The Volkswagen Tiguan is a car that has defied industry trends and remained popular despite the challenges facing the automotive industry. Volkswagen CEO Thomas Schäfer has made a commitment to continue producing the Tiguan, along with the Golf and GTI models, in an effort to provide stability and certainty for customers. The Tiguan is VW’s best-selling model worldwide and is now entering its third generation.
Rather than fully embracing electrification, VW has opted to offer a range of powertrain options for the Tiguan. This includes plug-in hybrids that can almost be used as fully electric cars, as well as mild-hybrid petrols, four-wheel-drive petrols, and a diesel engine. The decision to offer such a variety of options reflects VW’s desire to give customers the power to choose the type of Tiguan that suits them best.
In terms of design, the Tiguan maintains a similar size to its predecessor but has adopted VW’s updated MQB Evo platform. This platform has allowed for improvements in interior quality, digital infotainment, instrumentation, and suspension technology. Despite the updates, the Tiguan has managed to keep its weight in check, thanks to the revised platform.
Inside the cabin, the Tiguan offers spaciousness, comfort, and versatility. The infotainment system has been upgraded and is now more user-friendly. However, some of the controls, particularly those related to heating and ventilation, could be more intuitive.
When it comes to performance, the Tiguan’s eTSI 150 powerplant falls slightly short compared to diesel and hybrid options. The engine lacks torque and requires revving to pick up speed. The gearbox works well in everyday driving but can be slow and reluctant when manually shifting gears.
In terms of ride and handling, the Tiguan offers a comfortable and controlled experience on the motorway. The R-Line trim with larger wheels and adaptive chassis control provides excellent grip and body control but sacrifices ride comfort. The optional adaptive damping system can enhance ride quality but is better suited to lower trim levels with smaller wheels.
In terms of running costs, the Tiguan is aimed at premium-priced compact SUV opponents. It boasts strong residual values and competitive personal finance deals. However, the standard equipment list is not as comprehensive as some rivals, and optional extras can quickly increase the price.
Overall, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a functional and mature SUV that offers a range of powertrain options to suit different customer preferences. While it may not be the most exciting or luxurious option in its class, it excels in practicality, versatility, and rational qualities.
