VOLKSWAGEN'S Tiguan - the company's best selling SUV globally - has been given a high performance version for the first time.

The Tiguan R, priced from £45,915 in the UK, will hit a speed limited 155mph and reach 62mph in 4.9 seconds, thanks to a 2.0 litre turbocharged engine producing 316bhp.

The Tiguan R matches its T-Roc R stablemate in these figures, and is just two-tenths of a second behind the Golf R on the 0 to 62 mph sprint.

The R's formula of a seven-speed DSG transmission, muscular petrol engine and 4MOTION four-wheel drive are bolstered by the new R-Performance Torque Vectoring system, which distributes power to all four wheels.

This new R model features adaptive chassis control as standard, and rides 10 mm lower than any other Tiguan.

Sitting on standard-fit 21ins wheels, the Tiguan R has an 18ins performance braking system, identifiable by its blue-painted callipers with R-logo on the front units. Hallmark R quad tailpipes are a hint at the model's power, while the door mirror caps are finished in matt chrome - another key identifier of the R brand.

An 'assertive' body kit incorporates sportier front and rear bumpers, with a black rear diffuser adding to the SUV's sporty looks. Among the items optionally available for the Tiguan R is an Akrapovic performance titanium exhaust system, which is lighter than the standard set-up and augments the sound the high-performance engine makes.

As in the Golf R, the Tiguan R's sports seats are finished in a blue-black ‘Sardegna' cloth with ArtVelours outer areas, while the driver has new levels of interaction with the bespoke, heated R steering wheel, thanks to a new ‘R' button.

This feature enables swift access to the model's seven drive modes without the need to take hands off the wheel. The steering column features extended paddle shifters to add to the driver-focus of the Tiguan R's cabin.

The Tiguan R's standard equipment list includes Adaptive Chassis Control (DCC); IQ.Light matrix LED headlights; Digital Cockpit Pro with specific R functions; Keyless entry and start; rear view camera; 30-colour ambient lighting; heated steering wheel; heated front seats; and Travel Assist.