The first R model for 2021 is the Tiguan and it is faster than most people thought it would be. Hell, it is faster than Volkswagen thought it would be.

At least that’s what Automann.TV got on their test and even on a wet road.

So, the official figures state that the spicy version of the Tiguan reaches 100 in 4.9 seconds. Automann got 4.8 seconds on a wet road!

It may not sound like a big difference and, honestly, it is not, but it just shows how much the latest tech improvements actually made the system better. Also, it shows the merits of the little 2.0 TSI.

While Mercedes-AMG still leads the way for 4-pot performance cars with their A45 and related models, the 235 kW and 420 Nm TSI is most definitely a respectable engine.

Other than the engine, the awesome drag result also comes from the upgraded 4Motion AWD system with rear torque vectoring. Aside from the improved traction that obviously works like a charm even on wet roads, this also means that handling in corners is far better.

Suspension is also stiffened and variable steering comes as standard. This basically makes the Tiguan R an elevated version of a hot hatch.

Volkswagen has big plans for this engine and its performance versions. It is to power the new Golf R in both its hatch and wagon versions, as well as the lovely Arteon R and its Shooting Brake version.

In fact, the only R version that has more than 4 cylinders is the latest Touareg R with a V6 aided by plug-in hybrid tech for as much as 335 kW and mountain-moving 700 Nm of torque.