Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline 4MOTION 2017 Review

Bigger, bolder Tiguan
2017 World Car of the Year top-three placegetter, the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan arrived in Australian showrooms in September last year.

The Tiguan range now extends from the three models offered in the previous generation to six, with a choice of three petrol and two diesel engines.

The all-new Tiguan is bigger than its predecessor. Significantly, 77mm has been added to the wheelbase, ensuring more legroom for rear-seat passengers and extra luggage capacity; two aspects criticised in the previous generation. This growth sees the Tiguan shift up a class, from a Small to a Medium SUV.

On test is the mid-range Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline 4MOTION, the expected volume seller of the range. The all-wheel drive model is powered by a 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine which is paired with Volkswagen’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

As tested, the Tiguan retails from $41,490 (plus on-road costs), with optional extras fitted including metallic paint ($700) and driver assistance package ($2000). The package comprises adaptive cruise control, side assist with rear cross-traffic alert, active information display, power folding mirrors and an ‘area view’ (360-degree) camera.

Volkswagen offers the Tiguan with 12-month/15,000km service intervals and capped-price servicing for the first five years or 75,000kms. After-sales support includes a three-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance package.

According to redbook.com.au, the Tiguan is expected to retain 56.7 per cent of its initial sale price after three years.

A lot to like
Behind the wheel, the Tiguan probably feels the most compact of the four cars on test; and it’s clear the all-new model’s larger size has not been detrimental to the driving dynamics.

Acceleration is not earth shattering, but neither is it lacking; and with a healthy amount of torque generated across low to medium revs, the Tiguan offers assured performance with minimum fuss.

Our test team was impressed with the smooth performance of the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, which delivered crisp gear changes with significantly less drag than the Hyundai Tucson, the only other vehicle on test with a dual-clutch gearbox.

Despite riding on the smallest wheels on test (17-inch diameter) the Tiguan’s ride feels firmer and less forgiving, sometimes jarring on potholes hardly noticed in the others.

City dwellers will appreciate the Tiguan’s light steering, others may find it over assisted. In reality it’s communicative enough for the task at hand, even on the open road, and even when slight mid-corner adjustments are called for.

The Tiguan boasts the largest towing capacity of any of the vehicles on test. At 2500kg (braked) it bests the CX-5’s 1800kg and the Escape and Tucson which are both rated at 1600kg. If towing is an important factor for you, the Tiguan is definitely worthy of consideration.

However, it won’t be the cheapest of the assembled Medium SUVs to run. With Volkswagen’s capped-price servicing, your Tiguan will cost $417 for the first 15,000km service and a total of $3190 for the first five years scheduled servicing.

Then there is fuel bill. Like the Ford Escape, the Tiguan consumes premium fuel, running on 95-98 RON petrol, while the Tucson and CX-5 only require 91 RON. It was the second-thirstiest on test at 9.1L/100km (as tested).

Room to grow
Volkswagen expects the Tiguan to have even more appeal now it competes in the burgeoning Medium SUV segment. In fact hopes run to sales of 10,000 Tiguans this year.

Part of its allure comes from interior accommodation which is as thoughtful towards rear-seat passengers as it is for those in front. As a case in point, the Tiguan was the only vehicle on our test with tri-zone digital climate control, including vents and controls for those in the rear.

And passengers occupying the two outboard rear seats have the use of trays stored in the backs of the front seats. The Tiguan’s trays are more flexible than those in the Ford Escape as they can be tilted at the perfect angle to hold an iPad or tablet. As anyone who travels with young passengers will attest, this could be a stress-buster on long journeys.

The Tiguan also offers the largest boot capacity of all four vehicles at 615 litres with the rear seats in place. Fold the 40:20:40 sliding rear seats flat and capacity grows to 1655 litres. Unfortunately, this grade of Tiguan misses out on a standard powered tailgate.

Not a perfect package
While it is a mid-grade variant, the 132TSI Comfortline still lacks some of the features its similarly-priced rivals include as standard. There’s no keyless entry, no push-button ignition and no powered tailgate. It also is the only model on test to arrive with cloth upholstery.

That said, the Tiguan’s cabin is well finished and well designed. It doesn’t feel low rent and oddment storage is plentiful with large bins in each of the doors.

Tech-wise, the Tiguan lifts its game with a host of standard safety features including front assist, city emergency brake (AEB), lane assist, driver fatigue detection, an active bonnet, park assist, and a rear-view camera.

While the driver assistance package is a hefty option, it does add some important technology. The surround-view camera is reassuring while parking, and the adaptive cruise control is appreciated when travelling in heavy traffic.

Is the Tiguan a winner in this set? We have to say we’re impressed; and, if your budget doesn’t stretch to this model, you will find other more reasonably priced variants to contemplate. Whether that love will continue come service time remains to be seen.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline 4MOTION pricing and specifications:
Price: $41,490 (plus on-road costs) / $44,190 (as tested)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 132kW/320Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 7.5L/100km (ADR Combined) / 9.1L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 173 (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP