Since it's introduction, the Volkswagen Tiguan has a been a popular choice of crossover enthusiast around the country, in fact the launch model back in 2007 got people interesting in the segment altogether has it offered the consumer a more spacious yet versatile vehicle at a similar price to the Golf. Over the years, the various models and face-lifts to the Tiguan enjoyed a large share of the market with buyers ranging from people who loved the brand, to those who just felt the Tiguan suited their needs and budget, however over the last few years and the introduction of the Chinese brands to the market, many are starting to sway not only for pricing reasons but also the overall package. There's no denying that the Chinese are taking over strong and with 95% of their cars being SUV's, sales of brands from other countries, especially Germany have been taking some strain. With the new Tiguan model breaking cover in late last year, many were waiting to see what the pricing would be like. This week, I got the opportunity to be one of the first people to drive the new Tiguan at the local launch taking place in the home of Volkswagen Group SA, Gqeberha in the Eastern Cape, here's the low down on the new Tiguan.
The Tiguan will be offering in 3 engines, the 1.4-litre TSI, 2.0-litre TSI and 2.0-litre TDI, available for us on the launch was only the 1.4-litre TSI as the TDI variant will be arriving on our shores later this year and the 2.0-litre TSI version early next year. Lets talk about styling, VW call this design confident and typically Volkswagen, the front the new Tiguan follows the lines of the new Golf 8 styling cues with curved front face that see's the introduction of the solid light bar which is becoming a trend across all their lines which is a clean and fresh look. The LED integrated headlights tie in neatly with the new grille which has a solid plate unlike previous models with open type vents. This gives the Tiguan a cleaner look from the front. So you must be thinking, how does the engine breather? Well the grille on the bottom half of the bumper has increased in size and depending on the trim choice, the designs vary. Volkswagen is offering the Tiguan in 3 trims, being Tiguan, Life and R-Line, on launch was just Life and R-Line trims. The R-Line is definitely more eye catching with its bolder elements, bigger wheels and chrome detailing, while the Life is more subdued. The rear of the Tiguan see's a horizontal LED strip that runs across the tailgate, connecting the two LED cluster lights, this emphasizes the width of the Tiguan a lot more, showing that the model has grown in size from the older model even though the curves on this new one doesn't make it seem that way. The new Tiguan has three new colours added to its list, being Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic and Oyster Silver.
Stepping on the inside, the Tiguan's cockpit has been completely re-design, with a very modern interior that is dominated by the new infotainment screen that adorns the dash board center. The materials and textures used are good quality and seem robust enough for family usage. The R-Line, again has a bit more flair to it with the dash panel in front of the passenger having a starlight detail with R Logo present. Lets talk about that screen, standard with a 12.0-inch unit but can be upgraded to a 15-inch as an optional extra makes such a big difference to the cabin. With virtually everything accessible from it, apart from driving the car, shows Volkswagen's advancement in technology since the introduction of the Golf 8. The MIB4 user interface is easy to use, with tiles and icons clear and the touch screen being very responsive. It has wireless app connect with wireless charging available standard on certain trims otherwise there is two USB C ports in front and back. The steering wheel is leather covered and conventional buttons and not the haptic touch ones used in the Golf 8, so makes it much more easier for the driver to use. In saying that, there is still haptic touch controls for the volume below the screen for volume and haptic controls for the sunroof and sun curtain.
The seats have been upgraded too, with new leather trims and the option of getting the new ergoActive Plus leather seats that have heated and cooling functions as well as a pneumatic four-way lumber adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function which is ideal for front passenger and drive over long distances. VW have however limited it to 30-minute duration in case the driver feels too comfortable and falls asleep I guess! Another interior highlight see's the introduction of a Drive Experience dial, what looks like a volume dial is that and so much more, pushing it in engages the driving profiles available for the driver, be it Eco, Comfort or Sport, then there is the drive emotions which change the colour profiles for the car including ambient lighting of where there are 30-colours to choose from. The luggage capacity has increased with the boot space now accomodating 652-litres. The cabin it self is very spacious and the dual zone climate control worked a treat in the harsh Karoo heat without compromising on power output from the engine.
Speaking of the engine, power output was a big topic of discussion as the engines for the new Tiguan have been downtuned for our market which caused a bit of a stir. VW explains that the fuel quality in SA has been on the decline and hence it didn't make sense bringing the higher tuned engines as it customers would not have enjoyed the full benefit of them. The 1.4-litre TSI I had had plenty of pluck though, even though it only churns out 110kW and 250Nm of torque, the help of the 7-speed DSG box assists the car in optimally changing the gears when driving, if you want to take control yourself, you have the option of using the paddle shifts behind the steering.
VW have included a host of safety features as standard on the new Tiguan, this includes, Park Assist Plus which parks the car for you. Park Distance Control, Rear camera, Adaptive Cruise Control, Hill Start Assist, Travel Assist, ESC, Lane Assist, Side Assist with Rear Traffic Alert and exit warning. It also has IQ drive which monitors the road in front of you, keeping track of cars around you, and warns you should there be any sudden danger if you're not paying attention. There is the optional extra HD LED Matrix headlights with 38,400 multi-pixel LEDs that was specially designed for the Tiguan giving you brighter lights and and higher resolution of light.
Overall, the new Tiguan is a very impressive package, whether you choose the Life or R-Line package, they both ride the same and offer a great drive with comfort and stability on all types of road surfances. The 1.4-litre engine did superb in the harsh conditions we drove in, with it being extremely economical for the type of driving we were doing and the load we were carrying. Pricing on the Tiguan is very attractive with it being very similar to the outgoing model, with such an attractive package at a decent price it may sway people to re-consider one of our favourite brands in the market again.
Retail Prices (VAT and emissions tax included)
- Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG - R651 500
- Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 kW Life DSG - R702 800
- Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW Life 4Motion DSG - R755 700
- Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110 KW R-Line DSG - R766 300
- Tiguan 2.0 TDI 110 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R834 800
- Tiguan 2.0 TSI 140 kW R-Line 4Motion DSG - R835 900
The Volkswagen Tiguan comes standard with a 3 year / 120 000 km warranty, 5 year / 90 000 km EasyDrive Service Plan including a 12 year anti corrosion warranty. The service interval is 15 000 km.
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