Review
VW Tiguan
More than 2.6 million units of the first generation of the Tiguan were sold. Expectations are high for the second generation of this crowd favorite. VW has not opted for evolution, but for revolution. A completely new model based on the future-oriented MQB platform.
Seven motorizations
The new Tiguan is available in seven engines. The three TSI petrol engines have a power of 125 hp, 150 hp or 220 hp. The four TDI diesel engines have a power of 115 hp, 150 hp, 190 hp and 240 hp. The basic engines of the new Tiguan are only available with front-wheel drive. All other engine versions have optional or standard four-wheel drive (4MOTION). The entry price for a Tiguan is 26,990 euros. For this you need a 1.4 TSI with 125 hp. If you want a diesel, you have to pay at least 28,530 euros for the 2.0 TDI with 125 hp. For a top model such as the 2.0 TDI SCR 4MOTION (four-wheel drive) Highline with 190 hp, the base price is 42,350 euros.
Assistance systems
The new Tiguan is equipped with numerous driver assistance systems that are available as standard or can be selected optionally.
The new Tiguan is equipped as standard with the anti-multi-crash braking function and the Front Assist automatic braking system. This includes an emergency braking function for the city and pedestrian detection. If a pedestrian is detected in the lane in front of the Tiguan, the system will issue a warning. In a second phase, the system will also brake the car.
If a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist does occur, take care the active bonnet mechanism (also standard) ensures that the bonnet is lifted slightly, reducing the risk of dangerous head injuries.
Another standard system is Lane Assist. This system warns the driver when changing lanes outside the city without blinking. The system also automatically counter-steers to avoid a collision with oncoming traffic.
Four-wheel drive
In addition to front-wheel drive, you can also choose the Tiguan with all-wheel drive (4MOTION). This works with a Haldex coupling and this ensures that in normal circumstances the front wheels are driven, with a view to better fuel consumption. If the system detects an imminent loss of traction, it will also switch on the rear wheels in a fraction of a second. Via 4MOTION Active Control, a rotary knob in the center console, the driver can choose from four different rhymes. There are two profiles for the road, on-road and snow. You can also choose two off-road profiles: off-road and off-road individual.
Taller
The new Tiguan has grown in all directions. With a length of 4,486 mm, the new model has become 60 mm longer. The width of the model has also become 30 mm wider than before. This also translates to more space inside. Passengers get 29 mm extra space in the back to stretch their legs. Headroom and trunk space also increased. The loading threshold was also lowered to make loading the Tiguan even easier.
Tiguan 2.0 TDI DSG 4Motion Highline
We were introduced to the new Volkswagen Tiguan through a test drive with a 2.0 TDI DSG 4Motion Highline. This Tiguan has a 1,968cc diesel engine with a power of 150 hp and a max. torque of 340 Nm. It goes from 0-100 km/h in 9.3 seconds and has a top speed of 200 km/h. With this engine, the Tiguan feels quick without being really sporty. Of course, that is not necessary. The seven-speed DSG automatic transmission shifted very smoothly and silently. Our test car also had four-wheel drive. On an unpaved road full of potholes and level differences, the Tiguan also felt like a fish in water. The chassis and shock absorbers feel well-balanced and ensure that a ride on poor roads or unpaved roads can also be done in complete comfort for the occupants.
Conclusion
The new Tiguan has become a handsome appearance. The lines at the front and the rear give the SUV a sturdy appearance and it also looks beautifully finished on the inside. In terms of engines, there is a wide choice from 125 hp to 240 hp and the models with four-wheel drive have the necessary capabilities to also go off-road. Of course, all that beauty comes with a price tag, but you also get a premium SUV in return.
Johan De Haes
Test driver
