Volkswagen Tiguan. Eager and well equipped!

The Volkswagen Group is a giant of a car company, with an extensive range of models that cater for, well, pretty much everyone. And yet surprisingly, in a world where SUVs are becoming the default choice for every man and his dog, Volkswagen only offers a couple of SUVs. The first is the Touareg, a large luxury SUV that is basically a Porsche Cayenne underneath. The second is the more compact Tiguan, the latest version of which we’re featuring here.

1) What is it?

This is the all-new second-generation Tiguan, completely revamped from its predecessor. The first model had a surprisingly long shelf life, staying in production for nine years (2007-2016) with an extensive facelift roughly midway through in 2011. This latest version though shares little with the car it replaces. It sits on the modular MQB platform, shared with the latest Golf and other related models. This particular car is the 2.0-litre TSI model, with an engine straight out of a Golf GTI hot hatch. Exciting. 

2) What’s it like?

For starters, the new Tiguan feels a lot more advanced than the car it replaces. For this 2.0-litre model at least, the local Volkswagen dealer has decided to kit it out with a very long list of standard equipment and safety features. So for your money you get adaptive cruise control, park assistance (in almost all directions, even head-in) and collision assist, which can detect impending front collisions and warn you, or even brake for you if necessary.

The 2.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine puts out a handy 220bhp and 350Nm of torque, which gives it some pretty impressive acceleration chops. 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds, and when you put your foot down the Tiguan shoots forward like an overeager mum rushing towards her beloved child after school at the gates. Handling is competent, thanks to the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system, but it’s still an SUV, so don’t expect the same kind of driving excitement as its Golf GTI stable mate.

3) Should I buy one?

As a compact SUV, the Tiguan makes for a pretty compelling package. In 2.0 TSI form, it is very well equipped, and is blessed with an engine that would delight any urban speed freak. As a Volkswagen you can also expect the usual Teutonic German qualities, and the Tiguan is also reasonably spacious and practical. As long as you don’t drive it like a sports car, the Tiguan makes a very good choice for the urban warrior.

For more car reviews and motoring tips, look out for regular posts in this series.

Budget Direct Insurance
No-Nonsense, money saving cover for your car