글
Volkswagen Tiguan S TDI
Escape from city life to give Volkswagen’s newest breed supreme test
The name of a new species of Volkswagen has its origins in the tiger and the iguana. With a pairing that would have intrigued Charles Darwin, the Tiguan is a crossbreed that combines the DNA signatures of an estate car, a hatchback and an off road-capable compact SUV.
Designed to bear a clear resemblance to its much bigger brother, the mighty Touareg, the 4MOTION all wheel-drive Tiguan comes late to a sector in which the Toyota RAV4 and Honda CR-V are firmly established. But VW regards that as no bad thing because the Tiguan offers a special off-road version called the Escape. Tiguan engine choice also includes a smooth 1.4litre TSI petrol engine that has a supercharger and turbocharger designed to provide the performance of a 1.8 litre, but with relatively modest economy and CO2 emissions.
VW launched the Tiguan in Budapest, which meant much time spent in traffic jams in the city centre and very slow-moving queues through the suburbs, proving little about the car except that I could appreciate its height (5ft 6in) with very good visibility.
It has a massive dashboard, efficiently shaped seats, a reasonable driving position and a touch-screen navigation system that enjoys practical jokes, such as late instructions and an occasional spurious demand for a U-turn. If this were typical – I suspect it is not – it might be worth considering the optional £500 automatic parking system. The driver just operates the pedals as the car reverses into a space.
Once free of the city, the Tiguan’s capability could be better appreciated. The ride is firm, but comfortable, although some lateral ridges are felt. The car went very quickly and with thorough competence on winding roads, and its 4MOTION system ensured lots of grip through tight corners. In fact, handling is almost Golf-like in the vehicle’s quick responses and predictability. The Tiguan is based on a mix of Golf and Passat chassis technology.
Tried on a very short “angles and dangles” off-road course, the Escape version of the Tiguan, with sump guard, higher bumper and 28-degree angle of approach capability, proved able. S, SE and Sport versions have an 18-degree front end. An “off-road switch” automatically activates support systems, including hill -descent assistant, modified pedal reaction to make the most of torque and electronic differential locks and adapts the ABS for use on loose surfaces and gives hill climb assistance. A low-ratio transmission is not available.
Fitted with the 1.4litre engine, performance is smooth and main-road cruising quiet, but the car (from £19,500) does not feel particularly lively, despite having 148bhp. Zero to 62mph takes 9.6sec and top speed is 119mph, combined fuel consumption 33.6mpg and CO2 emissions 199 g/km. More powerful versions are planned.
About 85 per cent of Tiguans, though, will be bought with a diesel engine. The introductory unit is a 2.0litre with 138bhp and a useful 320Nm of torque from 1,750rpm.
A 168bhp version and 198bhp will be available next year. Transmission for both engines is six-speed manual, with an automatic planned.
Maximum Tiguan trailer weight is up to 2,500kg – a typical Rice trailer with a couple of 16-hands high horses on board.
There is plenty of room for five adults in the Tiguan and Volkswagen describes the interior as having the variability of a van. The rear seat, slightly higher than those in front, is divided 60:40 with a centre section that can also be folded down. The seat can be adjusted longitudinally more than six inches. The seat back is tilt adjustable. Load area with the seat in place is 470 litres, 1,510 litres folded.
The finish of the Tiguan is to a high level, with tougher plastics fitted to areas that might get damaged during typical sport utility vehicle use; sometimes kids bring their active sport into the car.
Safety includes extensive chassis electronics, plenty of airbags and a five-star Euro NCAP rating. An attractive £800 opening panorama roof is on the options list.
The new Tiguan may be more pussycat than tiger and – with its off-road agility – more gecko than iguana, but a VW Cateko or Geckat? Not even on Darwin’s list of possibilities.
Specification
Car Volkswagen Tiguan S TDI
Engine 138bhp 2.0litre four-cylinder common rail turbo-diesel with 320Nm of torque from 1,750rpm to 2,500rpm
Transmission Six-speed manual (automatic coming later)
Fuel consumption 37.7mpg (combined)
CO2 emissions 189g/km
Price From about £20,300
On sale February 2008
Alternatives ToyotaRAV4 Popular, drives well, good performance, Toyota reputation. Honda CR-V Honda engineering, highly competent and . . . Honda engineering. Land Rover Freelander Impressive off road and on, quality, image
RECENT COMMENT