DRIVEN: New Volkswagen Tiguan has been refreshed in all the right places
Volkswagen have lifted the lid of the new Tiguan now in its third generation, having seen the light for the first time in 2007.
Since then it has become their best selling SUV with more than 7.4-million sold and since its introduction to the local market in 2009 more than 41,000 of them have found homes.
It’s a whole new package and whereas the model it replaces was boxy with some sharp angles the new one has more curves and smoother lines.
As a result of the more aggressive front end with integrated LED headlights, a glass covered horizontal bar with an integrated LED strip that replaces the radiator grill, the drag coefficient has improved from 0.33 to 0.28.
A new horizontal LED strip between the tail lights dominates the rear.
It’s 30mm longer which has allowed them to increase the luggage compartment by 37 litres to 652 litres.
The interior has been completely redesigned and sports an integrated digital cockpit.
The instrument panel at 260mm has an anti-reflective coating which works well as we found out in the hot Karoo sun during the launch drive which can be set to Classic, Progressive, Navigation or R-line.
The dash is dominated by a 12.9-inch infotainment screen (you can also opt for a 15-inch screen) fitted with VW’s MIB4 system that has been completely redesigned. VW say it was done to make operation simple, self-explanatory and customisable and here they are spot on.
The graphics are crisp and clear and as an owner you should have no trouble getting the hang of it and adjusting it to your preferences.
New to is a multifunction stalk gear shift on the steering column which initially felt a bit clumsy but like Mercedes-Benz, you quickly get used to it.
As we’ve become accustomed to with VW the interior has quality fixtures and fittings combined with exceptional fitment.
The new Tiguan is fitted with ergoActive Plus leather seats with pneumatic four-way lumbar adjustment and a pneumatic 10-chamber pressure massage function as standard on the R-Line derivative and optional for the Life version.
Another significant and welcome change are the buttons on the steering. Gone are the touch and sliding buttons that irritated so many users and we now have actual buttons that can be adjusted much easier.
There will be three engine variations and if the numbers look less, it’s because our fuel quality has continued to deteriorate with the closure of most of our refineries and the government's lack of urgency to resolve the issue.
There’s the familiar 1.4-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine with 110kW and 250Nm powering the entry level Tiguan available in November as well as the 1.4 TSI Life, available now, fitted with a seven-speed DSG gearbox driving the front wheels.
Upping the ante is the 2.0 TSI R-Line 4motion with all wheel drive and 140kW.
Diesel, always popular in South Africa, hasn’t been forgotten.There’s the Life version and the R-Line with all wheel drive and an engine that delivers 110kW and 340Nm, down 20kW thanks to said fuel issue.
On a long drive from Gqeberha to Graff Renette we got to experience the full comfort of the Tiguan.
While the power figures may not look that impressive it’s ample for what the Tiguan is designed for. The engine doesn’t mind getting into the higher rev range when passing slower traffic and the DSG gearbox moves up and down effortlessly.
The suspension is a bit on the firm side but not intrusive over some badly scarred roads and I reckon loaded with passengers and luggage it will be close to perfect.
Inside it’s quiet and comfortable with virtually no wind noise and only the slight rumble of the tyres over corrugated stretches of tar.
Around sweeping bends the chassis combines well with the suspension with little body roll even at the national speed limit.
The brakes are also very effective as we found out when a truck decided to pull out infront of us as we were about to pass.
Safety wise the Tiguan is fitted with VW’s IQ.Drive including Park Assist Plus that allows the system to aid with parallel and bay parking.
It’s a long list of technology that will keep you safe when things go awry that includes lane assistance, trailer assist, side assist with rear traffic alert and exit warning system, proactive occupant protection system and adaptive cruise control.
Volkswagen have also added three new colours with Persimmon Red Metallic, Cipressino Green Metallic, and Oyster Silver Metallic.
The new VW Tiguan has been refreshed in all the right places and provides a decent package that they have priced very competitively, especially the Tiguan variant that provides everything you need and then some with quality German surroundings.
It comes with a three-year/120,000km warranty, five-year/90,000km service plan including a 12 year anti corrosion warranty.
Volkswagen Tiguan Pricing (September 2024)
- Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R651,500
- Tiguan Life 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R702,800
- Tiguan R-Line 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R766,300
- Tiguan Life 2.0 TDI 110kW 4M DSG: R755,700
- Tiguan 2.0 R-Line TDI 110kW 4M DSG: R834,800