The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan compact crossover received a slight facelift for the new model year refresh, but its new face can be enhanced even more with the cosmetic R-Line packages that were just launched for the new Vee Dub. The catch: R-Line packages are available in Europe only.
Available only for the "Sport" and "Style" trim levels, visual upgrades can be applied to either the outside or inside with two separate packages. The package's exterior upgrades include a fresh set of front and rear bumpers, spoiler, diffuser, aluminum door sills, and newly designed 19-inch alloy wheels. As expected, the "R-Line" logo is slapped on the radiator grille and door sills to boast exclusivity. White, Reflex Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl Effect, Night Blue Metallic, and Pepper Grey Metallic are the exterior colors available with the kit, which costs about $3400 in U.S. dollars.
Front sport seats with the R-Line logo embroidered on headrests complement the interior, along with stainless steel foot pedals and a Titanium Black headliner. The interior packages go for about $1200 U.S. dollars, but upgrading to the Titanium black leather bumps the price up to $2900. The rear spoiler is also available as a separate option for $206, while the headliner is available for the taking for $247.
Unfortunately, the upgrades don't add any additional horsepower or improve handling. Styling cues are borrowed from performance models like the Golf R32 and Jetta R36, but until the R-Line adds some actual performance, we're content to let the Europeans keep this one.
Source: Volkswagen Europe