The EV days of dominance may be coming to an end — at least according to this legendary German automaker. Volkswagen has unveiled its new Tiguan, featuring an all-new 286-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The fuel VW has chosen comes as a surprise, especially considering the current climate. While most companies have heavily invested in alternative energy sources like electric or hydrogen power, VW has made the decision to stick with traditional gasoline to power the new Tiguan. As the world focused on alternative power options, Volkswagen spent its time making the four-cylinder engine more efficient and more powerful than ever before.
What is VW’s history in the alternative fuel sector?
While they have had some involvement in the alternative power sector, the rest of the automotive world have brought out a range of different EV options. Volkswagen have opted rather to focus on the actual fuel research and infrastructure. They have made strategic partnerships with some EV makers as well. Their different approach to the alternative fuel sector has given them the time to work on their gasoline engines.
They have made some significant investments into biofuels like HVO (hydrotreated vegetable oil), which can be produced from waste materials. This could be implemented into their diesel engines for use with HVO, which can significantly reduce CO2 emissions. They would need to do so to meet the ever tightening emission regulations worldwide.
They have formed strategic partnerships with companies like EIT InnoEnergy to further develop sustainable mobility solutions, including alternative fuels and electric vehicles. EIT InnoEnergy is a Knowledge and Innovation Community that has become the world’s largest sustainable energy innovation ecosystem. So they have made some investments into the alternative fuel sector.
What is so special about the new engine from VW?
The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine is so special that they even gave it a code name, EA888 evo5 will feature in their new R-Line Tiguan set for release soon. The reduction in cylinders has become a viable way of keeping emissions low while adding a supercharger delivers the power that the modern day driver demands from his every day vehicle.
That gives it 67 hp more than the previous version. The time spent on reworking the engine to make it more powerful and more efficient has had a positive effect. VW have had a great reputation as far as the quality of their cars. The numbers they report, not so much. It must be said that some VW executives were sentenced to jail in the scandal known as “Dieselgate”. But that’s water under the emission bridge.
With the volatile automotive market in the US at the moment, and VW’s history of bending the truth, all eyes are on the new Tiguan. It represents a large market share for the company as the car sells extremely well in the rest of the world. The small SUV market is a very competitive one and the new Tiguan, with its fancy new four-cylinder engine powered by good old gasoline, has the potential to keep the German giant at the top of the automotive sector.
Can the new Tiguan make a significant mark on the SUV market?
While the rest of the world explore some interesting alternative fuel options, VW has doubled down on their engineering proficiency and manufacturing prowess to ensure that their new EA888 evo5 engine will be better than any other option in the industry. The new Tiguan sold 94,373 units in the US market in 2024, an increase from 76,227 the previous year. So the new car will have some buyers in the United States interested as they grow weary of the EV and all the scandals around it. Can Volkswagen make another iconic SUV? It would appear yes is the answer.