Used Volkswagen Tiguan review: 2008-2010

There can be no disputing the fact that the SUV is the car of the moment; that car buyers have taken to the high-riding, boxy wagon-like vehicle like few before it.

NEW

Given the surging popularity of the SUV it's no wonder carmakers rushed to get their own take on it to market. Initially it was the Japanese brands that led the way, the Toyota RAV4 the leader of the pack, but it wasn't long before the Europeans got into the act, VW among them.

VW launched its SUV, the Tiguan, in 2008 and offered SUV buyers the prestige and quality of a European model. In typical VW fashion the compact Tiguan was neatly styled with none of the garishness of some of its Asian-produced rivals. Its looks were no-fuss, the lines were clean and simple, its proportions likewise.

Despite its compact external dimensions the Tiguan's cabin made good use of its cabin space with plenty of flexibility in its combination of seating and load space. The seating for the front seat occupants was comfortable and the controls were well positioned and fell easily to hand, while those in the rear enjoyed a high seating position with a good foot room and a good view out.

With the rear seat in use the boot space wasn't great, but when they weren't needed they could be folded flat to make for a much larger carrying capacity. There was a choice of two petrol engines and one diesel. Both petrol engines were of 2.0-litre capacity and turbocharged, one put out 125kW and 280Nm, the other 147kW and 280Nm.

The turbo-diesel offered a more driveable and economical alternative and put out 103kW and 320Nm. The transmission options with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic with a sports gearshift selection option and a six-speed manual, with the final drive courtesy of VW's well-proven and effective 4MOTION on-demand all-wheel drive system.

On the road the Tiguan was a good all-round performer. It handled well with a firmish, but not uncomfortable ride, and boasted plenty of punch from the petrol engines while the highly rated diesel delivered great mid-range driveability.

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First-class build quality means the Tiguan is still feeling solid and squeak-free five years on from its launch. One recall in 2012 related to an injection pipe on the diesel engine that could crack with the possibility of a diesel fuel leak and engine fire.

There was also the well publicised recall of vehicles, Including the Tiguan, fitted with the DSG gearbox. The DSG wasn't introduced until the Model Year 2011 update, so doesn't affect the models covered here. The six-speed auto transmission in the earlier models wasn't a DSG unit.

Nevertheless it's important to conduct a thorough test-drive of any vehicle you might be thinking of buying, making sure it is operating as it was designed to do. The engine should be smooth without any untoward noises or vibrations, the auto transmission should pick up smoothly, and engage gears without hesitation, and there should be no vibrations through the vehicle that might suggest a driveline issue.

Inspect the wheels for damage from hitting kerbs that might have knocked the suspension out of alignment, check the tyres for uneven wear, and carefully inspect the bodywork for bumps and scrapes that might reduce its cosmetic appeal.

While inside, operate all the systems to make sure they are working, that's the windows, door locks, sound system, air-conditioning, and during the test drive engage things like the cruise control. Expect higher brake wear than you might on other SUVs, it's a common trait of European vehicles.

SMITHY SAYS

It's a little more expensive than its rivals, but it's a class act.

VW Tiguan - 2008-2010
Price new: $36,290 to $42,990
Engine: 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo, 125 kW/280 Nm; 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo, 147 kW/280 Nm; 2.0-litre, 4-cyl turbo-diesel, 103 kW/320 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed auto Tiptronic, 6-speed man
Economy: 7.9 L/100 km (2.0 TDi), 9.1 L/100 km (125 TSi), 10.1 (147 TSi)
Body: 4-door wagon
Variants: TSi, TDi
Safety: 5-star ANCAP

COMING UP

Do you own a Ford Escape? If so tell us what you think of it by sending your comments to Graham Smith at grah.smith@bigpond.com or Carsguide, PO Box 4245, Sydney, NSW, 2010.