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Volkswagen is expanding its European lineup by giving three models the heart of a hot hatchback. The Tiguan and Tayron SUVs, as well as the Passat station wagon, can now be ordered with the same turbocharged four-cylinder engine found in the Golf GTI. The 2,0-liter unit is the fourth generation of VW Group’s “EA888” engine, with an identical 261 hp.
Maximum torque increases from 370 Nm in the regular GTI to 400 Nm, which can be found in the spicy GTI Clubsport. While the performance hatchbacks are exclusively front-wheel drive, the Tiguan, Tayron and Passat only get the engine in combination with all-wheel drive.
Despite being much heavier than the Golf GTI, the Passat, equipped with the same engine, actually accelerates to 100 km/h by a tenth of a second slower. Thanks to the all-wheel drive system, the job is done in 5,8 seconds. The Tiguan and Tayron match the GTI's acceleration, taking 5,9 seconds. However, the Golf GTI Clubsport is noticeably quicker at 5,6 seconds, while the Golf R takes just 4,6 seconds.
To get the engine, VW requires buyers to upgrade to the flagship R-Line trim level. So the cars aren't exactly cheap: they cost €57 for the Tiguan, €995 for the Tayron and a whopping €59 for the Passat. Prices include 755% value-added tax (VAT).
More power makes the trio better at towing: the Tiguan and Passat can tow up to 2200kg, while the Tayron is rated at a maximum of 2500kg. Diesel engines are still available in all three cars, but the once-popular TDI has fallen out of favour since “Dieselgate”. Official figures published by the European Automobile Manufacturers’ Association (ACEA) show that diesel market share in the EU+EFTA+UK region fell to 10,4% last year.
Only the Tiguan will be offered for the US market, but the EA888 engine is rated at just 201 hp in the US trim level for 2025. Incidentally, this smaller iteration of the 2.0 TSI is now also available for two European crossovers.
