TestDrive: Volkswagen TiguanVolkswagen's new Tiguan joins the ranks of compact SUVs on sale, most of which are used in the daily school run. Shane O'Donoghuetries it out for size in Budapest
Throughout Europe, the compact SUV is currying favour with buyers in increasing numbers. It isn't clear whether this is due to the backlash against larger off-roaders or simply the acknowledgement by traditional family car buyers that the compact sports utility vehicle offers them a more interesting solution to their needs. However, there's no denying the popularity of what was once termed a niche market.
In Budapest, Volkswagen told us that 600,000 compact SUVs would find homes in Europe this year and hence the time is right for the German firm to introduce its offering, the new Tiguan.
In Ireland, the compact class takes the form of a neat continuum, with the Daihatsu Terios at the lower end, and then the Kia Sportage, Toyota Rav4 and Land Rover Freelander, all topped off by the considerably more expensive BMW X3. VW reckons there's plenty of room for the new Tiguan.
It's natural to point to the larger Touareg off-roader when discussing the Tiguan's styling, although the latter is an all-new design and incorporates details from the Eos and Passat range too. The Tiguan is actually better proportioned than its big brother, though it loses some of the latter's muscularity in the process. Indeed, when shorn of the optional roof rails, the Tiguan takes on the appearance of a high-sided estate car or MPV. It's not an exciting shape by any means, but the desirable VW roundel on the nose will certainly cut the mustard on the daily school run.
The same consistent design theme is used inside the Tiguan, where owners may not get excited about the styling, but they will appreciate the solid build quality and tactile switchgear. Except for the new air-vent design, this cockpit will be familiar to any Volkswagen owner of the past few years.
There's more space than in the Golf though, particularly with regards to head room and rear leg room. The Tiguan's boot is a lot bigger too and the rear seat moves every which way to allow the accommodation of various passenger/cargo combinations.
VW marketing people would like you to think that, if you've got a lifestyle, it'll fit in. If not, the Tiguan should be able to tow it, as even the entry-level model is rated to haul up to 2,000kg, with up to 2,500kg towing capacity on the top diesel models.
Initially, Irish customers will be offered either a 1.4-litre petrol engine or a 2-litre turbodiesel. The former is no ordinary engine though; it's the TSI Twincharger unit that utilises both a supercharger and a turbocharger in an attempt to offer low fuel consumption and emissions, but with decent performance. This engine really suits the Irish taxation system. Peak power is quoted as 148bhp, which should be ample, and maximum torque is available over a wide engine speed range, but somehow this doesn't translate into rapid progress without needing to extend the engine. Perhaps the test cars need more kilometres under their wheels to loosen out, but the TDI-equipped model was far nicer to drive. Of course, the significantly higher torque available has a lot to do with this too and, though the yardstick performance figures indicate that the TSI engine is quicker against a stopwatch, the TDI version gives its best without any effort.
The Tiguan hosts the debut of a new version of the 2.0 TDI engine, which is compliant with Euro V emissions regulations and notably quieter than in other VW models, too.
As with most European markets, Irish buyers will have a choice of three trim levels: Trend and Fun; Sport and Style; and Track and Field. The latter is estimated to only make up 10 per cent of the sales volume, but it incorporates significant changes to allow owners to push their Tiguan harder off-road. Most obvious is the redesigned front bumper, which allows a larger approach angle and protects the sump and radiator. The Track and Field also incorporates an off-road mode, which alters various vehicle parameters, such as the electronic differentials and hill descent control, to settings specifically designed to make off-road driving easier.
Keen customers don't have too long to wait either, with Volkswagen securing delivery for the Irish market before the end of the year. The full price list has yet to be released, but expect entry-level petrol models to be priced at €36,000, while the TDI version will start at about €40,000.
More powerful versions will follow in due course and there will even be a two-wheel-drive variant available from next summer.
Factfile
Engines:1.4-litre TSI: 1,390cc; 148bhp @ 5,800rpm; 240Nm of torque @ 1,750 - 4,000rpm; Top speed: 192km/h (manual); 0-100km/h: 9.6 secs (manual) 2.0-litre TDI: 1,968cc; 138bhp @ 4,200rpm; 320Nm of torque @ 1,750 - 2,500rpm; Top speed: 186km/h (manual); 0-100km/h: 10.5 secs (manual)
Transmission:Six-speed manual as standard, six-speed automatic optional on some models
Economy:1.4-litre TSI: 8.4l/100km; 2.0-litre TDI: 7.2l/100km
Emissions:1.4-litre TSI: 199g/km; 2.0-litre TDI: 189g/km
Price:1.4-litre TSI: €36,000; 2.0-litre TDI: €40,000 (estimated entry-level prices)