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Volkswagen Tiguan 125TSI 2008 review

EXPERT RATING
7.5

VW has just the answer - a wagon which nearly does it all for you.

VW this week launched the long awaited petrol versions of its popular Tiguan softroader with one feature its rivals cannot match.

The compact SUV can be ordered with a self-parking system, something which to date has only been found in dearer luxury cars from Lexus and Mercedes-Benz.

Park Assist will cost $1390 on base petrol and diesel Tiguans and $890 on the flagship version, which already comes equipped with some of the sensors needed to operate the system.

The sensors measure whether a parallel parking space is long enough to fit the wagon. It needs a minimum 70cm clearance in front and behind the Tiguan before the system decides it can steer the wagon into the space.

The driver selects reverse, takes their hands off the steering wheel but controls the braking and throttle as the wagon neatly steers itself into the space and then straightens the vehicle up.

The driver still has the responsibility of checking that the vehicle's path is clear of pedestrians.

Pricing and variants

The addition of the two turbo petrol variants has expanded the Tiguan range to three models and shifts the entry price to under $34,000 while the top of the range model has been pushed close to $43,000.

The existing 103kW TDI turbo diesel ($35,990) has been joined by the entry petrol 125kW model ($33,990) with a six-speed manual as standard, while the more potent 147kW petrol version becomes the flagship model ($42,990). It only comes with a six-speed auto.

The auto gearbox is offered on the 125kW version as a $2300 option.

Delivery

The world-wide financial crisis may have brought an unexpected bonus for Volkswagen in Australia.

The German brand launched its Tiguan soft roader in May, but it has been so popular that VW could not fill the order bank, with some customers waiting up to nine months for delivery.

Launched here initially with a 2-litre diesel engine, the supply constraint seriously handicapped VW's push into the compact SUV market and its bid to take on Toyota's RAV4, the Nissan X-Trail, Subaru Forester and Honda's CRV, which between them account for half the market. The Tiguan's share of the SUV pie has been a lowly 1 per cent.

But a slowdown in demand for the Tiguan by other right-hand drive markets in Europe due to the economic crisis appears to have been a win for VW here.

An extra 1100 vehicles now earmarked for Australia are currently filtering through the Wolfsburg production line and will start arriving in Australia next month, effectively unplugging the supply bottle neck.

Volkswagen Group Australia managing director Jutta Dierks says delivery times are now expected to return to a normal three to four month wait, depending on what specifications are ordered. Just where the extra Tiguans have suddenly come from no one in VW Australia can say but there are plenty of smiles in the management team that the extra volume is a welcome Christmas present.

DRIVING

The jury is still out on whether the world really needs a wagon which can park itself. But some inexperienced drivers find the task daunting and the system will also appeal to those who have difficulty in distance perception.

The entry price of the Tiguan is an added drawcard for a wagon which, in diesel form, greatly impressed the judges in this year's Carsguide Car of the Year contest for its superb ride and handling, comfort, quality and value for money. None of that has changed with the petrol newcomers.

So the Tiguan already has the runs on the board as the best compact SUV on the market. Adding the two petrol engines adds icing to the cake.

Even the base 125Kw unit is surprisingly good in terms of power delivery and is more than satisfying. If you have the money, the 147kW version is however the better buy, thanks to its brisk off the line performance but peak power arrives at higher revs than its smaller brother.

Both engines however share the same peak torque output of 280Nm, but the bigger engine offers a wider spread, with maximum torque available from 1700 revs right up to 5000 revs. The 125kW version tops out at 4200 revs so it not as flexible.

The downside to the petrol Tiguans: both need dearer 98 RON premium fuel and the diesel has better fuel economy - 7.4l/100km compared to the petrol's 9.1l/100km.

It could be a strong factor in deciding which model to go for.

Price: from $33,990

Engine: four-cylinder petrol, 125kW at 4300rpm or 147kW at 5100rpm ; torque 280Nm at 1700rpm.

Transmission: Standard with six-speed manual (125kW version) or six-speed Tiptronic auto (147kW version). Tiptronic gearbox optional on base model. VWs 4MOTION all wheel drive.

Pricing guides

$6,999
Based on 16 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months
Lowest Price
$5,990
Highest Price
$9,990

Range and Specs

VehicleSpecsPrice*
2.0 TDI 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $9,680 – 13,310 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2008 2.0 TDI Pricing and Specs
103 TDI 2.0L, Diesel, 6 SP AUTO $6,930 – 9,790 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2008 103 TDI Pricing and Specs
125 TSI 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $5,060 – 7,370 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2008 125 TSI Pricing and Specs
2.0 TSI 2.0L, PULP, 6 SP MAN $6,050 – 8,470 2008 Volkswagen Tiguan 2008 2.0 TSI Pricing and Specs
EXPERT RATING
7.5
Pricing Guide

$5,990

Lowest price, based on 12 car listings in the last 6 months

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Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication.  Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.