Volkswagen Celebrates 20 Years of the Tiguan with EDITION 20

The new anniversary model comes with R-Line exterior, a new colour and a host of exclusive details.

By Zach Robert

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Photos: Volkswagen

Volkswagen has announced their 20th anniversary of the Tiguan, which happens to be Volkswagen’s best selling model since 2017. While this editor prefers wagons to their (somewhat) larger counterparts, the Tiguan’s dominance is undeniable, even in the modded Volkswagen scene, as we see them at almost every show we attend.

The EDITION 20 is based on the Life equipment line and combines its extensive standard equipment with dynamic R-Line elements and exclusive anniversary details. The special model stands out from the standard production version right at the very first glance thanks to the new Maple Red metallic paintwork, which was created specifically for the EDITION 20 and gives the Tiguan an elegant look.

Martin Sander, Member of the Volkswagen Board of Management responsible for Sales, Marketing and After Sales: “The Tiguan has been a key factor in the Volkswagen brand’s success for the past 20 years. With more than nine million vehicles sold worldwide and its status as the Volkswagen Group’s top-selling model, it exemplifies quality, versatility and practicality more than any other vehicle. The EDITION 20 is our way of saying thank-you to all those customers who have contributed to this success story.”

Overview of the exclusive features for the Tiguan EDITION 20:

  • R-Line exterior package for a dynamic appearance
  • Front bumper trim strips in vehicle colour
  • Window trim strips and exterior mirror caps in high-gloss black
  • Darkened side windows (at rear)
  • Lasered trim on the B-pillar with EDITION 20 lettering
  • Logo projector in the doors with EDITION 20 badge
  • 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels with coloured paint finish fitted as standard; 20‑inch wheels are available as an option
  • Tiguan lettering on the rear and load sill protector in high-gloss black
  • Red decorative stitching on dash panel, door trim, seat covers and mats
  • Illuminated sill panel mouldings with EDITION 20 lettering
  • Steering wheel with frame and insert trim in special colour and with EDITION 20 lettering on the steering wheel
  • Front and rear seat covers in modified design, including new centre section

For the anniversary model, all engines available for the Tiguan Life from 110 kW/150 PS can be ordered.

Looking back at 20 years of the Tiguan:
from concept car to a global bestseller

The history of the Tiguan did not start on the road, but on a stage. Volkswagen presented the Concept Tiguan – a compact SUV with a sporty design and rugged characteristics – at the Los Angeles Auto Show in November 2006. The reaction was overwhelming, so it wasn’t long before a decision was made to start series production.

Orange and unmissable: With the Tiguan Concept in 2006, Volkswagen showed the SUV idea for the first time, which later became a real bestseller.
Orange and unmissable: With the Tiguan Concept in 2006, Volkswagen showed the SUV idea for the first time, which later became a real bestseller.

Volkswagen presented the first-generation Tiguan at the International Motor Show in Frankfurt in 2007, followed by the market launch in the same year. The name – a made-up word that merges ‘Tiger’ and the German word ‘Leguan’ (iguana) – was the winner of a readers’ poll by Auto Bild magazine.

Right from the outset, the first generation impressed with a modern space concept, optional 4MOTION all-wheel drive and a wide range of engine options. The Tiguan struck a chord with the times: demand for compact SUVs was growing rapidly, and Volkswagen had the ideal overall package in its range with the Tiguan.

Volkswagen Tiguan (Equipment "Sport & Style)
The beginning of a success story: With the first Tiguan, Volkswagen established a new SUV success model.

With the second generation (from 2016 onwards), Volkswagen introduced a number of significant enhancements: the Tiguan grew in size, received a new design, and also offered more space, greater comfort and state-of-the-art assist systems. In 2017, it became the best-selling model across the Volkswagen Group – a status it has maintained ever since. The Tiguan Allspace was launched in parallel as an extended version for customers with greater space requirements. A particularly sporty version, the Tiguan R, made its debut in 2020 with 235 kW (320 PS) and all-wheel drive. The product line already grew dynamically in the initial years: annual production rose from 120,000 vehicles in the debut year 2007 to almost 911,000 units in 2019.

Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line
The next big step: the second generation sharpened the profile of the Tiguan – with a more striking design and modern technologies.

The third and current generation (launched in 2024) is continuing the success story with a brand-new design, new cockpit landscape with large touchscreen, a host of assist systems and optional features from the luxury class. The drive spectrum ranges from TDI and TSI engines to eTSI drive systems (with 48-volt technology) and plug-in hybrid drive systems (eHybrid) with electric ranges of over 100 kilometres. Volkswagen is currently working once more on powerful R variant. The top-of-the-range engines are equipped with 4MOTION all-wheel drive as standard and can be used as a towing vehicle with a towing capacity of up to 2,300 kg.

Volkswagen Tiguan

The Tiguan thus remains what it has been for 20 years: versatile, comfortable, high-quality and always in step with the times. The model is currently produced at three locations – in Germany (Wolfsburg), Mexico (Puebla) and China (Anting) – and is offered for sale in over 60 countries worldwide.

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