Volkswagen

Friday, 10th of October 2008

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Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140 4Motion S road test report

2.0 TDI 140 4Motion S

The Tiguan has entered a jam-packed and competitive market but will probably still do well, mainly due to the desirable Volkswagen badge. It doesn’t offer anything dissimilar from the already recognized and thriving competition.

Performance

Volkswagen's 2.0 litre diesel engine was powerful and the performance was good if sometimes slightly weak. The Tiguan is also available in with the 1.4 TFSI but this engine does not pack enough punch for an SUV of this size. The Tiguan achieved 60 miles per hour in only 10 seconds, thanks to the turbocharger plus supercharger combo. Unfortunately the engine is noisy, with a brusque quality that is far too intrusive. The good news is that more powerful engines will be available in 2008.

Ride & Handling

The Tiguan is responsive, the steering and body control both agile. The ride is rather hard though, restless in towns and rough on the motorways. The Tiguan's handling is pretty good but the Honda CR-V is more enjoyable. The brakes are excellent, to stop a car that weighs one and a quarter tonnes in less than 50 metres is highly impressive. The fuel economy is listed at 39.2 miles to the gallon but in our road test we averaged 32.

Build Quality & Reliability

The cabin is tremendous, well designed and beautifully finished sowing Volkswagen’s characteristic high standards of build quality. It does, however, bear more than a passing similarity to the Golf or Passat. Reliability can be taken almost for granted.

Safety & Security

Four-wheel drive, six airbags, stability control, alarm and emergency brake assist come as standard. The Tiguan received EuroNCAP’s full five stars in crash tests which is one more than many of its SUV rivals, including the new Honda CR-V, Mitsubishi Outlander and Toyota Rav4.

Space & Practicality

The Tiguan is greater in height, width and length than the Volkswagen Touran and is graciously roomy. Leg, shoulder and head room, in both the front and rear, are all outstanding. The Tiguan will comfortably fit two people in the back but three may be a tight fit. The boot is a generous (1,510 litres with the rear seats folded) and bigger than the Toyota Rav4’s but smaller than the Land Rover Freelander’s.

Ownership & Value

The Tiguan in not inexpensive but other friendly running costs should balance out the initial cost price. The two-litre TDI engine is frugal plus the VW badge will take care of the residuals.

Submitted: 21/05/2008 14:25:20

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