Volkswagen Tiguan mid-life update

Volkswagen's benchmark-setting Tiguan SUV has just come up for a refresh and the German company has needed to do more than tweak a proven formula.

While the styling revisions are all-but invisible apart from the new grille, headlights and environs, Volkswagen has given the Tiguan a number of mechanical and feature upgrades that certainly rate attention.

For starters there is a new, six-speed manual 118TSI model that makes it possible to order your Tiguan as a front-wheel drive vehicle. This version also features the twincharged 1.4-litre TSI engine seen elsewhere in the Volkswagen range and brings the entry Tiguan price below $30,000 for the first time.

Volkswagen Tiguan price list

118TSI  6 Speed Manual  $28,490
132TSI  6 Speed Manual  $33,490
132TSI  7 Speed DSG  $35,990
103TDI  6 Speed Manual  $35,990
103TDI  7 Speed DSG  $38,490
155TSI  7 Speed DSG  $42,990

Other than the below-$30,000 entry-level 118TSI, Tiguan pricing has been lifted slightly on all models except the top of the range 155TSI which remains stable at $42,990.

The 118TSI's manual-only status will change in 2012 when a DSG will become available.

The Tiguan now gains BlueMotion technology, but only with the new 118TSI and the ongoing 103TDI turbodiesel models. This includes Start/Stop, Brake Energy Recuperation and, on 103TDI engines with DSG transmission only, VW's Coasting Function.

While these features improve performance, fuel efficiency and CO2 emissions in the 103TDI, the turbodiesel's 2.0-litre engine remains in essentially the same state of tune, with 103kW and 320Nm of torque.

Not so for the two 2.0-litre petrol engines, which both gain power uplifts that qualify a designation change: from 125TSI to 132TSI and from 147TSI to 155TSI.

As the titles suggest, power outputs jump respectively from 125kW to 132kW and from 147kW to 155kW, although torque outputs are unchanged at 280Nm for both versions.

The overall picture is one of slightly improved on-road performance across the board, with the DSG-equipped front-drive 118TSI closing in on the 103TDI turbodiesel in terms of fuel consumption and edging it aside slightly (the DSG transmission 103TDI) on CO2 emissions.

The 2.0-litre petrol models are a tad faster but no more economical than before.

Other inclusions that once cost extra include Bluetooth, which is now standard across the range, and a Media Device Interface, complete with USB cable, in the centre console.

Options to be ticked include VW's auto-parking Park Assist 2 system, Adaptive Chassis Control and satellite navigation.

As for the styling changes, the Tiguan now steps into line with the rest of the VW range by presenting a more conservative, horizontally-oriented grille and, when bi-Xenon headlights are fitted, the obligatory line of LEDs integrated into the lenses.

At the tail end of the small SUV, it's time to call in your favourite train spotter. The tail lights are the only real change, boasting "new two-part light clusters" and a "horizontal geometry" at the "lower border of the lights." Everything else, from bumper to license plate location, is as before, which is probably good news for existing Tiguan owners who don't want to be seen as passé.

Presentation inside the new Tiguan is pretty much the same, apart from items such as the new USB connection. The story is essentially unchanged with a nicely-finished, serviceable interior that looks after passengers, in terms of space, better than luggage. Although this can be partly compensated by a sliding rear seat that opens up the luggage area at the expense of rear-seat legroom.

A space-saver spare resides beneath the luggage compartment floor.

Airbags number six – dual front, front side and side curtain – the front seats are designed to minimise whiplash injuries and the list of active electronic safety assistance technology includes ABS, Auto Hold function, Brake Assist and Electronic brake-pressure Distribution (EBD),  Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Electronic Differential Lock (EDL),  Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) and Engine Braking Control (EBC).

Standard equipment in all models except the 155TSI includes 16-inch alloy wheels, black roof rails, heated and powered exterior mirrors, cruise control, eight-speaker audio with MP3 compatible CD player, air-conditioning, multi-function steering wheel, centre storage bin with adjustable armrest and 60-40 split-fold rear seats with recline-adjustable backrests.

The top of the range 155TSI adds 17-inch alloy wheels, standard seven-speed DSG transmission, Fatigue Detection, extra splashes of chrome on the roof rails and side window surrounds, front sports seats, low tyre pressure indicator, rear parking sensors, auto windscreen wipers, touch screen audio controls with six-disc CD player, under-seat front storage drawers, dual-zone climate control, auto-dimming rearview mirrors, auto headlights and static cornering lights. It gets so-called fog lights too.

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