Volkswagen Tiguan 103TSI 2008 review

Small SUVs are the latest big thing on the market and VW wants a piece of the action.

German car giant Volkswagen has just done the automotive equivalent of jumping into a creek full of crocodiles.

For there, lying in wait are some of the most predatory players in the compact sports utility vehicle segment - Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V, Subaru Forester and Nissan X-Trail - all of whom made more than half the market in 2007 and so far this year have pushed sales up 6 per cent.

VW is keen to get some of this action and, with the new Tiguan, which went on sale this week, ticking all the boxes - and there are plenty to tick - it could just take the edge off its rivals' run.

ENGINES

However, the Tiguan, the company's first compact SUV, is setting off at a trot with a diesel-powered variant Down Under. VW will break into a gallop later in the year, upping the horsepower, when it brings in two petrol-powered versions - the 125kW TSI and 147kW TSI.

Over the horizon, we are told, are further variations including a two-wheel drive model.

All present engines are charged, meaning the Tiguan is the first SUV in the world exclusively with `blowers' giving greater power and torque, plus better fuel economy.

For now, though, we have the 103kW TDI diesel. The 2 litre direct injection turbo oil burner with diesel particulate filter already fulfills the Euro-5 exhaust emission standard that does not come into effect in Europe until next year.

The motor puts out 103kW of power at 4200rpm and 320Nm of torque between 1750 to 2500 revs.

Power is put to ground via either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission connected to the latest version of VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

PERFORMANCE AND ECONOMY

The maker says the vehicle will reach 100km/h from a standing start in 10.5 and 10.7 seconds respectively, while using 7.4 litres or 7.9 litres of fuel per 100km on the combined urban/highway cycle - that's 38 and 36 miles per gallon respectively. Carbon dioxide emissions are said to be 195g per kilometre and 209g/km. Towing capacity for both is 2 tonnes with a braked trailer, 750kg unbraked. Towbar load limit is 100kg.

WHEELS

The Tiguan carries ventilated disc brakes all round with an ABS antilocking system with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist and electronic stabilisation program as standard.

Also on all models are 16in alloy wheels, roof rails (100kg load limit), cruise control and multi-function steering wheel.

SUSPENSION

Based on the Passat set-up, up front the suspension is independent MacPherson struts with lower wishbone and anti-roll bar; at the back it is independent four link with coil springs and anti-roll bar.

A spare wheel - not full size - is stored under the cargo compartment floor.

SAFETY

Occupant protection is foremost, with the Tiguan clocking up a five-star Euro NCAP crash rating for passengers, four stars for child safety and two stars for pedestrian protection.

The Tiguan body structure has an interesting and unique feature. The B-pillar is twice tempered, giving two different strengths to the single piece of metal.

Low down, the steel is heat treated to a rigidity that means it will deform and absorb forces in a side collision, while up top the steel is hardened to take the vehicle's weight in a rollover without buckling, protecting the occupants in the cabin. PRICE AND VARIANTS The Tiguan is priced to make inroads into the compact SUV market with a starting price of $33,990 for the 125TSI petrol manual. The auto version is $36,290, while the top-of-the-range 147TSI automatic costs $42,990.

For the moment we are left with the two diesels, the 125TDI manual and auto for $35,990 and $38,290 respectively.

The cheapest rival is the Subaru Forester 2.4 X at $30,490, while the RAV4, CR-V and X-Trail all start at $31,990. None has a diesel variant.

TECHNOLOGY

The Tiguan also introduces a number of innovative new options such as Park Assist technology ($1390), an electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof ($1990) and Volkswagen's new RNS510 satellite navigation system with Rear View Camera ($3490).

One piece of high-end technology worth talking about is the Park Steering Assist, the first time this has been found on an SUV.

The function allows automatic reversing into a parking space parallel to the road.

The driver just controls the accelerator pedal, brake and clutch while the Tiguan steers into a pre-measured space under sensor control. As soon as the driver manually intervenes in the steering process, the Park Assist function is de-activated.

Out of the city and into the bush? No worries. Tiguan has an off-road switch that brings into operation a heap of help to make all-terrain drives safe.

The switch activates the hill descent control that maintains optimal control in steep descents, modified driving pedal characteristic that meters engine torque, electronic differential locks that are are activated at the slightest slip, ABS adaptation to improve braking on loose substrates, hill ascent assistance supporting climbing and giving clutch protection and, with automatic transmission, gear level pre-select, including optimal engine braking effect.

EQUIPMENT

Standard on-board convenience features include a multi-function leather steering wheel, cruise control and a radio/CD player with MP3 compatibility, auxiliary input and eight speakers, semi-automatic air-conditioning, four electric windows, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, multifunctional display with trip computer, remote central locking and numerous storage compartments and bins.

On launch, early morning dew on the Blue Mountain roads held no surprises - handling was assured, the ride firm yet comfortable. On dirt the suspension did little to iron out corrugations at slower speeds. The faster the drive, the more comfortable was the ride.

The engine belied its diesel operation, being quieter than many petrol powerplants on the market.

The whole package leaves the traveller comfortable and relaxed. VW hopes this is not the case with the Tiguan's rivals.