Volkswagen has reintroduced the Grid name for the 2023 model year with the new 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid and the Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid. Thanks to their lesser equipment levels versus the regular T-Roc R and Tiguan R, both offer a cheaper entry point into the R SUV range and more stock availability while still giving a serious amount of performance.

Compared to the ‘full fat’ T-Roc and Tiguan R models, the Grid equivalents do miss out on some features, but are less expensive as a result. Priced at $54,300 plus on-road costs, the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid undercuts the regular T-Roc R by $5,000. The Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid is also $5,000 less expensive than regular Tiguan R at $63,990 plus on-road costs.

Equipment that is missing from both models are the Matrix LED headlights (in way of regular LED headlights with auto high beam), Nappa leather upholstery with heating for the driver and front passenger, chrome exterior trim pieces, electric tailgate, proactive passenger protection and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid also misses out on an electrically adjustable driver’s seat and head-up display compared to the regular Tiguan R.

But while they miss out on some equipment, the new Grid models not only allow a more affordable entry into the R SUV world, but also more stock availability. Volkswagen has said that due to the Grid models, it is able to get more R models into the country amid continuing supply constraints caused by the global semi-conductor chip shortage.

Specific to the Grid editions of the R SUV are R-branded sport seats covered in black and blue cloth and microfleece upholstery. The 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid will come with black roof rails, 19-inch Pretoria Graphite alloy wheels and Grid badging. The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid will come with all of the T-Roc R Grids features plus a ‘Black Style Package’.

The only option available on the R Grid SUVs will be a panoramic sunroof, which costs $2,000 for the T-Roc and $2,100 for the Tiguan. Colours will include ‘Lapiz Blue Metallic’, ‘Deep Black Pearl’, ‘Indium Grey’ (T-Roc R Grid only) and ‘Dolphin Grey’ (Tiguan R Grid only).

The powertrains in the 2022 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid and Tiguan R Grid are identical to their regular counterparts. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol ‘EA888’ engine that produces 221kW of power in T-Roc and 235kW of power in the Tiguan is paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch DSG gearbox and the brand’s ‘4Motion’ all-wheel drive system.

Volkswagen dealerships will begin taking orders for the new R Grid SUVs this week, ahead of first customer deliveries which will start arriving in December. Being a limited edition, just 300 of each Grid Editions will be available in the first allocation. More will become available in 2023, however Volkswagen is yet to confirm how many. 

2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid and Tiguan R Grid pricing (plus on-road costs):

  • Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid: $54,300
  • Volkswagen Tiguan R Grid: $63,990

The 2023 Volkswagen T-Roc R Grid and Tiguan R Grid are on sale now, with local deliveries due to commence in December 2022. Stay tuned to DiscoverAuto for the latest automotive news and reviews.

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