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Volkswagen Tiguan Review – A Suave German Crossover!

Volkswagen Tiguan Design Review

With a 5-star rating from global NCAP and a rock-solid build quality, Tiguan is a good option in the entry level premium SUV space.

Steering away from the thickly packed Bengaluru roads to a closely situated weekend getaway, ‘Chikmagalur’ in a Volkswagen Tiguan, we got an up-close experience of the new model in the entry level premium SUV space, that launched recently in India. After galore speculations, Volkswagen eventually launched Tiguan in India. Biting the dust in this space with Touareg, the carmaker was a bit hesitant to bring Tiguan to India, albeit the ever-rising demand for SUVs compelled the German conglomerate to change its mind.

Available with a single diesel engine in Comfortline and Highline grades priced at Rs 27.68 lakh and Rs 31 lakh respectively, Tiguan is a five-seater vehicle that takes larger 7-seat models like Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour in its radar. As claimed by VW, Tiguan is an entry-level SUV with a host of segment best tech. We find out in our review what makes Tiguan stand apart competitors and how does it drive? Read Comparison – Jeep Compass Vs Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan Video Review in Hindi

What’s on the outside?

Built on VW’s MQB platform used in its global products by Skoda, Audi and VW, the new Tiguan sports a classy design. As they say, ‘less is more’, the new Tiguan with a simple yet premium design appears elegant and chic. The use of chrome on the SUV gives it a sleek look. Up front, the chrome grille gets two sleek slats, that works well for it. It additionally gets chrome treated air-dams on the front bumper. The use of LED units in the headlamps, fog lamps and daytime running lights further enhance its visual appeal.

View from the side is engaging with sharp creases, supporting lines and a prominent shoulder line that flows into the taillamps. The large wheel arches tuck in 18-inch alloys, save for the Comfortline trim that rides on the 17-inch alloy wheels. Photo Gallery – 8 Interesting Facts About All-New Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan Review

Despite a good design, the alloy wheels look a tad basic due to their colour that is available in silver or chrome. Other bits on the side include body cladding at the bottom and roof rails atop. Interestingly, the Highline trim gets self-sealing tyres with a gel that automatically seals the punctures.

Rear section is again simple yet classy. The Highline trim sports captivating LED taillamps and a sleek chrome strip above bumper. With these elements and a sleek look, Tiguan is essentially a contemporary European crossover as against the bulky SUVs. Clash of the SUVs – VW Tiguan Vs Fortuner Vs Endeavour

Volkswagen Tiguan Handling Review

What’s on the inside?

In tandem with other VW cars, the Tiguan too has a superior build quality and the quality of plastic used inside is top-notch too with maximum soft touches. The flat-bottomed steering wheel gets leather covering and mounted buttons for telephony, infotainment system and for controlling other smartphone functions. Furthermore, it can be adjusted reach wise as well as for height.

In terms of utility, the cabin offers multiple storage points including a glovebox in front, cup holders, front storage compartment and rear armrest with integrated cup holders. The 615-litre boot space offers generous room for storing luggage, however it can be further expanded to 1655-litres by folding the 60:40 split rear seats. In addition to the above features, the Tiguan packs a panoramic sunroof and an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink.

Volkswagen Tiguan Interior Review

The well-cushioned seats are wrapped with the premium Vienna leather and offer great comfort to the occupants. With generous legroom and thigh support the front seats are snug. The driver’s seat can be adjusted for height, additionally, the view from front is commanding. While the rear seats can easily seat three adults, it offers great legroom, thigh support and gets a centre armrest with integrated cup holders.  The rear occupants also get a picnic table for keeping a laptop or books and it also comes with an integrated cup holder.

With a 5-star rating from NCAP, Tiguan is one of the safest models with all primary features such as 6 airbags, ABS, ESC and active bonnet for pedestrian safety that rises by 3-inch within 22ms and reduces the risk of head injuries.

Volkswagen Tiguan Performance Review

Engine Specifications and Performance

It comes with a single 2.0-litre, TDI engine option with a power output of 143bhp and 340Nm. The carline misses out on the manual transmission, instead it gets VW’s 7-speed DSG automatic gearbox. Sitting at the top of the range, the Highline trim gets VW’s 4Motion All-Wheel-Drive system with four driving modes that are crafted to tackle different terrain and conditions. While we could not test the off-road abilities of the SUV, the low ground clearance of 149mm is likely to be a hindrance in the performance.

The 2.0-litre TDI engine is refined, but little noise is evident at idle and one can feel lag till 2000rpm. However, post that mark, the engine surprisingly becomes more refined and becomes easier to cruise. The new-age 7-speed DSG gearbox is smooth and finest in the category.

Volkswagen Tiguan Exterior Review

Slight lag is experienced during downshifting, while overtaking, albeit upshifting is smooth. Although, it lacks manual gearbox, the paddle shifters give an option to shift gears manually. The steering wheel is direct and sharp, one can have lots of fun with it. Tiguan’s low ground clearance maintains its poise at all speeds, with negligible body roll at corners.

Verdict

If you like German engineering and the European design excites you, Tiguan is the car you should buy. With a 5-star rating from global NCAP and a rock-solid build quality, Tiguan is a good option in the entry level premium SUV space. Although it competes with Audi Q3 and BMW X1 in the segment, its price positioning also brings in on par with seven-seat models like Toyota Fortuner and Ford Endeavour.

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