A step up in function and style
After years of relative inaction, Volkswagen is moving full-speed ahead with a number of freshly minted products for the 2018 model year, including the second-generation Tiguan utility wagon.
It’s a potential big gainer for VW. The sheetmetal is more mainstream-oriented and could pass for any number of similar models from Asia- or North America-based automakers.
The previous-generation “Tig” fell between the cracks in terms of size, even though the base price was in the same ballpark as the high-volume Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Nissan Rogue, to name just a few competitors.
For the new design, VW has addressed the diminutive dimensions issue, and then some. Overall length has been increased by 27 centimetres, width by about 2.5 centimetres and the distance between the front and rear wheels by about 15 centimetres. Those measurements make the Tiguan the largest wagon in its class; it even has enough interior space to add a third-row seat. It’s optional for all models across the line. The Nissan Rogue and Mitsubishi Outlander are the only other vehicles in the compact-wagon class to offer a similar perch. In all cases, though, the back row is best left for kids and pets.
Stowage space with all three rows in use is greater than the Rogue’s, but despite the bigger size, the Tiguan’s maximum cargo volume aft of the front seats remains in the range of its chief competitors.
The previous Tiguan boasted best-in-class horsepower, but not anymore. The new turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder makes 184 horses, down 16. On the plus side, peak torque is up 14 pound-feet to 221.
The engine is backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission that has two more gears than the previous Tiguan.
Fuel consumption for front-wheel-drive models is estimated at 11.3 l/100 km in city driving, 8.8 on the highway and 10.1 in combined city/highway.
The optional fifth-generation 4Motion AWD system puts all available torque to the front wheels in normal driving, but when tire slip is detected the system determines the necessary front-to-rear and side-to-side torque splits.
The 4Motion’s active control modes allow adjustment of the transmission, steering and adaptive cruise control settings, according to driver preference and road conditions.
Tiguan pricing starts at $30,800 for the Trendline FWD model, including destination charges. Along with third-row seating, that fee gets you the basic necessities plus climate control, a 16.5-centimetre touchscreen, roof rails, electronic parking brake and a sliding, reclining and split-folding second-row bench.
The Comfortline AWD comes with an eight-way power adjustable driver’s seat, power-operated panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, 20-centimetre touchscreen plus a number of dynamic safety technologies that either prevent or reduce the severity of collisions.
The top-end Highline adds exterior chrome trim, navigation system, Fender-brand audio package, leather seat covers, power tailgate, front and rear parking assist and 18-inch wheels (17-inchers are standard). The Highline trim also includes a 31-centimetre display that allows the driver to customize the various gauges and info screens to his or her tastes and needs.
Although the latest Tiguan was not created specifically for the North American market, VW says the design was influenced by our preference for greater passenger and cargo spaciousness.
To that list you can also add a greater degree of competitiveness now that the sized-right Tiguan offers as much, if not more standard and available content to make compact wagon buyers stand up and take notice.
THE SPEC SHEET
Type: Four-door, front- /all-wheel-drive compact utility vehicle Engine (h.p.): 2.0-litre DOHC I-4, turbocharged (184) Transmission: Eight-speed automatic Market position: A step up in size for the Tiguan will allow it to compete more effectively with small and tall wagons such as the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Mazda CX-5 and Chevrolet Equinox. Points: Bigger, bolder styling is in line with others in its class. • Available third-row seating should be a major draw. • Torque-rich turbo four-cylinder isn’t as fuel-efficient as other models’ non-turbo base engines • Base MSRP is competitive, but adding AWD and extra luxury/safety items can quickly ratchet up price. • Definitely more appealing than before. Active safety: Blind-spot warning with cross-traffic alert (opt.); active cruise control (opt.); emergency braking (opt.); lane departure warning (opt.); pedestrian detection (opt.) Fuel economy, L/100 km (city/hwy) 11.3/8.8 (AWD) Base price (incl. destination) $30,800