Volkswagen Tiguan SUV Review

Design and Engineering

Design and Engineering

 Good

Attractive styling - unlike some SUV’s the Volkswagen Tiguan doesn’t look like it’s eaten one too many apple strudels; its relatively compact dimensions combined with short overhangs and modern conservative lines ensures it never feels or looks too big in traffic. The wide body not only contributes to the good looks but helps to create a roomy feel inside. There are high-tech engines on offer and they're environmentally friendly (for an SUV at least).
Not so good

It’s designed more for on-road and gravel roads so best not to negotiate rough river crossings or serious waist deep mud - think of it as a slightly larger, higher riding Golf. That being said, with the short overhangs and 4Motion AWD system as standard, fitting a set of dedicated off-road tyres would no doubt see the VW Tiguan go further off-road than many people would think possible.
Interior and Styling

Interior and Styling

 Good

Stylish interior - dash design is taken from the Volkswagen Golf and given its own successful flavour; it feels more premium than almost all similar-priced rivals (the glovebox has a cooling function, very useful in Australian summers). There's oodles of second row legroom for rear passengers and the rear seats adjust in a number of ways so you shouldn’t have a problem getting comfortable (plus, they're positioned higher than the front seats so front visibility is also good).
Not so good

At the expense of the smart rear-end styling (no big rear overhang) comes cargo space - when the second row seats are in use the rear cargo capacity is smaller than the segment average. However, when the seats do fold down carrying a mountain bike or two inside is possible as the space grows to over 1,500L!
Performance

Performance

 Good

All grades perform well with the 103TDI offering the most torque (providing effortless response between the gears when cruising along). The 147TSI has plenty of performance (and acceptable fuel economy). But, don’t dismiss the entry-level 125TSI (we like this grade a lot). TDI is the diesel - TSI are the Petrol Turbo/Supercharged variants.

Tiguan's have always been economical however in September 2010 the six-speed DSG (clever automotic gearbox) gains an extra gear (so now 7 speeds) and with it comes fuel economy improvements of 16% on average!
Not so good

147TSI is down on speed compared to the similar engine fitted to the Golf GTI (blame the extra weight of the larger Volkswagen Tiguan and the 4Motion 4x4 hardware).
Ride and Handling

Ride and Handling

 Good

By far the best handling Compact SUV on sale in Australia - it can even shame some sports cars. The body roll is kept to a minimum (it really does ride similar to Volkswagen’s award winning Golf ), combine that with the natural communicative steering and the excellent braking feel and you've got a lovely SUV to drive.
Not so good

With the excellent handling comes a firmish ride - and not everyone will be a fan of that. The 147TSI comes standard with larger 17-inch wheels so ride is that little bit firmer again.
Buying and Owning

Buying and Owning

 Good

125TSI grade is our current favourite Tiguan – we thinks it offers the best value for money. The optional Park Assist is an excellent extra cost option if you dislike parallel parking (as it’ll almost do it for you).
Not so good

Questionable whether it’s the best choice for a young family (who might require less rear legroom and a greater rear cargo space for carrying pushers etc). The engines prefer the more expensive 98 octane rating fuel. The annoying space saver spare tyre limits serious outback touring...