Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid Edition and Tiguan R Grid edition released

Volkswagen is releasing four cheaper T-Roc and Tiguan special editions with pared-back features in response to ongoing supply chain issues.

The carmaker has plenty of stock of the new models, which means waiting lists will be shorter and the cars will arrive in showrooms this year.

The SUVs do away with some of the hi-tech features requiring scarce semiconductor chips, allowing VW to sidestep supply bottlenecks.

For performance fans, there are hardcore T-Roc R and Tiguan R Grid Editions for $5000 cheaper than normal R variants of the small and medium SUVs.

The T-Roc R Grid Edition, powered by a 221kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo, is $54,300 and the Tiguan R Grid Edition with 235kW/400Nm from its 2.0-litre turbo is $63,900 before on-roads.

If you can sacrifice luxuries but not performance these Grid Editions match pricier R versions in the 0-100km/h sprint. The T-Roc cracks it in 4.9-seconds, the Tiguan 5.1-seconds.

The Grid models miss out on the normal R’s Matrix LED headlights, dynamic indicators, head-up display, Nappa leather upholstery, heated seats and electric tailgate. Safety-wise, side assist with rear cross-traffic alert has also been given the chop.

For some buyers, the move could be a blessing in disguise. There are some who want the performance but grumble about paying extra for luxury or tech they don’t want or need.

The T-Roc R Grid Edition features 19-inch graphite alloys and racy-looking R Sport cloth/suede upholstery. The Tiguan version scores a black exterior style package and the same seats.

For those looking for practicality instead of performance, there are special “Monochrome” editions of the Tiguan and seven-seat Tiguan Allspace.

Based on the punchy 162TSI R Line versions of these SUVs, the Monochrome editions have black body styling, 90 per cent tinted rear windows, glossy black 19-inch alloys and complimentary metallic paint.

But the 9.2-inch infotainment screen is replaced by a smaller 8-inch unit, there’s suede/cloth upholstery rather than leather and the electric, heated seats are absent.

There’s also no side assist with rear traffic alert or electric tailgate – chip shortages have forced VW to deleted these from all 162TSI R-Line SUVs.

The Tiguan Monochrome is $53,390 and Tiguan Allspace Monochrome $55,690 before on-roads – savings of $3900 and $4100 respectively next to normal versions.

For the outdoors type, a Tiguan Allspace Adventure with 162kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo engine also arrives.

While it’s by no means a proper off-roader, it’s more bush relevant with smaller 17-inch wheels ready for snow chains, underbody protection, increased battery capacity and a larger alternator, which is ideal for camping accessories.

There’s also a 60-litre larger boot (now a huge 760 litres) thanks to the removal of the third row of seats.

The Adventure is in showrooms next month for $51,990 before on-roads – $5000 less than a Tiguan Allspace 162TSI Elegance.

Grid Editions are here in December, while Monochrome SUVs arrive in January 2023, with dealers taking orders from next week.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7r7HWrGWcp51jrrZ7056aoaafobyoxY6mpq2nop67qHvMqKuoqpmjtG66xLCqaK6fobi0w8CgnKdlpKe8pHnAp5tmrJmcwqK6jKynnpuZlrluscOiq6Knnqh6s7HLnpisnZRiubDDxKtkqaqZmLJuuMSsqmaroJqwcLrEsKpmq6Skv7p7wW9pmmppZbB2sMCaaZ2cY5uwpoDAbGtunWlnhXmCj2s%3D