#6 Volkswagen Tiguan - Overhauled feel, improved appeal

The Volkswagen Tiguan’s successful history was begun in 2008 during the International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt, Germany. At its launch the Tiguan was marketed as a smaller and alternative to the mighty Dakar Race conquering Touareg. To ensure that the VW crossover stands out from the other offerings it was christened Tiguan, a name that combined the words "tiger" and "iguana". The mammalian reptilian name may sound complicated but the crossover itself is not hard to comprehend. In fact the original Tiguan was made to be practical, simple to live with and also offer the best in luxury compared to other utilitarian offerings at that particular time. To Volkswagen amusement, the little four-door, five passenger Tiguan won the hearts of numerous buyers across the world, especially in Europe where it one of the bestselling compact crossovers.

All-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Time has now come to replace the aging Tiguan with an all new model that promises to improve on the old model’s weaknesses while still retaining the great qualities that have made it a popular choice among buyers. The all-new second generation Tiguan has been completely overhauled compared to the outgoing model. For starters the new Tiguan will be now available with a long wheelbase version for those who prefer more space for the rear seats. The body proportions have also been improved thanks to Volkswagen’s MQB platform.

First generation Tiguan in R-Line guise 

Looks

The front end of the Volkswagen Tiguan features a wider look. This is attributable to an actual increase in physical width plus the visual effect created by the radiator grille and headlights, which are aligned horizontally. A chrome strip runs across the front of the car above the headlights. Above the radiator grille and the headlights is the bonnet of the new Tiguan, which is now positioned much higher than that of the previous model. The bonnet also shoots toward the windscreen in a V-shape with precise and sharp lines.

Striking side with darken trims near the wheels

At the side of the Tiguan is a horizontal line, which extends over the entire silhouette of the Tiguan. The door handles are seamlessly positioned on the horizontal line. The lower line emphasises the sculpturally flared and powerful looking wheel arches. The side mirrors are mounted just beneath the A-pillar to improve the crossover’s aerodynamic qualities and also reduce wind noise.  The lowest section of the side body is dominated by black area that wraps around the vehicle. Also finished in this colour are rugged plastic trim add-ons of the wheel arches. A chrome trim strip separates the surfaces painted in body colour and those in black on the Tiguan’s sides.

Long wheelbase version with R-Line trim 

At the rear a horizontal line brings out the design of the standard LED rear lights in an extremely precise and sharp manner. Beneath the two-part tail lights is the boot lid, which extends far to the sides. The maximum width of the boot lid opening has been increased compared to the previous model. Below this trim are an anthracite-colouredarea and the integrated granite grey metallic diffuser. Viewed from the rear, it is clear that the rear pillar is drawn in slightly to give the Tiguan’s rear a coupe like look.

All-new Tiguan with R-Line trim 

Performance

Behind the restyled nose of the all-new Tiguan is a host of eight engines to suit different markets across the world. Volkswagen provides a turbocharger, direct injection, stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. The four petrol engines (TSI) produce 92kW (123hp), 110kW (147hp), 132kW (177hp) and 162 kW (217hp) of power. The four diesel engines (TDI) produce 85 kW (113hp), 110 kW (147hp), 140 kW (187hp) and 176 kW (236hp) of power. The base engines will feature on front-wheel drive versions of the Tiguan. All of the other Tiguan versions will come with either all-wheel drive either as an option or as standard.  

Cockpit 

Interior

The interior of the Volkswagen Tiguan has been styled to reflect the crossover’s sporty credentials. Fitting into this picture is the consistently driver-oriented dashboard. The central part of the dashboard features the instrument cluster and the 12.3-inch infotainment system are angled toward the driver. Beneath the infotainment system is the sporty centre console with climate controls, which is also angled toward the driver. The centre console itself is dominated by an array of buttons that are laid out around the elevated position of the gear lever. The interplay of the dash panel, centre console and door panels creates a remarkable cockpit ambience for the driver and front passenger. The three passengers in the rear seating area have more knee room. The size of the boot has also increased. The new model offers 145 litres more cargo capacity. The reclining angle of the seat backrest can also be adjusted. When the rear bench is folded, this results in a boot volume of 1,655 litres.

Wider rear with distinct LED taillights 

Conclusion

Volkswagen has done a great job with the new Tiguan. The all-new crossover is now more beautiful, classier, sporty and striking compared to the outgoing models. The powertrains are also now more efficient and powerful compared to the ones for the outgoing model. The once cute baby Volkswagen Touareg is finally all grown up and classier than it has ever been.