Tiguan a sizably American bargain
Ever since it established the market for imported cars in the United States with the Volkswagen Beetle nearly 60 years ago, Volkswagen has struggled to understand the American market. That impression was reinforced by a longtime VW dealer who told me that it seemed that Volkswagen didn’t understand Americans — or want to.
But that was a decade ago, and in the time since, VW has finally accepted the American motto “Go big or go home.”
It can be seen in the second- generation Volkswagen Tiguan, introduced for 2018 and a far cry from its Lilliputian predecessor, one that was too small and too European to garner much appreciation stateside. While that smaller version is still sold elsewhere, in the States we get a longer version with a diminutive third row sold in Europe as the Tiguan Allspace and in China as the Tiguan L.
But maybe America is onto something. Worldwide, 55 percent of all Tiguans are the larger model. And it’s not only Europe’s bestselling SUV but also the most popular model in the Volkswagen Group.
Returning for 2021 in five ascending trims — S, SE, SE R- Line Black, SEL and SEL Premium R- Line — the Tiguan is about 10 inches shorter and 6 inches narrower than the Atlas CrossSport, but 9 inches longer than the short- wheelbase Tiguan sold overseas.
The Tiguan’s popularity is easy to understand. It remains one of
the best- looking models in the segment, with a crisp, conservative demeanor that thankfully lacks the juvenile styling flourishes common in the segment, which means it will still look great years from now.
The 2021 Tiguan receives minor trim updates, with
S and SE models wearing new 17- inch aluminum- alloy wheels. SE models get new driver- assistance features including standard Adaptive Cruise Control and an upgraded infotainment system. The SEL Premium R- Line model now has a standard power passenger seat.
Still, the different trim levels differ mainly in standard equipment.
Unless you prefer living a life of austerity or are budget constrained, skip the Tiguan S and opt for the SE. For an additional $ 2,150, you get dual- zone automatic climate control, a leatherette- wrapped steering wheel, heated front leatherette seats, an 8- inch capacitive infotainment touchscreen, four USB ports, keyless access w/ push- button start, and wireless charging. A Panoramic sunroof is optional on the SE, standard on the SE R- Line Black, SEL, and SEL Premium R- Line. If you prefer to pimp out your Tiguan, opt for the SEL model. It commands an extra $ 5,150 over the SE, but adds such indulgent features as a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control, a panoramic sunroof, remote starting, a power liftgate, auto- dimming rearview mirror, and rain- sensing windshield wipers.
Designers looking for an easy- to- use user interface should look closely at Volkswagen’s Car- Net infotainment system. Again, VW ignored the urge to festoon the system with juvenile graphics, opting instead for clarity and ease of use. It easily links up to your smartphone, whatever its creed, and the large screen and buttons make it a cinch to use.
Interior ambience is classically Volkswagen, with a simple, stark functionality that works well but doesn’t belie its price in the way some its competitors do. But its unadventurous sobriety is a welcome relief from designs that make that your instrument panel look like a Nintendo refugee. It’s ridiculously easy to use.