New VW Tiguan Mid-Size SUV is More Premium Than Ever.
New VW Tiguan Mid-Size SUV is More Premium Than Ever.
The Tiguan family SUV is very important to Volkswagen, as it has been a consist best-seller for the German brand every year since 2017, and it demonstrates just how much car buyers have followed US tastes by falling in love with the SUV culture. The recently launched, third-generation model builds on the Tiguan’s successful formula, with up-to-date technology, refreshed powerplants, and even more space inside than ever.
Two Engines, Four Trim Lines.
Buyers can choose from four trim lines: Edition 75, Elegance, R-Line and R-Line 75, with the ‘75’ in the model name referring to 75 years of the Volkswagen brand in Ireland. All of the above trim lines can be specified with a 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (TDI) engine, with all but the entry-level Edition 75 version also available with the option of a 1.5-litre petrol/electric plug-in hybrid (eHybrid) powertrain. The TDI engine sends power to the cars’ front wheels via a 7-speed DSG (automatic) transmission, and the eHybrid does likewise via a 6-speed DSG transmission. A fully electric Tiguan is set to join the range in the coming years, and it will sit alongside the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4 in the impressive EV model line-up.
Sleeker & Curvier Exterior Design.
The latest Tiguan has a sleeker and curvier design than before, and is 30mm longer and marginally lower than its predecessor, but sits on a similar wheelbase. Boot space has increased to 652-litres with the rear seats in their upright position, and this expands to an impressive 1,655-litres when they are folded down. The cabin in the new Tiguan is remarkably spacious, with a light and airy feel to it, and the elevated driving position provides an excellent view all around the car. There is plenty of head and legroom available for all occupants, and the ergonomically-designed seats are nicely supportive and comfortable too. The upmarket materials used throughout the cabin are plush and tactile, and the central infotainment touchscreen is intuitive in its operation. All of the car’s controls are integrated into the central display, with easy access to functions such as the climate control and heated seats, and the slider controls immediately underneath the touchscreen control the temperature as well as the audio volume. Storage within the car’s cabin is taken care of by way of a double cubby space on the centre console, a deep space under the centre armrest, big door pockets, a large glovebox and a pair of cupholders. The gear selector has been repositioned to the steering column (where the windscreen wiper stalk would traditionally be), and it is closer to hand when you need to use it, while also freeing up useful space between the front seats. There is ample head, leg and elbow room on offer for all occupants, and the handy phone holder built into the rear armrest can be angled towards the passengers. A pair of cupholders are also located in the same pop-out section of the rear centre armrest for even greater practicality when required. Thankfully, user-friendly physical buttons for frequently used functions have been reinstated, as they had been removed on the previous generation model. As a result that model had been criticised for its clumsy infotainment system interface, but the touchscreen menus in the new model have been redesigned to counteract the problems of the past, and the volume and temperature sliders now light up at night. The new infotainment system software is presented through 12.9-inch or 15-inch touchscreens (depending on the trim level chosen), alongside a digital driver’s display that is standard across the range.
Test Car Details.
My test car was a Tiguan R-Line 2.0-litre TDI, which was finished in striking Persimmon Red metallic paintwork, with standard-fit 19-inch ‘Coventry’ alloy wheels. Key R-Line trim equipment includes sports comfort seats in front (with massage function), heated front seats, heated leather multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, rear tinted windows, keyless access & start, navigation system, parking sensors front & rear, rear-view camera, wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, adaptive cruise control, anti-theft alarm, and body coloured bumpers with black detailing elements. Optional extras fitted to my test car consisted of a Vehicle Dynamics Package including Adaptive Chassis Control DCC Pro, Comfort Package including Memory Feature for Park Assist with Safelock, Assistance Package IQ.Drive, IQ.Light HD Matrix Headlamps, and a ‘Discover Pro Max’ 15-inch Infotainment Package. The 4-cylinder turbo-diesel engine produces 150PS (148bhp) and 360Nm of torque in the rev range 1600-2750rpm, allowing the Tiguan to sprint from 0-100km/h in 9.4-seconds, on its way to a top speed of 207km/h (where permitted). Power is sent to the cars’ front wheels in an orderly fashion via the VW Group’s tried and tested 7-speed DSG automatic transmission. The Tiguan’s driving dynamics are outstanding, with excellent control, security and roadholding ability on offer, and the cars’ flexible, refined performance is well suited to the DSG gearbox. The Tiguan’s sharp handling characteristics are particularly evident on back roads, where it tackles sharp bends and corners with ease, but it also comes into play when changing lanes on a motorway. Body movement through bends is well contained, with the Tiguan well able to hide its bulk and corner with the neatness and security of something lighter and lower to the ground. Official fuel consumption for the 2.0-litre TDI engine is from as little as 5.5l/100km on a WLTP combined driving cycle.
Verdict & Price.
The new Tiguan is manufactured in Germany to high build quality standards, and its new look, along with its vastly improved tech, enable it to hold its head high in the fiercely-competitive mid-size SUV market segment. Pricing for the new Tiguan starts at €49,695 (ex-works) for the Edition 75 2.0-litre TDI model, with my R-Line test car specification priced from €54,250 or €59,895 (ex-works) for the 1.5-litre eHybrid and 2.0-litre TDI respectively.
Visit www.volkswagen.ie for further information.
