagen Golf hatchback. The new Tiguan will have updated styling and debut a new plug in hybrid (PHEV) variant when it goes on sale in November. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.
The front end has been restyled with a new radiator grille, LED headlights and bumpers. At the rear, the Tiguan lettering is now in a prominent central position below the VW badge.
The first Tiguan models to arrive in Ireland will be powered by the 1.5 TSI turbo petrol engines and 2.0 TDI diesel with twin dosing.
This will be followed by a high performance Tiguan R in January 2021, the first time the Tiguan has worn the R badge. For the new Tiguan R model, Volkswagen R’s performance experts have developed a new all-wheel drive with selective wheel torque control. They claim that the so called “R-Performance Torque Vectoring” enables totally new SUV driving dynamics by distributing the drive power variably between the front and rear axles as well as the left and right rear wheels.
In summer 2021, the Volkswagen Tiguan PHEV will arrive. The petrol electric plug in hybrid will use a 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and 13kWh battery pack. Power output with be 242 hp and it will have an expected EV range of up to 50 km.
New technology features include Travel Assist offering assisted driving at speeds up to 210 km/h. The Tiguan also gets the most recent generation of Volkswagen infotainment systems (MIB3) to bring a completely new range of online-based services and functions on board. A new steering wheel features touch controls. Volkswagen has also digitalised the climate control functions with a touch slider and touch buttons. There is also a new 'IQ.LIGHT' LED matrix headlights for the Tiguan.
Volkswagen is having a busy year and has just launched the 8th generation of the Volkswagen Golf in Ireland. The new all electric ID.3 hatchback is expected in September, as is a new Arteon range. The updated Tiguan joins the T-Cross, T-Roc and Toureg in Volkswagen's SUV range.
Volkswagen ID.3 Price Ireland
The first examples of the new Volkswagen ID.3 all electric car will arrive in Ireland in September.
Volkswagen ID.3 Price in Ireland
Pricing will start from €33,625 after Government grants and VRT relief for the 1st Edition models that are scheduled to arrive here for customer deliveries, with more models to be added to the range later.
The 1st Edition of the ID.3 comes with a 58 kWh battery, which is driven by an electric motor at the rear axle. It generates 150 kW and delivers a maximum torque of 310 Nm, enabling the ID.3 to accelerate to 60 km/h in 3.4 seconds with a single gear.
This battery also allows WLTP-expected ranges of 410km – 424km on a single charge, depending on the ID.3 1st model selected - 1st, the 1st Plus and the 1st Max.
Volkswagen will be offering these special edition models to pre-bookers who placed a €1,000 reservation fee over the last few months.
What's available for ID.3 in Ireland
The entry-level ID.3 1st costs €33,625 and includes a navigation system, a DAB+ digital radio, ‘Air Care Climatronic’ air conditioning system with 2-zone climate control, seat heating and steering wheel heating, armrest at the front, fast charging with 100 kW direct current (DC) or 11 kW alternating current (AC) and 18-inch alloy wheels. Standard features include ‘Light Assist’, natural voice control and ‘ID.light’ in the interior. Volkswagen says the WLTP-rated range will be 424 km on a single charge.
The ID.3 1st Plus costs €40,595 and features a rear-view camera and keyless access locking and starting system. The vehicle interior of the ID.3 1st Plus also includes a centre console with two additional USB-C connections in the rear. Forming part of the exterior equipment are tinted windows, the exterior ‘Style’ package in silver, LED rear taillights with dynamic turn signal and 19-inch alloy wheels. It has a WLTP-expected range of 419km on a single charge.
The top-of-the-range version, the ID.3 1st Max costs €47,545. It has two additional loudspeakers, a large panorama roof as well as 20-inch wheels. There's also a ‘Travel Assist’ driver assistant including the ‘Side Assist’ lane change assistant and ‘Emergency Assist’ as well as the ‘Comfort’ telephony function with inductive charging. Electrically adjustable front seats with massage function round off the equipment for the ID.3 1st Max. It has a WLTP-expected range of 410km on a single charge. A promised augmented reality head-up display (AR) will be rolled out to customers as part of a dealer upgrade at a later date as well as other software updates.
| Model Description | VRT Band | Battery Size | Range km (WLTP) | RRP | RRP After SEAI Grant and Rebate |
| Private Buyers | |||||
| ID.3 1st 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 424 | €43,625 | €33,625 |
| ID.3 1st Plus 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 419 | €50,595 | €40,595 |
| ID.3 1st Max 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 410 | €57,545 | €47,545 |
| Business / Commercial Buyers | |||||
| ID.3 1st 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 424 | €43,625 | €39,425 |
| ID.3 1st Plus 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 419 | €50,595 | €46,395 |
| ID.3 1st Max 204hp | A1 | 58 kWh | 410 | €57,545 | €53,345 |
The Volkswagen ID.3 is also being manufactured with a 45 kWh battery with an estimated range of 230 - 330 km, and a 77 kWh battery with estimated range of between 390 and 550 km.
Volkswagen Golf (2020) On Sale In Ireland
The 2020 Volkswagen Golf is on sale in Ireland now, priced from €23,950. More than 35 million units of the Golf have been sold to date, and the car has been a best-seller in Ireland for generations.
Now in its eighth generation, there will be a range of petrol, diesel and hybrids available for new Golf, with more high performance versions on the way before the end of the year. Standard equipment has been improved across the range to ensure that even entry models give a modern digital experience to every driver.
What's new?
The styling of the new generation of the iconic German hatchback has evolved once again with a wider profile and sharper design lines. LED headlight technology is now standard across the range to give the Golf a distinct road presence in 2020. Every part of the body has been reshaped, and the result is a more aerodynamic Golf with the drag coefficient (Cd value) cut from 0.3 to 0.275, making it quieter and more efficient.
Inside there is a fully digital cockpit with intuitive touch controls, background lighting and an optional head-up display. The new instruments and online infotainment systems merge at the same level to form a digital cockpit. Touch buttons and touch sliders have been consistently digitised, so their functions are intuitive to use. Volkswagen says this makes the Golf the first model in its price segment to feature a completely digital, high-end cockpit as standard.
A new voice control responds to natural voice commands. Amazon’s Alexa assistant is directly integrated into the Golf. Drivers can ask Alexa to play music, control compatible smart home devices, or retrieve information such as news and weather. We Connect Plus brings streaming, internet radio and other online features on board.
Pricing and equipment for Volkswagen Golf 8
The new hatchback will be available in five trim lines in Ireland: Golf (from €23,950), Golf Comfort (from €26,695), Golf Life (from €27,750), Golf Style (from €30,750) and Golf R Line (from €31,050).
Standard equipment will include LED headlights, electric windows, digital instrument panel, 8.23" media system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, electric mirrors, air conditioning, Lane Assist, keyless go and 'Car 2X Technology' car-to-car wireless information transfer.
The Comfort model adds a leather wrapped steering wheel, 16" alloys, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors.
Life models add comfort support seats with lumbar support (front), auto dimming rear view mirror,surround lighting with welcome light, 10" "Discover Pro" multimedia system, 10 colour ambient lighting, wireless charging, dynamic road sign display, natural voice control ('Hello Volkswagen') and automatic wipers.
The Style model adds front sports seats, 17" alloys,chrome trim, upgraded LED headlight design incl. poor weather light and static cornering light, 'Travel Assist' with lane keeping system, 30 colour ambient lighting, Emergency Assist and Traffic Jam Assist, tri zone climate control, rear view camera, keyless entry with mobile key and high beam control.
R Line models have exclusive R Line sports styling and trim elements, while equipment upgrades include aluminium pedals, sports suspension, progressive steering and driving profile select.
Engine options for new Golf in 2020
The new Volkswagen Golf 2020 model has been developed with petrol, diesel and hybrid powertrains. Engine options include an entry level 1.0-litre TSI turbo petrol with 90 hp or 110 hp and a 2.0-litre diesel with 115 hp or 150 hp. Diesels are available from €28,150. These new TDI engines feature twin dosing – dual AdBlue injection, to significantly cut nitrogen oxide emissions (NOx). Fuel consumption in the new TDI is up to 17% lower than in the equivalent predecessor.
There's also a 1.5-litre TSI turbo petrol with 130 hp.
Mild hybrid technology debuts in the Golf for the first time in the form of the new 1.0 eTSI 110 hp MHEV with a DSG automatic gearbox. The start price for this model in Ireland will be €30,350, while there is also a 1.5 eTSI DSG MHEV with 130 and 150 hp.
Two plug-in hybrid versions will join the range at a later date. There will be a more efficiency focused output with 204 PS and a more performance-biased ‘GTE’ with 245 hp. A new 13 kWh lithium-ion battery gives an electric range up to 60 kilometres for these models.
High performance GTI and GTD models are also expected.
Anything else?
Elsewhere, Volkswagen will launch an all new electric car this summer in Ireland in the shape of the Volkswagen ID.3. We can expect to see a revamped Tiguan SUV range soon, with a new plug-in hybrid model to be added.
The Volkswagen Golf will enter the fray once again in the compact family hatchback segment where historically it has held an excellent position. New Golf is going upmarket once again, with more technology and digital features meaning that it's knocking on the door of the premium compact class against the likes of the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz A-Class.
We look forward to bringing you a full Irish road test later in the year.
Volkswagen Ireland Announces Warranty Extension
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is extending the warranty period for new vehicles by three months. This applies to all vehicles produced in Europe or for the European market with a two-year new vehicle warranty or an extended warranty that expires between March 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020. The extension is valid for three months after the expiry of the original new vehicle or extended warranty.
Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed the extension will apply to Irish-registered Volkswagens whose warranty expires during the same time frame.
Jürgen Stackmann, Member of the Board of Management of the Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand responsible for Sales, Marketing and After-Sales:
“As a result of the coronavirus pandemic, numerous of our authorized workshops throughout the world remain closed. For many of our customers, it has therefore not been possible to make claims under their warranties in good time. We are pleased to be able to offer our customers an immediate, unbureaucratic solution with this three-month warranty prolongation.”
This measure represents a voluntary, one-off concession to help customers in the exceptional situation caused by covid-19. It applies throughout the world to all vehicles produced in Europe or for the European market.
The Volkswagen Passenger Cars brand is present in more than 150 markets throughout the world and produces vehicles at over 50 locations in 14 countries. In 2019, Volkswagen delivered 6.3 million vehicles including bestselling models such as the Golf, Tiguan, and Passat.
In Ireland, the new generation of the Volkswagen Golf has just arrived. A facelifted Tiguan range is expected later in the year, while we can expect to see a plug-in hybrid version also of the popular SUV.
The big news this summer will be the arrival of the ID.3, which heralds a new generation of all electric vehicles on a new specially designed platform from the German brand.
Volkswagen Tiguan Powers On In 2020
The Volkswagen Tiguan has become even more popular than the iconic Volkswagen Golf in Ireland. And it's not just Ireland where the Tiguan is making waves. We've news just in that this global bestseller set another new record in spring 2020 by passing six million units produced.
To dig into the figures a little, Volkswagen says a total of 910,926 units of the mid-size SUV were manufactured in 2019 alone. This makes the Tiguan the bestselling car in the Volkswagen brand and Group. Another interesting fact is the Tiguan's versatility. It's available to buy in 80% of all countries on earth. Volkswagen produces the top-selling model in four time zones across three continents.
Volkswagen Tiguan in Ireland
Here in Ireland, the Tiguan was the 4th most popular model in Ireland in 2019, with 2.73 per cent market share. According to Volkswagen Ireland it made up 23.7 per cent of the brand's sales in Ireland. It was the first time the Golf hasn't been the brand's top seller for many years. It's a consistent top 10 bestseller in Ireland and is currently the third bestselling car in 2020! SUVs are the major growth area in the Irish market and the Tiguan is proving popular in its class.
At Changing Lanes, we reviewed the Tiguan soon after it launched in Ireland in 2016 and our most recent review is the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI Comfortline.
Anything else?
The Tiguan complements Volkswagen's SUV range in Europe that includes the more compact T-Cross and T-Roc, the seven seater Tiguan Allspace and the Touraeg.
The Volkswagen Tiguan debuted for the first time in 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show as the SUV trend was just starting to take off. In 2008, Volkswagen manufactured more than 150,000 units of the Tiguan, which was available with all-wheel drive or front-wheel drive. A significantly updated version was unveiled in 2011. It was a resounding success and broke the 500,000 units per year barrier for the first time. The second generation of the Tiguan arrived in 2016 on a new platform. The Tiguan Allspace was later launched as a seven seat SUV spin off with a longer wheelbase.
We can expect to see a major update for the Volkswagen Tiguan later in 2020, with a source stating it will be technical and visual. One of the highlights will be a new Tiguan PHEV (plug-in hybrid) for Europe.
Volkswagen Passat GTE Arrives (2020)
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat GTE has gone on sale in Ireland starting from €42,495, including VRT rebate and SEAI grant.
The Passat GTE is a plug-in hybrid and uses a 1.4-litre TSI (156 hp) petrol engine with an 85 kW / 115 hp electric motor to develop a combined 218 hp and 440 Nm of torque.
CO2 emissions for the vehicle are just 29g/km.
The 2020 model’s 13kW battery now has 31% more capacity than the previous Passat GTE, allowing a fully electric range of up to 56 km (measured under WLTP) when driving in electric mode.
The 2020 Volkswagen Passat GTE gets the same updates as the rest of the Passat range including some updated exterior styling features, interior and equipment.
Private customers of the Passat GTE can avail of Government incentives of €7,500 (€5,000 SEAT grant and €2,500 VRT rebate), which brings the price of the Passat GTE saloon down to €42,495 and the Estate model to €44,595.
Commenting on the new model, Head of Marketing at Volkswagen Ireland, Mark McGrath said:
“This revised Passat GTE offers customers who want the best of both worlds the chance to drive a car that can be zero-emissions for up to 56 km yet can also offer the long-range benefits of a plug-in hybrid. This now comes as a price which is comparable to a 2.0-litre TDI DSG Diesel Passat, making it a viable alternative to anyone wanting to move to an electrified vehicle in 2020.”
The Volkswagen Passat is one of Ireland's bestselling large cars and is available as a saloon and estate. The Passat is popular with business customers and family buyers for its quality offering and comfort over long distances. The Passat GTE broadens the range offering buyers an alternative to diesel and is particularly good sense for urban drivers as the car can be driven in electric power only, reducing fuel bills considerably for those drivers that can charge at either end of their journey.
Volkswagen T-Roc R Coming To Ireland
The Volkswagen R range grows in early 2020, with the arrival of the new Volkswagen T-Roc R. Volkswagen Ireland has confirmed this model for here and it will go on sale from €53,750.
With 300 PS and 400 Nm of torque from the 2.0-litre TSI engine, the T-Roc R accelerates from 0-100km/h in 4.8 seconds and on to a theoretical top speed of 250 km/h.
The new performance crossover features many of the styling cues of its performance Golf R sibling, with bumpers in R styling, air intakes with black fins and R logo in the black radiator grille.
There are also LED headlights and daytime running lights have been integrated vertically into the front bumper, specifically designed for the T-Roc R. The LED taillights are glazed in dark red, typical of R styling. The two tail pipes on the rear left and right have been chrome plated and there is the option of an “R” Performance titanium exhaust system made by specialist Akrapovič, which adds a more distinctive sound and cuts weight by 7 kg.
The Volkswagen T-Roc R comes with a 7-speed DSG transmission with paddles as standard and 4MOTION all-wheel drive. Like all T-Roc models, the R version is equipped with the latest driver assist systems. These include the standard Driver Alert System and the automatic Emergency Call Service as well as the Hill Start Assistant and Hill Descent Control. Further standard driver assistance systems as standard fit include Adaptive Cruise Control Stop & Go, Front Assist Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Assist. There are also further optional items: Blind Spot Monitor and the Rear Traffic Alert.
The T-Roc R can be ordered now from Volkswagen retailers. Deliveries will start in early 2020.
Volkswagen ID.3 Preview In Dublin
Volkswagen Ireland gave us a preview of the exciting new ID.3 in Dublin. The ID.3 is a hugely significant vehicle being the first of a new generation of electric vehicles from Volkswagen. It’s built on the brand’s new modular electric drive matrix MEB platform and will be hitting Irish roads in summer 2020. Here's what we learned:
Pre-orders and deliveries
Over 400 people in Ireland have already pre-booked the new Volkswagen ID.3 online. The word from Volkswagen Ireland is that if you want to drive this car in 2020, then you need to pre-order now as once the quota of vehicles allocated for Ireland is reached, bookings can no longer be made. Customers who pre-ordered will receive their cars first when the ID.3 arrives in Ireland in summer 2020.
Pricing
The ID.3 1st edition will start from less than €40,000, ID.3 1st Plus from less than €45,000, and the ID.3 Max from less than €50,000. These are the models that will arrive in Ireland first with 58 kWh battery, a range of 420 km (WLTP) and 204 hp. The new Volkswagen ID.3 will cost under €30,000 for the entry-level 45 kWh car with 330 km range, after government grants. This model will arrive in Ireland at the end of 2020.
Finance
Aside from PCP and Hire Purchase, Volkswagen is also offering the new ID plan to help buyers finance the car. It's a similar product structure to PCP but with a higher guaranteed future value, lower or no deposit, and 3 options upon contract end.
Specifications
We now know that in Ireland the ID.3 1st will have 18" alloys, wireless app connect, navigation with Internet, 100 kw DC charging, hello ID voice control and the ID light. The 1st Plus will have 19" alloys, privacy glass, matrix LED lights, bi colour appearance, rear view camera, design seats and interior ambient lighting with 30 colours. The 1st Max will have 20" alloys, panoramic roof, BEATS audio sound system, augmented reality head up display, and comfort seats with massage function.
Colours
There will be four colours available: Makena Turquoise, Manganese Grey, Moonstone Grey, and Glacier White.
Charging
Charging varies from 80% charge in just 27 minutes at an Ionity charger or 5.5 to 8.5 hours at home. Through the Volkswagen We Charge card, buyers can avail of free public charging for one year or 2000 kWh.
Volkswagen T-Cross Review
Caroline drives the 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross!
B-segment crossovers are hot property these days, guaranteed success in a market that seems to adore an SUV-like high seating position and more ‘rugged’ styling than the traditional hatchbacks on which they are based.
Volkswagen has now furnished their showrooms with a full complement of SUVs with the eminent arrival of the baby to the clan – the new Volkswagen T-Cross. It slots in below the T-Roc.
Priced from €22,495, the T-Cross occupies that sweet spot of the market where the compact crossovers reside. It’s blessed with good looks and is a far more interesting car to look at than the Polo. Yes such desirability does carry a premium but it’s one that buyers have proven they are willing to pay.
In Ireland the new T-Cross is available in four trim lines and engines include a 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine (95hp or 115hp) and a 1.6-litre diesel (95hp). A manual gearbox comes as standard however a 7-speed DSG automatic is available.
How big is it?
The T-Cross sits on the Volkswagen Group’s MQB platform, and is 54 mm longer than the Polo and 138 mm higher. It’s a compact car but by class standards it is generously sized and four adults should be comfortable enough. The boot is one of the best in class, holding between 385- and 455-litres thanks to a sliding rear bench that can be moved by 14 cm.
Inside the T-Cross features the latest in Volkswagen design and technology. Cabin quality is very good, avoiding the cheap and nasty look. Volkswagen’s infotainment screens look and behave very well, with full smartphone compatibility.
Trim lines include the entry level ‘T-Cross’, followed by the ‘Life’ starting at €24,550, ‘Style’ starting at €26,795 and ‘R-Line’ starting at €27,995. The ‘Life’ model has 16” alloy wheels, 8” infotainment system, App Connect, Climatronic Air Conditioning, 2 USB interfaces and Adaptive Cruise Control. The ‘Style’ models adds 17” alloy wheels, LED headlights, and a Chrome package, while the ‘R-Line’ model gains 17” wheels and an R-Line exterior package.
The problem with the T-Cross is that it can get very expensive very quickly. Volkswagen are not after the budget end of the market with the T-Cross. The T-Cross R-line 1.0-litre DSG I was driving starts from €29,895, and at that price it would be in the market with larger cars.
On the road in the 2020 Volkswagen T-Cross
Small automatics are getting more and more popular and the T-Cross 1.0 DSG is a fine example of one. A 7-speed automatic gearbox is matched to a small 1.0 litre petrol engine and works amazingly well. It’s a pleasure to drive, smooth and smart with no dim-witted gear changes present here. Motor tax for this model is €200 per year and over a week of driving my average fuel consumption was 5.9 l/100km. The T-Cross is fun to drive, refined and comfortable for what it is.
The Volkswagen T-Cross recently won Irish Compact SUV of the Year at the Irish Car of the Year awards. The judges were unanimous in their recommendation of the new T-Cross. It feels like a larger and more substantial car than the Polo though there is not much between them in terms of dimensions. It’s a more expensive car to buy but Volkswagen has a good track record in selling SUVs. The T-Cross is a highly desirable small SUV and the 1.0-litre petrol engine is a perfect mate for it!
Volkswagen T-Cross vs Volkswagen T-Roc
Many of you may be looking at what's the difference between the Volkswagen T-Cross and the T-Roc. The T-Roc is positioned higher in the Volkswagen range and is more expensive. In Ireland in 2020, the Volkswagen T-Cross is available from €23,195. The Volkswagen T-ROC is available from €26,195. The T-Roc looks more like a crossover, or a slightly raised hatchback. The T-Cross has more chunky, small SUV inspired looks. The T-Roc is a little bigger inside for passengers, more like a Golf. Both cars are available with a similar engine line-up of small efficient petrol and diesel engines here.
Read our Volkswagen T-Roc review here.
Caroline Kidd
Model tested: Volkswagen T-Cross 1.0 TSI R Line DSG
Price: €29,895
Engine: 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Power: 115 hp
Torque: 200 Nm
0-100km/h: 10.2 seconds
Top speed: 180 km/h
Fuel economy: 6.3 l/100km
CO2 emissions: 111 g/km
Motor tax: €200 per year
Volkswagen Snapshot 2020 Calendar Launched
The Volkswagen Snapshot 2020 calendar has gone on sale and is available to buy from www.volkswagenshop.ie.
The calendar is now in its third year and will raise money for the Temple Street Foundation.
The A3 ring bound wall calendar features 12 unique photos from Ireland’s Instagram community. Photos have a Volkswagen theme and the photos were selected from thousands of entries to the Volkswagen Snapshot 2019 competition.
The competition awards creativity among Ireland's Volkswagen community and features fan photos of everything from the classic Beetle to the iconic Golf GTI.
Eoin Mulvihill, Digital Marketing Manager at Volkswagen Ireland said:
“The standard of entries in the Volkswagen category this year exceeded all our expectations and the final result is a beautiful calendar that everyone involved can be proud of. With Temple Street Foundation receiving all proceeds, we’d like to encourage everyone who can to purchase one as every sale will make a difference for an excellent cause.”
Emma Barrett, Corporate Development at Temple Street Foundation said:
“We are delighted with the launch of the Volkswagen Snapshot 2020 calendar which will help raise vital funds for Temple Street Foundation. We would like to thank Volkswagen Ireland and the all of the entrants who contributed to this, and we hope that people will show full support for the project and purchase a calendar for their loved ones or themselves.”
