Volkswagen Tiguan 2008 Review

What we liked
>> Smooth diesel, with either manual or auto
>> Comfortable ride; nimble handling
>> Price, packaging

Overall rating: 3.5/5.0
Engine/Drivetrain/Chassis: 3.5/5.0
Price, Packaging and Practicality: 3.5/5.0
Safety: 3.5/5.0
Behind the wheel: 3.5/5.0
X-factor: 3.5/5.0

About our ratings

OVERVIEW
For various reasons Volkswagen has decided it's important to enter the global compact SUV market -- but it's especially important to VW Australia. Currently, the country's tenth-selling brand, managing director Jutta Dierks believes VW's introduction of a compact SUV in the local market is crucial for the company to "be a major player in Australia".

Dominated by the Japanese, the compact SUV segment enjoys best sales of all the 4x4 market and in Australia the offroad segment is showing no signs of downturn. Indeed, VW Australia expects the entry of a European manufacturer (finally!) will shake-up the market, and with an affordable diesel option onboard, the company predicts the Tiguan will follow the Golf model's success story and become the brand's second-best-selling model.

With some minor qualifications, we love the Touareg (more here) so it stands to reason we'd like its baby brother, Tiguan. VW does premium offroading well, but if you haven't been introduced to the Touareg and you're merely in the market for a capable compact SUV...

PRICE AND EQUIPMENT
Volkswagen's first compact SUV will be offered to Australians buyers initially with a diesel option, followed later this year by two petrol versions.

The Tiguan line-up leads with the 2.0-litre four-cylinder TDI turbodiesel, rated at 103kW/320Nm. Priced at $35,990, the diesel Tiguan comes with a six-speed manual, or six-speed automatic (not DSG!) for an extra $2300.

The entry petrol model, with VW's 2.0 TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine, starts at $33,990 for the six-speed manual version or $38,290 for the auto. The 2.0 TSI unit is good for 125kW/280Nm.

Topping the range at $42,990, the 147kW/280Nm 2.0 TSI option is available with six-speed automatic only, but it features Tiptronic self-shift as standard. Tiptronic can also be ordered for the other auto-equipped models.

Standard-fit equipment includes 16-inch wheels (for the TDI and 125kW TSI; 17s for the 147kW TSI), roof rails, aircon with dust and pollen filter, cruise control, leather-trimmed gearknob and multi-function (with trip computer functions) steering wheel, MP3-compatible CD player, auxiliary input socket, 12-volt sockets front and rear, and cargo tie-down hooks.

Leather-trim (with electrically-adjustable driver's seat) for the diesel and entry petrol model is pricey at $3990. Fortunately, the standard cloth trim is stylish and looks hard-wearing.

The Tiguan is offered with some clever options including a touch-screen sat-nav system with 30GB hard drive and SD card slot, park assist and parallel parking assistance.

We used the parallel parking feature during the Tiguan's local launch and while it will take new owners some familiarity -- including becoming adjusted to letting the system briefly take over operation of the steering wheel -- it indicates the car's dimensions when sizing-up tight spots and can be easily switched to assist parking from the left-hand side in one-way streets.

Only the upcoming 147kW Tiguan comes with rear park assist as standard. The TDI and 125kW TSI can be ordered with front and rear sensors, for $1390. A reversing camera comes by way of the sat-nav 'RNS510' upgrade, for $3490.

VW says the 2.0 TDI diesel offered in the as-tested Tiguan already meets Euro V emissions standards, which do not come into effect until 2009. The common-rail unit, codenamed E888, is lighter, quieter and smoother than the previous EA113 Pumpe-Düse version, incorporating a maintenance-free timing chain and gear-driven balancer shaft.

Tiguan is equipped with VW's 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, incorporating a latest-generation Haldex clutch which the maker claims is virtually slip free. Drive is largely up-front unless the system detects traction loss, sending it rearward. For more on the Tiguan's running gear, check out our international launch review here.

The Tiguan implements parts of the Golf and Passat platforms. It gets the Golf model's MacPherson strut front end and electro-mechanical power rack and pinion steering, and an uprated all-wheel-drive compatible version of the Passat's fully-independent four-link rear suspension.

Brakes are four wheel discs (312mm vented units up front and 286mm solid discs at the rear), implementing a multi-function ABS system which includes brake assist and electronic brakeforce distribution.

The standard-fit electronic park brake includes an auto-hold function but hill descent control comes by way of an optional offroad package -- see below. The package includes ABS adaptation which VW says helps provide better braking on loose surfaces, and gear-level selection assistance (auto models) for optimal use of engine braking.

Being without real low range, VW has engineered the six-speed manual's powertrain calibration and gearing to 'drive' at 1000rpm. With a vehicle speed of just 6.69km/h this "practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox", says the maker.

PACKAGING
Unlike overseas models (see above link), Tiguan will be initially offered in Australia in its most road-going guise with 18-degree approach angle, and without the Trend&Fun, Sport&Style or Track&Field's tags or spec distinctions.

VW Australia says the Track&Field offroader version with short front bumper and 28-degree approach angle, and perhaps a two-wheel-drive model will be offered to local buyers later.

In the meantime an 'offroad' package is available for around $300, including hill descent control, a compass in the multi-function display and tyre pressure indicator. The offroad features are accessed via a console-mounted switch and provide assistance such as throttle regulation and gear level pre-selection for best engine braking.

As offered here in a more conventional (for the segment) softroad version, VW Australia has done well to combine the must-haves among the aforementioned spec levels available overseas into a simplified line-up for local buyers, with options list to make amends elsewhere.

At its best as a useful wagon, Tiguan can be ordered with cargo conveniences including luggage nets, plastic boot tub and various recreational requirements such as lockable roof-mounted holders for kayaks, bikes and skis or snowboards. Roof load with conventional crossbar support is 100kg.

Tiguan measures a comparatively short 4427mm and is one of the slimmer in the segment at 1809mm overall width, and 2604mm wheelbase.

With all seats in use the Tiguan offers 395 litres cargo space, which isn't as good as segment star Forester (450 litres). Somewhat better with seats down, Tiguan has a maximum 1510 litre, or 1679mm, space, and claims fold-flat convenience by incorporating gap covers to bridge space between the cargo floor and folded seat.

Tiguan's towing capacity is as good as X-TRAIL's and Freelander II (with brakes), at 2000kg (braked). Tiguan can cope with the full mandated limit of 750kg unbraked -- unlike some of its competitors.

In terms of offroad ability, Tiguan's ground clearance is quite useful at 195mm with 20-degree breakover angle. As mentioned the approach angle for the non-Track&Field Tiguan is 18 degrees but the departure angle is 25 degrees which is at the very least comparable to X-TRAIL and RAV4. With specs like these it's not hard to imagine the short-nosed version would make for a tempting option among local offerings.

Considering it could be a new favourite as a rural runabout, it's a shame foglights are optional-fit (for $390), and unequipped models are left with odd-looking blanks in the front bumper where they're meant to be.

SAFETY
The Tiguan was awarded five stars for occupant safety by EuroNCAP before being released for sale. In addition to EuroNCAP's full marks for adult occupant safety, the Tiguan earned four of a possible five-star rating for child protection (tested with ISOFIX child-seat fixtures), and two stars (of four) for pedestrian safety.

Standard-fit safety equipment includes six airbags (driver and front passenger airbags; driver and front passenger side airbags and curtain airbags, front and rear), stability program and ABS with brake assist features, as mentioned under 'Mechanical'.

All passengers get three-point seat belts and front the passenger seats have pre-tensioner type belts and safety optimised head restraints.

Along with the recently (internationally) launched Renault Koleos (more here), the Tiguan will serve to put some of its oriental competition on notice in terms of safety 'must-haves' in this category.

COMPETITORS
VW Australia identifies four key players in the Compact SUV segment as rivals for Tiguan: Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Nissan X-TRAIL -- themselves comprising around 60 per cent of the local C-SUV market.

Self-proclaimed creator of the segment Subaru (with Forester) shares best sales in the market with Toyota's RAV4. Interestingly, VW Australia doesn't list the noteworthy Mitsubishi Outlander, which also enjoys good sales and can be ordered at Euro-level Luxury spec, or Suzuki Grand Vitara which offers low-range 4x4.

VW joins Kia (with Sportage), SsangYong (Actyon) and presumably (come October) Renault Koleos, with a diesel option at the affordable end of the segment. On the other hand, Land Rover's Td4 Freelander II starts at over $50K. Along with the Renault, if Peugeot and Citroen decide to bring their Outlander-based turbodiesel models into the market, VW might not have things its own way.

At the performance end of the spectrum, the Golf GTI-engined Tiguan 147 TSI could conceivably be shopped against the likes of Mazda's CX-7. This segment is nothing if not diverse.

Perhaps the only thing preventing the Tiguan from being the new segment star in Australia is its popularity elsewhere. Production for the small SUV at VW's Wolfsburg plant is currently 150,000 per annum and the company admits supply is constrained, with VW in receipt of 60,000 orders in Europe alone.

VW Australia currently has 750 diesel cars available for local buyers and is taking orders for the petrol-engined models now. This number is a long way short of the 5000-plus units per annum VW insiders hope to sell in the medium term.

Considering it's no more offroader than robust wagon, its on-road composure is suited to the school run or holiday cruise, and is better than some of its more utilitarian rivals like X-TRAIL, with the usual SUV traits like wind and tyre noise well suppressed.

The optional 18-inch wheels exposed more coarseness from the road; able to be heard over potholes and the like, and at times felt through the steering which is otherwise well 'monitored' and does not allow harsh kickback.

Ride for both (standard or optional wheel-shod) versions borders on firm but it's absorptive enough for most conditions including gravel tracks and makes Tiguan a decent handler when pushed through twisties.

Tiguan has good grip and balance in bends, and body roll is minimal. It's taller than the likes of X-TRAIL and X3, and closer to CR-V in height despite its rather stocky stance.

Although giving away precious centimetres in wheelbase against the segment stalwarts, cabin space for passengers remains decent, front and rear. Legroom is especially good up front and the adjustable bench allows (a little) more space for rear passengers, however, shoulder room for any more than two adults is at a premium. On the plus-side, seating all 'round is full-sized and firm but comfortable.

Buyers of all ages will appreciate the ease of ingress and egress. This is a car with a seat height (H-point) which seems to suit all. Access to rear quarters is also particularly good, helped by large, wide doors.

The rear hatch is unaided (without electric open-close) but it's light and easy to use. Access to the relatively abbreviated cargo space is from a conveniently low level.

Tiguan has some nominal underfloor storage -- around the space saver. Considering the lack of loadspace and the fact there's no full-size spare, it's nowhere-near useful or as clever as X-TRAIL's offering, for example, with its sliding drawer arrangement and generous underfloor space.

Vision rearward is inhibited somewhat by the smallish rear side windows and hefty D-pillar -- much the same as its big brother Touareg. It's also difficult to see low-down objects over the Tiguan's high nose. Park assist (if not the fancy reversing camera system), for both front and rear will be worthwhile for shorter drivers.

The Tiguan's turbodiesel engine is quiet and barely discernible as an oiler from within the cabin, and as for frugal: we saw mid-6Ls for most of the drive program.

It's probably the best-of-breed among the small diesels we've enjoyed lately. All offer good low and midrange torque but VW's new TDI is closest to a petrol engine for its prompt and all but lag-free delivery.

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