Volkswagen Tiguan 130TDI 2015 Review

Like most in its class, the Tiguan provides exactly what it needs to. It's practical, efficient, gives the favoured high-riding position family buyers have become so fond of, and offers a good level of equipment for the price.

But while it still ticks all the right boxes, the Tiguan has to a large degree flown under the radar. Newer models offering more value, more equipment and a newer look have overtaken the aging Tiguan's sales numbers, prompting a facelift from Volkswagen two years ahead of the current model's replacement in 2016.

Though you'd be hard-pressed to really notice... Trainspotters may spot the fresh alloy wheel design, now-standard reversing camera, 6.5-inch colour screen and paddle-shift-equipped steering wheel, and astute drivers might pick the benefits of the electronic locking XDL (front differential). But really, these are value-add items aimed at carrying the model forward for a certain time, and not changing the mould.

What savvy SUV buyers will notice, however, is an increase in power and torque of the diesel-powered Tiguan 130TDI. As the badge suggests, power has increased to 130kW (up 27), with a nifty uptick in torque of 60Nm (to 380). Fuel economy remains competitive, falling 0.2L/100km to 6.2 (ADR combined).

Volkswagen now also offers its R-Line package on mid-grade Tiguan variants. Tiguan 132TSI (petrol) and 130TDI (diesel) models are eligible for the $2500 package, which adds "more emotional and dynamic" styling and technology items including 18-inch alloy wheels (up from 17), an R-Line steering wheel with paddle shifters, sports seats, sports suspension and stainless steel pedals.

Lower and higher grade variants remain, of course, including the entry-spec front-wheel drive Tiguan 118TSI (from $28,990 plus ORCs) and top-spec Tiguan 155TSI 4MOTION R-Line (from $44,990 plus ORCs). But on test – and of most interest to us – is the Tiguan 130TDI and its peppier new turbo-diesel engine.

A quick spin through the hills surround Coldstream in Victoria's picturesque Yarra Valley gave us a chance to sample the Tiguan 130TDI on paved and unsealed roads.

The extra power and torque is noticeable where it counts. There's still some step-off collusion between the turbocharger and seven-speed dual-clutch (DSG) transmission, but it's soon dispensed as the early torque kick (from 1750-2500rpm) and closely spaced gear ratios allow brisk acceleration (Volkswagen claims a 0-100km/h time of 8.5 seconds).

But, more importantly, the Tiguan 130TDI 4MOTION feels stronger where it counts. It sails effortlessly up hills and is to my mind quicker to response to the throttle when called to overtake. The transmission can be a little hasty in its quest to find the economy of top gear, though this does freshen in Sport mode, and can be overridden with paddle shifts when the R-Line pack is fitted.

The Tiguan's ride and handling is much as it's always been, which is to say very good. Rough roads and coarse gravel roads do elicit a little rattle from the front suspension, but there are no squeaks or groans form inside the cabin – in fact it's so quiet that even on average country roads I could only hear the engine and HVAC fan working quietly.

Dynamically, the Tiguan can still hold its own against the likes of Mazda's keen-handling CX-5 and locally-tuned Hyundai ix35 Series II. It's impressive considering nothing has changed in more than six years, and proves that well-metered steering and suspension go a long way to providing not only a comfortable ride, but confident handling also.

On gravel, the 4MOTION system can be provoked into oversteer though for the most part the Tiguan is quite neutral, even when pushed beyond the limits most would expect to encounter. The braking is likewise dependable, and though it lacks some of the initial 'bite' of some rivals, provides a progressive pedal which is arguably better suited to a vehicle designed for both on- and off-road use.

As has always been the case, the Tiguan does sacrifice some of its cargo space for a larger back seat. Depending on your priorities – or the age of your kids – this could be an issue, but in reality this is a small-to-medium SUV, and cannot hope to match its larger rivals on this front.

If I had one final niggle it's that the octet of air-vents on the dashboard cannot be adjusted horizontally. I'd prefer fewer vents with more range and, while I'm complaining, perhaps a little more adjustment from the steering column.

Otherwise the Tiguan 103TDI remains surprisingly competitive for its age and, much like the remainder of the Tiguan range, is likely to maintain that stance until it's superseded in a couple of years.

2014 Volkswagen Tiguan 130TDI 4MOTION pricing and specifications:
Price: $39,990 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-diesel
Output: 130kW/380Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 164g/km (ADR combined)