The new US VW Tiguan gets more power and more tech, yours from $29,495

Prices for VW’s most popular model have been released for the US market, and from $29,495 you can have more power and a revamped cabin with more tech.

The revamped Tiguan now features a more powerful turbocharged 2.0-litre four-pot, up to 203bhp from 187bhp. Inside, VW says the interior quality has had ‘significant upgrades’. That includes repositioning the gear lever to the steering column so the centre space is one voluminous storage cubby, and making the infotainment system better.

The entry-level S, which gets that headline sub-$30k price tag, packs in 17in rims, and sets the tone for the range: fancy headlights, LED taillights, heated electric mirrors and roof rails. The standard tech package includes keyless entry, parking sensors at the front and back, cabin pre-conditioning, and a next-gen infotainment system, powering a seven-speaker audio suite and a raft of driver assistance features under 'VW IQ.Drive' umbrella.

Of the four trim levels available for the updated mid-sized SUV, all come with a choice of front-wheel- or all-wheel-drive. Typically, the specs get better as the wedge of cash you part with increases, adding a glass sunroof here, bigger rims there, and plenty of electronic gizmos to make you feel like you're piloting an ever-more comfortable spacecraft with a really great sound system.

The range tops out with the SEL R-Line, with $39,755 unlocking access to sportier exterior styling, a walnut dash, and a lot of illumination; puddle lights, ambient lights, welcome lights. All the lights. Illuminated?