Jerry Robbin

Well, VW certainly has captured the moment with the new Tiguan for the small to mid-size SUV market. The Tiguan is a global product for VW based on the Golf-Jetta-Passat platform.

The Tiguan is powered by VWís GTI engine, a TSFI 2.0-liter inline 4 which is turbocharged, direct injected, and intercooled. This great little engine produces a whopping 200 HP allowing it to go from 0 to 60 in 6.7 seconds. Weighing in at 3,433 lbs, the Tiguan is rated at 18mpg city and 24 highway and has a 16.8 gallon fuel tank, giving you a range on a tank of gas of 350 miles. Though I personally wish it didnít, the Tiguan requires premium gasoline, which typically means a 5% increase in fuel cost on top of already high gas prices.

The name Tiguan is a mouthful, but the vehicle exudes quality and dependability!

The styling is clean, crisp and contemporary. Visually from the rear, Tiguan looks similar to the BMW X3. From the front, however, it is unmistakably VW!

Tiguanís interior is distinctive and well laid out using quality materials and exhibiting superlative fit and finish. The layout of the gauges and controls was well thought out so the driver can interact as he drives this unique vehicle. There are 2 cup holders in the front and 2 in the rear cabin. I loved the automatic up/down on all 4 windows.

The satellite radio was nice to have on long drives and made the time pass until I reached my destination. On cold, wintry days, the heated seats and the 4Motion (all wheel drive system) features will come in handy.

My vehicle has the optional panoramic sunroof which covers the front and back seat. The sun screen has a unique texture which enhances this unique sunroof.

The rear seat has a lot of leg and hip room for larger passengers. Cargo capacity is 23.8 cubic-feet behind the second seat and 56.1 cubic-feet with the second seat folded, and the front passengerís seat folds flat as well.

This vehicle has responsive steering and handles well and has very little body roll around turns.

Two transmissions are available: a six-speed manual and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic.

Tiguan S is the entry level with six-speed manual starting at $23,200. The top-of-the-line SEL with Tiptronic and 4-Motion, starts at $32,940. An SE mid-level starts at $26,925. This Tiguan SE 4 Motion stickered at $33,165, including a $690.00 destination charge. The only major available option missing on this test vehicle was leather and power seats.

While pricier than comparable premium CUV models, the quality of this vehicle sets itself apart from the competition. VW has hit a home run with the Tiguan!

Below is an overview on the Tiguan:

Seating Capacity Five
Passenger Volume 95.3 ft3 (2.7 m3)
Cargo Volume 23.8 ft3 (0.7 m3)
Cargo Volume with rear seat folded (floor to ceiling) 56.1 ft3 (1.6 m3)
Volume (Front/Rear) 51.0 ft3 (1.4 m3) / 44.3 ft3 (1.3 m3)
Head Room (Front/Rear) 39.1 in (992 mm) / 39.0 in (991 mm)
Shoulder Room (Front/Rear) 56.2 in (1,428 mm) / 54.8 in (1,391 mm)
Leg Room (Front/Rear) 40.1 in (1,019 mm) / 35.8 in (910 mm)
Dimensions

Wheelbase 102.5 in (2,604 mm)
Front Track 61.8 in (1,570 mm)
Rear Track 61.9 in (1,571 mm)
Length 174.3 in (4,427 mm)
Width 71.2 in (1,809 mm)
Height 66.3 in (1,683 mm / 1,686 mm with roof rack)
Ground Clearance 6.9 in (175 mm)
Drag Coefficient .37

Weights

Curb Weight 3,433 lbs (1,557 kg)
Payload 1,352 lbs (613 kg)
Towing Capacity (max braked trailer) 2,200 lbs (998 kg)
Maximum Roof Cargo Weight 220 lbs (100 kg)