2008 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviews

Graham Smith reviews the first generation VW Tiguan between 2008 and 2014 as a used buy. The neat SUV fits long-limbed occupants and has variants to suit most owners. New As sales of SUVs started to soar, Volkswagen wasted little time producing its own. Badged the Tiguan and launched in 2008, it gave SUV buyers the

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.

Volkswagen has come a long way from the one-car company that produced Beetles by the millions; it's now a vast multi-brand conglomerate producing a wide range of models competing in all segments of the market.The Tiguan was the first model the company produced for the compact SUV market, one of the fastest growing segments over the past few years. Like everything the company does, the German-built Tiguan was an understated, quality product that was aimed at being the best in the class.MODEL WATCHThere is no disputing that the SUV segment has been the boom segment in the market in recent years, and within that it's the medium-sized, more compact models that have done the real business. That's where the Tiguan entered the fray.While it was VW's first venture into the compact SUV market it was an understated entry, there were no bells and whistles, marching bands or hoopla to announce it. It simply slipped into the market with little fuss and looked like it had been there forever.It was typical of the segment with a simple, boxy shape that shouted practicality.The Tiguan's high riding stance made is easy to get in and out of the cabin, and once inside it was obvious the VW designers had made good use of the available space. Space in the rear is generous for two, but a bit of a squeeze for three.The rear seat can be adjusted fore and aft, and they also recline, so passengers have a good amount of room to find a comfortable position that suits them. Out back of the rear seat the luggage space is down on most of the Tiguan's rivals, but when the rear seat is not being used it can be folded flat to make a useful space for carrying larger items.VW offered a choice of one diesel engine or two petrol engines. The common rail diesel was a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four- cylinder engine with turbocharging that put out 103 kW at 4200 revs and 320 Nm from 1750 to 2500 revs.The TSi petrol engines were also 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged double overhead camshaft units, one put out 147 kW at 1500 revs and 280 Nm at 1700-5000 revs, the other 125 kW at 4300 revs and 280 Nm at 1700-4200 revs.With the diesel and the lesser petrol engines there was a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto, but when the more powerful petrol engine was chosen the only option was the six-speed auto.Final drive was via VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which sent 90 percent of drive to the front wheels and engaged the rear wheels as required using a Haldex clutch in the rear differential.VW also offered an extra-cost option that altered the electronics of the 4Motion system at the touch of a button for more off-road capability. There was quite a comprehensive line-up of standard features on the diesel and lesser-powered petrol models, including semi-auto air, cruise, trip computer, power windows and remote central locking.The more powerful petrol model also had larger wheels, chrome roof rails, tinted rear windows, sports seats and a low tyre pressure indicator.IN THE SHOPWe received few, if any, complaints about the Tiguan, which is probably due to its high level of build quality and VW's overall reliability. Being relatively new to the market few would have racked up many kays, but to date the compact VW SUV is performing well in service.Before laying out any serious folding stuff check for a service record, and in the unlikely event a potential purchase appears to have been driven offroad carefully inspect underneath for possible damage to underbody, driveline, suspension and exhaust.IN A CRASHThe Tiguan had a full suite of safety features with front, side and curtain airbags that combined with the strong body to provide protection in a crash. At the same time it also had ABS antilock braking and electronic stability control. With all of that it was no surprise when ANCAP awarded the Tiguan five stars out of five for safety.UNDER THE PUMPThe 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the fuel miser in the range with claimed averages of 7.9 L/100 km for the auto and 7.4 L/100 km for the manual. Contemporary road tests reported fuel consumption between 7.0 and 9.5 L/100 km depending on the driving circumstances, with overall averages of around 8.5 L/100 km.VW claimed its petrol engines, which both required 98 octane fuel, were good for 9.1-10.1 for the 125 kW version and 10.1 for the 147 kW version.LOOK FORUnderstated looksFlexible, practical cabinDiesel/petrol optionsEconomicalGood fit and finishFive-star safety.THE BOTTOM LINEWith a high level of fit and finish, economical engines and five-star safety the Tiguan is the class act.RATING85/100Have you owned a Tiguan before? Tell us your experience in the comments below.

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 variantsThe 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.DRIVINGThe 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 $33,990Engine: 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.

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.ENGINESHowever, 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 ECONOMYThe 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.WHEELSThe 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.SUSPENSIONBased 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.SAFETYOccupant 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.TECHNOLOGYThe 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.EQUIPMENTStandard 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.

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