We’ve reviewed the all-new 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan, and you can check out the video below.
Every now and then an SUV comes along that motoring journalists describe as ‘car-like on the road’. This is because many SUVs are not. Some of them suffer from significant body roll and handle like a jelly on jelly wheels. Not the new Tiguan. This thing is crisp, taut, stable and is about as close as an SUV gets to feeling like it was built for a driver who likes to drive with passion.
Regardless of the terrain, you and your friends or family will be comfortable. It’s considerably larger and more spacious than the previous generation, and the interior is smart, stylish and modern. It’s loaded with features and represents great value for money. Set it up in Sport mode via the central touch screen and you’re in for a treat on the road. The accelerator becomes more responsive and the steering even sharper. Handling is superb.
There’s plenty of power from the refined, responsive two-litre turbodiesel, which puts out 110kW and an impressive 340Nm of torque. Kick down gear changes from the seven speed auto box are slick and acceleration at speed is effortless. This, coupled with superb fuel economy of just 5.6L/100km, makes you realise just how clever these modern European diesels are.
If you’re heading off the tarmac, you can select four different driving modes: Snow, Normal, Off-road and Off-road Individual, the latter simply allowing some custom settings to be altered as the driver sees fit. Off-road mode works really well, optimising the vehicle for the rougher stuff and switching on Hill Descent Assist. Permanent all-wheel drive is a real advantage when you own an SUV, with unsealed roads negotiated easily and comfortably. Large potholes, heavy corrugations and worse are all overcome with minimal fuss; this is part of what gives drivers of good SUVs the confidence to head out there and seek outdoor recreation, from skiing to surfcasting. Plus, the new Tiguan boasts a class-leading towing capacity of 2500kg, meaning you can get the trailer boat to the beach or boat ramp ready to launch.
The leather seats throughout are luxurious and there’s plenty of legroom. It’s a great size for an urban family – not too big and not too small. The luggage capacity of the auto-opening boot is excellent.
Well worth a test drive.
Specifications
VW Tiguan TDI Highline 4Motion
Engine: 2-litre, 4-cyl turbo diesel
Transmission: 7-speed auto
Power: 110kW
Torque: 340Nm@1750rpm
Wheels & Tyres: 215/65/17–255/40/20\
Kerbweight: 1598kg
Luggage capacity (litres): 615-1655
Towing capacity: 2500kg braked
Fuel economy: 5.6l/100km combined\
CO2: TBA
Price: $59,990 as at 14/10/2016
Equipment highlights
Driving mode select: Normal (plus Sport), Snow, Off-road
Lane assist, side assist, blind spot monitoring
Stability control
Hill descent assist
Driver personalisation\
Isofix
Fatigue detection
Reversing camera
