Volkswagen Tiguan
FIRST DRIVE Verdict on potent top-spec twin-turbo SUV
Bi-turbo diesel engine for new SUV, but at a price
VOLKSWAGEN’S Tiguan SUV has been on sale for a number of months now, and as models flood our roads, VW is looking to maintain interest by introducing a new, top-of-the-line 237bhp 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel to the range.
Alongside the hefty power output (and chunky £37,000 price tag), the twin-turbo motor serves up 500Nm of torque from just 1,750rpm. When paired with the standard seven-speed DSG auto’s launch control, the Tiguan covers 0-62mph in only 6.5 seconds.
That torque output means the extra performance over the 187bhp 2.0 TDI (which boasts 400Nm of torque) is more noticeable once the car is rolling. The gearbox swaps ratios smoothly, but with lots of mid-range punch, you don’t need to stamp on the throttle, which quickly causes the gearbox to kick down.
You can make smoother progress and overtake more easily in-gear by being gentle on the accelerator, while the quick steering means the Tiguan is surprisingly agile, given its high-riding crossover stance.
There’s lots of grip and not too much roll, although the chassis set-up does feel firmer than rivals’ as a result. It gives the Tiguan a composed feel in corners, and with VW’S 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system, fitted as standard here, you’ll rarely see the traction control light blinking under power.
There are drawbacks, however. Claimed efficiency stands at 44.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 167g/km. While that may not seem too bad, it’s poor compared with the 148bhp 2.0 TDI 4MOTION DSG auto’s figures of 49.6mpg and 149g/km. Go for a two-wheel-drive version of that car and this improves even further to 57.6mpg and 125g/km.
And this is the BITDI’S problem. While there’s no doubting the performance it serves up, it comes at quite a price – even on a monthly PCP deal.