South Australia Ambulance Service is the first customer of Volkswagen's new emergency response vehicle, the Tiguan Proline.
The rapid, all-wheel-drive SUV is the latest vehicle from Volkswagen's growing Proline portfolio specified for police and emergency services.
Twelve Tiguan Prolines are being deployed by SAAS as 'SPRINT vehicles' for solo paramedics. These are able to get to the scene rapidly and commence patient treatment while a regular ambulance is en route.
"This model lets us set eyes on a patient, treat them and be off to the next call as soon as possible, while the patient's care is continued by ambulance crews as they transport to hospital," South Australian Ambulance Service, Chief Executive Officer, David Place.
"Because SPRINT paramedics are solo-responders, they can help twice as many people as they would if they were deploying two-person crews. This is about efficiency and effectiveness."
To meet these criteria, SAAS chose Volkswagen's Tiguan Proline.
Based on the Tiguan Allspace Comfortline with the third row of seating removed for greater equipment storage, it is powered by the 162kW/350Nm version of the EA888 2.0-litre turbo petrol engine (originally tuned for the Golf GTI) with 4MOTION all-wheel-drive.
Other services are currently considering this unique emergency vehicle.
Volkswagen's Passat Proline 132TSI is used by Victoria Police general duties with the Passat 206TSI 4MOTION Proline Wagon deployed by VicPol Highway Patrol and special duties.
Volkswagen's National Fleet Sales Manager Regine Zschernig said that the Proline brand offered Australian emergency services and law enforcement agencies options they have not previously had.
"It's an honour to supply those on the frontline of public health and safety," Ms Zschernig said. "Our vehicle portfolio bring levels of sophistication, safety and a range diversity at a price point other German carmakers cannot match.
"The direct injection turbo petrol engines of the Tiguan and Passat Prolines match or better the performance of the large capacity, naturally aspirated engines traditionally used by our emergency and police services, with greatly superior fuel economy."
Volkswagen Tiguan Proline
- 18" Kingston alloy wheels
- Driver Assistance Package (Adaptive Cruise Control, Side Assist with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, Dynamic Light Assist, Emergency Assist, Traffic Jam Assist)
- 8" Discover Media with Nav & App-Connect
- 4MOTION all-wheel-drive
Specific Proline Equipment:
- Increased Alternator capacity
- Less row 3 seats (plus 60L boot)
- Luggage compartment with adjustable floor in two heights
- Sports suspension
- Progressive steering
- Off-road bumpers with increased approach (24 degrees) and departure angles
- Front underbody guard
- Direct tire pressure monitoring system
- Proactive occupant protection
- Ergonomic Active Sport comfort seats with ArtVelours microfleece
- Power adjustible lumbar supports in front with massage function
- Black roof rails
- Aluminium scuff plates with "Offroad" lettering
- Off road ramp angle or 18 or 25 degrees with bumper cover, centre air intake grille, wheel housing liner and special front fog light trim