FORMULA FOR SUCCESS
Volkswagen’s new famiily favourite doesn’t stray too far from its roots
There’s a changing of the guard happening at Volkswagen. For decades the Golf has been the lifeblood of the brand, but executives predict the updated Tiguan SUV will take over that mantle this year.
“Increasingly the Tiguan is the model with which Volkswagen is becoming synonymous,” Volkswagen Australia managing director Michael Bartsch says.
No surprises there, given the relative sales trajectory of hatchbacks and SUVs. What is surprising, though, is the brand’s “if it ain’t broke” approach to its most important model.
The previous model Tiguan launched — and was our Car of the Year — in 2016 but this midlife update doesn’t have significant changes to its mechanical fundamentals.
Instead the refresh has focused on sharper styling, a more hi-tech cabin and better standard safety and driver assistance software.
The Tiguan will now follow the car in front in heavy traffic, slowing down, taking off and
staying within its lane without human intervention. If it senses a crash it will prepare the cabin for impact, closing the windows and sunroof and pre-tensioning the seatbelts to lessen the chances of whiplash. The good news is, despite the extra equipment, VW has kept price rises to a minimum.
The range now kicks off with the Life model, which replaces the previous Comfortline. At $39,690 it’s $200 more expensive than its predecessor, but the driver assistance package, which previously cost $1600, is now standard.
The cabin is also more luxurious and up-todate. A configurable digital display in front of the driver replaces the analog dials of the old model, while the tri-zone aircon is now controlled by a touch screen underneath the centre dash display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is hands-free operation of the tailgate.
The 1.4-litre turbo remains the standard engine. It’s matched to a six-speed dual-clutch auto and puts out a respectable 110kW and 250Nm. Those wanting all-wheel-drive and extra grunt can pay $4000 more for the 132TSI. It delivers a handy 132kW and 320Nm and its auto has an extra gear for highway cruising.
Continued next page