Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan is a crossover SUV produced by Volkswagen. It’s quite popular worldwide but it’s yet to mark its presence on our Indian roads. However, the 2013 variant of Tiguan may soon be launched in India. Let’s check out more about this new SUV in detail.

Exterior

Tiguan borrows styling cues from its elder sibling, Touareg which is certainly an advantage for this SUV. The daytime running LED stripes look fantastic in its edgy headlights. The twin layered chrome finished front grille comes with a big VW logo at its center which makes it a typical VW car. The restyled bumper now features sharp lines and new surrounds for its round shaped fog lights which make it look aerodynamic when seen from the front. The black cladding all around this car adds to the sporty character of Tiguan. The wide bonnet merges nicely into its front windshield which takes you to the top of this SUV. The silver finished roof rails, large doors and 19 inches alloy wheels gives macho look to Tiguan. The horizontally placed long tail lights of Tiguan go well with its compact rear look. There is no spare wheel mounted on its boot gate similar to its elder sibling and comes with an integrated rear spoiler and wiper. The black colored lower section of its rear bumper reduces the visual bulk from this SUV.

Interior

The dual tone interiors of Tiguan give you the luxurious feel inside its cabin. The airy cabin can easily occupy five adults. There are enough amounts of leg room, shoulder room and head room in this SUV. The silver finishing on door trims complements the dual tone color scheme inside. The top quality of leather and fabrics also make it feel much premium than its segment. The wide seats of Tiguan give you proper under thigh and back support. The leather stitched steering wheel also feels quite soft to touch. VW also offers a big sun-roof in Tiguan which makes it look up-market.

Comfort and Convenience

Tiguan comes with comfort features like power windows, electrically adjustable front seats, ORVMs, leather seats with rear centre armrest, Dual zone automatic climate control, keyless entry with star/stop button and much more.

Dashboard and Storage

The dual tone dashboard of Tiguan is made of premium quality of plastic and feels quite soft to touch. The buttons placed on its central console are very easy to use and add premium touch to this car. The round shaped dials in its instrument console look attractive with its round shaped AC vents. Tiguan features cup holders in its floor console and rear centre arm rest. The roomy door pockets can also be used frequently. The dashboard of Tiguan comes with an integrated air-cooled lockable glove box which can carry your essentials. With its flat floor foldable seats, you get a lot of cargo space in Tiguan.

Music System

The central console of Tiguan features a touch screen audio system with powerful speakers. It’s a 6CD changer which plays radio/MP3/MP4 and comes with SD card reader. The MDI with iPod gives you easy connectivity with the car. The touch screen navigation system and Bluetooth connectivity with voice command activation are also some of its vital features. Audio and Bluetooth controls are mounted on its three spoke steering wheel.

Engine and Gearbox

It’s still not clear if Tiguan makes its way to India then what will be the engine options but as speculated, this SUV may be launched with two different engines, one each of petrol and diesel. The turbo charged 2.0L 4-cylinders petrol engine is likely to produce a peak power of 170 bhp at 6000 rpm. The torque output of this liquid-cooled DOHC engine is of 285 Nm which ranges from 1700-5000 rpm. The diesel unit is also 2.L TDI 4-cylinders engine which generates a maximum power output of 170 bhp at 4200 rpm. The utmost torque output of this 16valves engine is of 356 Nm which starts coming at 1750 rpm. These both engines will be available with a six-speed manual as well as automatic transmission.

Acceleration and Performance

Both engines of Tiguan are very powerful and refined. The light weight of Tiguan also improves its performance significantly. The impressive power to weight ratio help the petrol version to reach 0-100km/hr in less than 8 seconds whereas the diesel version takes only 9.5 seconds to reach the speed of 100km/hr from standstill. The automatic variants are slightly faster than the manual variants. Both engines of Tiguan have the potential to cross the speed mark of 200km/hr.

Mileage and Safety Features

Fuel figures are not out yet. Tiguan comes loaded with safety features like six airbags, ESC, park assist and intelligent crash response system.

Suspension and Brakes

Tiguan features independent suspension system at its both ends which adjusts itself as per the conditions. Tiguan is equipped with electromechanical parking brake and disc brakes on all wheels. It also features ABS with EBD and brake assist.

Ride and Handling

Tiguan has a wheelbase of 2603mm which along with its independent suspension system and wide tyres provide firm grip to this SUV around corners. There is minimal body roll around corners which further gets reduced with all-wheel drive system. The all-around visibility and short overhangs makes it easy for you to handle it in city traffic. The high ground clearance and all-wheel drive system also makes it a good off road vehicle. The light handling plays a vital role while off roading and in city conditions. The braking system also provides you precise braking which is quite useful while driving in city traffic.

Shades, Variants and Warranty

Shades, variants and warranty are yet to be disclosed.

Verdict

Tiguan is a very impressive SUV from VW which completely justifies the brand’s high reputation. If Tiguan makes its way to India then its biggest competitors will be Toyota Fortuner, Chevrolet Captiva and Ford Endeavour. Tiguan seems to have everything what it takes to give a tough competition to these established players and if priced competitively, then we certainly feel it will be a complete value for money car.