Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line 2017 Review
Volkswagen’s Tiguan 162TSI R-Line is spiced-up with the Golf GTI’s heart, if not its soulWhat’s it all about?
The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, released last September spans three trim grades (Trendline, Comfortline and Highline) and five engines ( 110TDI and 140TDI turbo-diesels plus 110TSI, 132TSI and 162TSI turbo-petrols).
New to the Tiguan lineup is the 162TSI Highline with optional R-Line pack, released in January and now the premium model of the range.
The Tiguan 162TSI Highline uses the same engine as the Volkswagen Golf GTI, and, assisted by different gear ratios (seven-speed DSG to the Golf’s six-speed DSG) and all-wheel drive, the heavier mid-size SUV actually matches the hot-hatch from zero to 100km/h (6.5 seconds).
As you expect from Volkswagen, the Tiguan had the feel of a luxury SUV with its well-executed fit and finish.
How much will it cost?
The Tiguan 162TSI Highline opens at $48,490 (plus on-road costs), and Volkswagen reckons 58 per cent of buyers will select the $4000 R-Line option (includes 20-inch alloy wheels, adaptive chassis, predictive steering and some sporty interior/exterior styling changes).
Other major options include the $2000 Driver Assistance pack (which adds a 12.3-inch Active Info Display, adaptive cruise control, Side Assist, Rear Traffic Alert and a 360-degree camera system), and a $2000 sunroof.
The Tiguan has a three-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with free roadside assistance for the same period. Under Volkswagen’s Capped Price Servicing, you’ll be up for a total of $1697 for three years or 45,000km of scheduled servicing (services are at 12 month/15,000km intervals).
Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system ensured excellent cornering grip and the ride was decent but, approaching its limit, the Tiguan was doggedly an understeerer.
The driver-assistance gear was handy (the 360-degree cameras for parking, for example) however some of it wasn’t perfect – disconcertingly a ute parked on the side of the road triggered a ‘Brake!’ warning on the dashboard.
As you expect from Volkswagen, the Tiguan had the feel of a luxury SUV with its well-executed fit and finish.
When is it available in Australia?
Volkswagen’s Tiguan 162TSI Highline is on sale now.
Who will it appeal to?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is for couples or families who want a practical, fast, mid-size SUV with all the luxury and convenience gear thrown in. It will comfortably carry four adults and the boot is large enough even for holiday/weekend away luggage.
While at first glance the Tiguan looks to be a potential tow hauler with its generous 2500kg capacity, be aware the towball download is very low at 100kg maximum.
Where does it fit?
The Volkswagen Tiguan is nestled right in the middle of the booming, family-friendly mid- size SUV category. Tiguan and the larger Touareg model currently comprise the Volkswagen SUV lineup in Australia although Alltrack versions of the Passat and Golf wagons are officially categorized as SUVs.
While the Tiguan is a medium SUV under $60k contender, its performance and standard equipment pits it against some plus-$60k SUVs like the BMW X3 and Volvo XC60. Then again, the 178kW/345Nm Ford Escape Titanium is just $44,990.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is for couples or families who want a practical, fast, mid-size SUV with all the luxury and convenience gear thrown in.
So, what do we think?
The 162TSI is expensive but it comes loaded with gear and there are no complaints about its performance. In fact the R-Line model seems like a good GTI substitute if your needs lean more towards practical than hot hatch (and you don’t mind losing a little cornering sharpness in the process).
2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line pricing and specifications:
Price: $54,490 (as tested, plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 162kW/350Nm
Transmission: Seven-speed dual-clutch
Fuel: 8.1L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 186g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP
>> Volkswagen Tiguan 2016: Video Review
>> Volkswagen Tiguan v Hyundai Tucson 2016 Comparison
Tags
- Decently quick
- Ride quality
- Spacious interior
- Roll-on acceleration not so impressive
- Chassis not involving
- Driver-assist not fool-proof
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