The Volkswagen T-Roc R and Tiguan R performance SUVs are about to revive the Grid Edition badge, with a pair of value-focused performance models due to arrive in dealerships from December.
Dubbed the 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc Grid Edition and 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition, the go-fast duo revive a badge used on the Mk7.5 Golf R during 2018, and lower the price of entry to both ranges by $5000.
The value-oriented special editions lose some luxury items currently impacted by semiconductor-related delays, and pick up unique sporting appointments not previously offered Down Under.
Volkswagen Australia says it has locked in 600 units – 300 of each model line – for the back end of 2022, with builds likely to continue through the remainder of the 2023 model year. Let’s introduce them, shall we?
T-Roc R Grid Edition: $54,300
Priced from $54,300 before on-road costs, the T-Roc R Grid Edition lowers the price of entry to the Volkswagen R range by $5000.
It hasn’t lost any performance, pumping out 221kW and 400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, driving all four wheels through a seven-speed DSG. That’s good for a 0-100 claim of 4.9 seconds.
To bring the price down and alleviate supply issues due to component shortages, Volkswagen Australia has subbed the Matrix LED headlights for non-adaptive Performance LED units with auto high-beam, removed blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and swapped the tail lights with animated turn signals for the non-R LED clusters.
Inside, the T-Roc R Grid Edition also loses the regular model’s Fine Nappa leather upholstery and electric driver’s seat adjustment, instead featuring sporty cloth and Microfleece trim.
It’s not all take, however. The T-Roc R Grid Edition scores unique 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels with a Graphite finish, and black roof rails. The limited-edition performance crossover will also wear Grid Edition badging.
Available colours for the T-Roc R Grid Edition are Lapiz Blue premium metallic, Indium Grey metallic, and Deep Black pearl effect. Buyers will also be able to add a powered panoramic sunroof for $2000.
Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition highlights:
- 221kW/400Nm 2.0 TSI petrol engine
- 19-inch Pretoria alloy wheels in Graphite
- Black roof rails
- Performance LED headlights
- Light Assist (auto high-beam)
- R Sport seats in Microfleece/cloth
- Grid Edition badging
Features removed (from T-Roc R):
- IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights
- Dynamic Light Assist (adaptive high-beam)
- Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Proactive Passenger Protection System
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Electric driver’s seat with memory
- Heated front seats
- Electric tailgate
Tiguan R Grid Edition: $63,990
Like the smaller T-Roc, the Tiguan R Grid Edition is $5000 more affordable than the regular Tiguan R, and swaps some luxuries for less semiconductor-intensive features – though it also features more focused sports seats.
It’s priced from $63,990 plus on-roads and comes with the same 235kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo as the flagship, but like the T-Roc loses Matrix LED headlights with adaptive high-beam, its premium LED tail lights with dynamic turn signals, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, as well as Proactive Occupant Protection.
Unique to the Tiguan R Grid Edition compared to the Tiguan R is the Black Style Package, which blacks out the chrome bits for a stealthy finish on the front grille, side mirrors, roof rails and body trim.
You also get R Sport seats trimmed in Microfleece and sport cloth, which is the first time the racier seats have been available in Australia on the Tiguan R – think the new Golf R’s seats but in cloth, not Nappa leather.
This change means there’s no longer electric front seat adjustment with heating and driver memory.
Lapiz Blue, Dolphin Grey and Deep Black are the available colours for the Tiguan R Grid Edition, with the only cost option being a panoramic sunroof ($2100).
As with the smaller T-Roc, the special-edition Tiguan R will gain Grid badging on the tailgate.
Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition highlights:
- 235kW/400Nm 2.0 TSI petrol engine
- Black Style Package
- Black grille and body accents
- Black side mirrors
- Black roof rails
- Performance LED headlights
- Light Assist (auto high-beam)
- R Sport seats in Microfleece/sport cloth
- Grid Edition badging
Features removed (from Tiguan R):
- Exterior chrome elements
- IQ.Light Matrix LED headlights
- Dynamic Light Assist (adaptive high-beam)
- Side Assist (blind-spot monitoring)
- Rear cross-traffic alert
- Head-up display
- Proactive Passenger Protection System
- Nappa leather upholstery
- Electric front seats with driver memory
- Heated front seats
- Electric tailgate
Orders for the T-Roc and Tiguan R Grid Editions will open in September, with first vehicles arriving from December 2022.
As noted earlier, 300 units of each limited edition have been locked in for the remainder of 2022, with Volkswagen Australia indicating it will likely continue to build Grid Editions for the remainder of the 2023 model-year, or well into next year.
Stay tuned to CarExpert for our Australian launch reviews of the new VW T-Roc and T-Roc R on September 8 and 15 respectively.
Pricing
- 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition: $54,300
- 2023 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid Edition: $63,990
Options
- Panoramic sunroof (T-Roc): $2000
- Panoramic sunroof (Tiguan): $2100
List prices exclude on-road costs
MORE: Everything Volkswagen T-Roc
MORE: Everything Volkswagen Tiguan
