Aussie fans of fast SUVs are in for some good news.
In the face of a crippling supply crunch Volkswagen is launching two cut-price special editions of its Tiguan and T-Roc Rs.
Dubbed Grid Editions, the two models go without semiconductor-heavy features to help improve supply.
The brand has also re-opened orders on its fully-loaded Tiguan R after pausing orders earlier this year.
VW Australia says it has secured enough supply to clear the current wait list over the next few months.
In fact VW Australia says it’ll have 10 times more Tiguan Rs this year than last.
The news is less good for wannabe buyers of the Volkswagen Golf R. The order book on the fast hatch is still closed and there is no end in sight to the supply constraints that have been afflicting that model.
The Grid Editions do without luxury items such as a premium stereo, electronically adjustable seats, hi-tech headlights and power tailgate. In their place are more accessible replacements.
The pair also goes without the brand’s side-assist safety feature that includes blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, which are two of the most useful driver aids.
The cars still detect and automatically brake for an object directly behind the vehicle thanks to the sensors in the reversing camera.
The Grid Editions swap out chrome exterior highlights in the regular R variants for moody black elements.
Prices start at $54,300 (before on-road costs) for the T-Roc R Grid and $63,990 for the Tiguan R Grid. This equates to savings of $6000 and $6500 respectively.
The duo has the same potent performance as the fully loaded versions with a 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine powering both models.
In the T-Roc R this engine makes 221kW and 400Nm and in the bigger and heavier Tiguan R it produces 235kW and 400Nm. The latter is the same as the Golf R hatchback.
Both are matched to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto and all-wheel drive.
VW claims the T-Roc R Grid can sprint to 100km/h from a standstill in 4.9 seconds and the Tiguan R can complete the same run in 5.1 seconds.
Volkswagen Australia is bringing out 300 examples of each.
The brand is likely to extend the run of Tiguan R Grids beyond the initial 300 allocation.