Volkswagen Tiguan 2007 Review - International

What we liked
>> Touareg-lite looks
>> Cabin quality
>> Onroad manners

Not so much
>> Can't comment on offroad ability
>> 18-degree version only coming Down Under
>> Not here until late 2008

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
Better late than never? Or has the best been saved to last? You're looking at a new compact softroader that's almost preordained to be Volkswagen's next success story Down Under.

The Wolfsburg brand has performed well of late. The fifth generation Golf continues to win new buyers to the brand via a range of economy models and the hotter GT and the hottest, the benchmark GTI. Jetta (a booted Golf) meantime is selling tenfold what its predecessor could muster and the stylish Passat is carving a new niche for itself in the near-prestige medium car market. If the facelifted Touareg fires in dealers in the closing months of 2007, it's highly likely Volkswagen will sell in excess of 23,000 cars in Oz.

Meantime the compact SUV market continues to grow. Year to date August, of the volume segments, only 4x4 utes is growing stronger. So far this year softroaders have found over 19 per cent more buyers than in the same period in 2006.

Combine a fashionable, well-established Euro brand with THE segment in the passenger car market and you end up with an almost certain recipe for success. Oh, and have we told you the new Volkswagen Tiguan will be available with a diesel powerplant and an automatic (DSG) gearbox... Kerrrrching!

When the all-new compact SUV arrives in Australia late next year, it will likely become the brand's second biggest seller. Though the Golf is unlikely to be displaced as VW-Oz's foundation model (it currently accounts for around 50 per cent of VW's passenger car sales Down Under) the Touareg's little brother will arrive with big sales expectation.

Unofficially, the maker admits it's looking for better than 600 sales a month for the Tiguan. In our estimation the only problem VW faces with the new CRV-sized five-door is building enough. Take it from us, the softroader will be hot property in markets like the USA and that could limit initial local volumes.

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Volkswagen will offer two variants of the new Tiguan across three models -- at least in Europe. Powerplants and the all-wheel drive underpinnings are shared (see more in Mechanical below) as is basic packaging -- the difference lies in the front ends.

The most road-oriented Tiguans will be the Trend&Fun and Sport&Style. Both feature a road-car like front valance that delivers a not too bush-friendly approach angle of just 18 degrees. Contrary to our Frankfurt news story (we got it wrong!), it's these versions that are the most likely to make it to Australia first.

The Trend&Fun is effectively the 'base' model Tiguan while Sport&Style ramps up the equipment level.

Local specification is some way off being finalised, however, in Tiguan's German home market where the softroader is now on sale, the base car gets 'must haves' such as antilock brakes with all the goodies including hill-holder and so on, stability control and six airbags (including curtain bags). 'Nice to haves' such as an MP3-ready audio set-up, power windows, semi-auto aircon, keyless entry and central locking plus an onboard computer are also included. Seat trims are cloth and the driver's seat is height adjustable.

Step up to the Sport&Style and the German spec adds 17-inch alloys, more chrome (including roof rails) and tinted windows. Inside the interior trim is upgraded to include a leather steering wheel and gearshift gaiter, cloth sports seats with alcantara inserts and goodies like front seat back folding 'tables' are added. The onboard computer is upgraded also to include a service interval indicator and tyre pressure monitoring.

Those a little more intent on heading offroad and challenging the likes of the Land Rover Freelander II will probably be looking for VW Oz to give the Track&Field variant a shot. With a 'sharper' front-end with Dakar Race Touareg styling complete with bashplate, the Track&Field delivers a much more trail-serious 28-degree approach angle and sports an extra off-road mode for its 4MOTION drive system.

The Track&Field's spec level is close to that of the Sport&Style. Changes include 16-inch alloys with more aggressive rubber, black roof rails, comfort seats (still cloth) and a compass in the instrument cluster.

We'd expect a significant level of optional equipment to be offered when the car arrives Down Under. Navigation with offroad functionality is a certainty as will be leather seats and other convenience items such as a reversing camera, panorama sunroof and premium audio.

The Tiguan is offered with an auto parallel parking Park Assist function in Europe. This requires the driver to operate the throttle and brake only, while the car effectively parks itself. It's not known at this stage whether such a system -- offered for the first time in a SUV, claims VW -- will be legal for use in Australia.

Eventually there'll also be front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan. These are a monty for the US market, however, VW Oz says it's unlikely they will come Down Under -- at least in the short term.

In Germany the Tiguan range kicks off with a six-speed manual 1.4 TSI Trend&Fun priced at Euro26,700. The 2.0 TDI is E1100 more with the Sport&Style priced at a E1900 premium over the base model. By way of comparison the Golf GT 1.4TSI five-door is around E24,400 and the GTI is E26,420 in Germany.

With Tiguan around 12 months away from coming Down Under, there's no formal local pricing available. VW's not keen to show its cards this far out but we believe the Tiguan will commence in the mid $30K range and run through to the very high $40K level Down Under.

MECHANICAL
Volkswagen claims the Tiguan is the first SUV to exclusively feature "charged engines". And though the international range includes five forced induction engines (three TSI petrols range from 110-147kW and 103 and 125kW TDIs) the local offering will be limited to one turbodiesel and two petrol powerplants -- all of 2.0-litre displacement.

At 147kW, the top-of-the-range 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine shares its output with the current Golf GTI powerplant but the engine is new. So too, the entry-level Aussie Tiguan engine -- another TSI unit rated at 125kW.

The sole turbodiesel powerplant (which powered the Tiguan tester we drove on the launch) is VW's new 103kW common rail unit.

Sporting the 125kW/280Nm engine, the Tiguan is claimed to accelerate to 100km/h from rest in 8.2sec and top out at 200km/h. Fuel consumption averages at 9.1lt/100km. The 147kW/280Nm Tiguan is 0.6sec faster to 100 and returns the same fuel figures. Top speed, though academic Down Under, is increased by 11km/h.

The 103kW/320Nm TDI is the most frugal needing just 7.2lt/100km but it's a touch slower, taking 10.4sec for the 0-100km/h sprint. Top speed is still in 'go-directly-to-gaol' territory at 186km/h.

Two gearboxes are offered across the range -- both six-speeders. The conventional manual and DSG automatic units are tailored for their role in the dual-purpose Tiguan. Says VW: "The manual transmission can be driven at an engine speed of 1000rpm or vehicle speed of just 6.69km/h, for example; this practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox. The automatic transmission has gear level preselect; in off-road use it prevents shifting to the next higher gear."

Under the all-new bodyshell, the Tiguan uses an amalgam of Golf and Passat componentry. It's strengthened Golf MacPherson strut and electro-mechanical power rack and pinion steering at the pointy end, with a modified and uprated all-wheel-drive compatible version of the Passat's fully-independent four-link derriere.

Though a conventional oil/gas damper equipped suspension system, VW says it will eventually offer an electronic suspension control system.

Tiguan's main USP is the latest version of the company's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system. The set-up uses an electronically-controlled Haldex multi-plate centre coupling that is built into the rear final drive unit. VW claims the whole unit weighs in at just 44kg.

In normal operation around 90 per cent of available torque is channelled to the ground via the front wheels. As slip is detected (via a speed difference between the front and rear axles) the Haldex clutch locks progressively to transfer drive to the rears. Apportionment is stepless and virtually seamless and in extreme cases nearly 100 per cent of available torque can be transferred to the rear axle.

Brakes are four wheel discs: 312mm vented units up front and 286 solids at the rear. The multi-function ABS system includes brake assist and distribution. An electronic park brake includes an auto-hold function -- useful on and offroad. There's also hill descent control.

The Track&Field version of the Tiguan also gets a unique version of the ABS system to deliver better stopping performance on loose and low friction surfaces. This allows the wheels to lock for a fraction to help 'bite' through loose gravel. Similar systems are used to good effect on the Touareg and other large SUVs.

PACKAGING
Volkswagen isn't reinventing the wheel with the Tiguan. It follows the conventional five-door compact SUV two-box formula. There are just two rows of seating; the rear a splitfold bench with belts for three.

The driving position is quite upright, though without the 'I'm umpiring a tennis match' feeling of some softroaders. Vision is good, though the Golf/Touareg (take your pick) style C-pillars restrict rear three-quarter vision more than some might like.

We liked the almost flat-dished steering wheel of the Sport&Style TDI we drove (a Golf GT refugee we reckon) and with electric adjustment of the sports seats, getting a position to suit was easy for both myself and my 183cm driving partner.

The sports seats themselves are quite aggressively bolstered giving good lateral support when you're pushing on. The driver seat gets electrically adjustable lumbar too.

The cockpit and interior is VW standard -- ie: very, very good. The silver car we drove had rich red leather on the seat surfaces. Like every other VW, the surface treatments and execution were first class. Even at a quick glance you'll note the clean textures VW uses and the way they seem to flow from one material and position to the next.

The rear seat is a 60:40 split fold and thanks to the reasonably upright seating position legroom is quite generous. The pull-down armrest doubles as a skiport and the fold-up picnic tables on the front seat backs might prove handy for some family buyers.

At the rear there's a luggage blind and a proper roll-up luggage net that will secure the passenger compartment if you do choose to load up. Claimed luggage room is 470 litres with five onboard and this expands to 1510 litres with the rear seat folded. VW claims the Tiguan can swallow a 650kg payload.

Towing and roof loads are an important consideration for softroader buyers. Tiguan offers a 2500kg braked trailer capacity for its Track&Field version and 2200kg for the road-oriented models. According to VW, the difference comes down to home market legislative requirements rather than true capability differences.

The final towing capacity in Australia may be more dependent on the maximum ball weight VW is prepared to warrant the Tiguan for. There is a vast difference to the way Australian RV and trailer manufacturers configure their products compared to Euro builders, in particular, the amount of vertical load the towing vehicle is expected to bear. As such it's also unlikely we'll see Tiguan's patented and very smart folding factory towbar.

SAFETY
Tiguan is built on a structure which VW claims is best-in-class in terms of structural rigidity and crash performance. Passive safety details include a stable occupant shell, energy-absorbing structures and a protection system which features six airbags. The company is expecting the car to secure five-star rating when it is tested by Euro NCAP.

All the active safety boxes are ticked also. Stability control is standard across the range and there is the inherent safety all-wheel drive brings (to a point!) in more challenging road conditions.

As noted above the ABS and traction and stability systems are optimised for the car's dual-purpose role.

COMPETITORS
In terms of dimensions, the Tiguan is 4427mm long, 1809mm wide and 1683mm tall. It has a 2604mm wheelbase and a 12m turning circle.

By way of comparison this places the Tiguan 70-90mm shorter than the Freelander II and Honda CR-V and a touch longer than the Jeep Compass. It's lineball with the US softroader in width and the same height as the Honda. Its wheelbase is shorter than all of the above-mentioned models but its turning circle is worse than average.

At around 1590kg depending on engine variant, it weighs in the same as the Honda and Jeep.

In such a vibrant segment there's plenty of competition -- significantly more than the three models mentioned above.

At the entry end of its price spectrum the Tiguan will also come up against the likes of the RAV4, Mitsubishi Outlander, Subaru Forester and Nissan X-TRAIL though Mitsu aside none look likely to offer a turbodiesel option in the short term.

As spec levels rise, the VW will also be tilting at the likes of the Subaru Outback, BMW X3, Mazda's CX-7, perhaps Holdens's Captiva MaXX and the littlest Land Rover, Freelander II. This is despite the fact all four are larger vehicles.

And then there's the hatch market to consider. Though the car will likely cannibalize some Golf sales, don't be surprised if it also attracts many newcomers to the brand that once would have purchased conventional five-doors.

ON THE ROAD
A qualifier first -- like many nations emerging from decades of economic starvation, Hungary is on the up -- and Budapest, the location for the 18-day $20m (estimated) international launch of the Tiguan is a rapid growing and regenerating city... With a commensurate lack of infrastructure -- of our five hours or thereabouts in the Tiguan, four hours were spent in cheek-to-jowl traffic.

We can vouch for the fact the satnav works a treat -- save for one 'Please do a U-Turn' on the sole uncluttered and entertaining stretch of the entire drive route. And while we were dreading our schedule-enforced sprint through the old world centres of Buda and Pest to the airport, the electronic co-driver never missed a beat and we made it with time to spare.

We can equally vouch for the effective aircon and air filtration systems -- the Hungarian capital sits in a basin bisected by the Danube and filled with the sort of smog we luckily seem to escape these days Down Under.

Our test Tiguan was a six-speed manual Trend&Fun powered by VW's new common rail 2.0 TDI four-cylinder turbodiesel. Torquey and quick witted, this is still not the quietest or sonorous of oilers.

The Tiguan's extra 150kg (approx) over the Golf dulls acceleration off the line and when overtaking. We were two-up with minimal luggage -- expect progress to be a touch on the leisurely side when the car is fully loaded.

Truth be known, these turbodiesel engines are much better suited to being matched with VW's DSG gearbox than a conventional manual that lets them drop boost a touch between gears.

On the one stretch of interesting road we tackled, the Tiguan was surefooted with minimal body roll and the sort of responsive turn-in you'd expect from a warm hatch rather than softroader. The steering, while rather lifeless, is consistently weighted.

There is little of the floatiness or imprecise feel most all-wheel drives exhibit. Even quick changes of direction at pace failed to catch the car out. In this respect, the Tiguan is closer in feel to BMW's X3, than say Honda's CRV.

Fuel economy in conditions which range from bumper to bumper (Budapestians are crazy behind the wheel!) to 160km/h sprints on the autobahn, was a commendable 8.6lt/100km. Expect sixes to be possible in normal use.

Alas our ability to sample the Tiguan offroad was very limited -- a few man-made obstacles at the halfway point in our drive route. Truth be known you could have driven a Golf GTI round most of the course, but it did give an indication of the Tiguan's wheel articulation (not all that flash) and brake traction control and all-wheel drive system (promising!).

We'll need a much more comprehensive and uncrowded drive in the Tiguan to be able to offer any fuller impression, but at this stage it gets a qualified thumbs up.

The car looks great, is beautifully built and has the potential to take markets like Oz by storm. As we said in the intro -- you're looking at the car that could very quickly become one of Australia's favourite Volkswagens.

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