Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen introduced the first generation at the 2007 international motor show in Frankfurt, Germany. The production began in the company’s subsidiary in Wolfsburg. The moniker Tiguan is a combination of the word tiger and iguana to evoke a sense of strength as well as tenacity. The Tiguan started with a sporty stance that did not feel as heavy as that of the first-generation Touareg. Though, it retained the conventional Volkswagen appearance, which was part of the characteristic grinning chrome grille. There are four petrol and three diesel engine options. They include two 1.4 liter TSI options as well as 2.0-liter TSI inline four-cylinder engines. For diesel engines, there are three 2.0 liter TDI power units as well. The first generation Tiguan utilized the mid-size B6 platform of the Volkswagen Passat that only allowed for two-row seating. The front spotted standard bucket seating and the back had split-bench seats that accommodate three passengers. The seating at the back was tight for adults though passengers were able to slide the seats back so they could get more legroom. Behind the seating, the Tiguan had a capacity of 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The capacity expanded to a size of 56.1 cubic feet when the rear seating was folded. The front passenger seating was also able to fold down to accommodate long cargo.

For the American market, Volkswagen offered the first generation in three levels. It also added the R-line trim for the latest model year and the Wolfsburg and Sport trims. Some of the standard features on the mid-level SE level entailed heated front seating, automatic climate control, and six-disc changes as well as roof rails. Heated front seating was standard across the line for 2016 and subsequent model years.

The second-generation concept was unveiled at the 2015 International motor show in Frankfurt, Germany. The production utilizes the MQB platform that Volkswagen currently uses for everything from their minis to the mid-sized SUVs. Because of the new platform, the Tiguan comes available with a longer wheelbase, and it is almost a foot longer than the previous generation Tiguan. That means longer rear seat doors and a profoundly better legroom. There are four engine options aboard the second-generation Tiguan, and they include the 1.4-liter TSI inline-four engine, 1.5-liter TSI Evo inline four-cylinder engine, 2.0-liter TSI four-cylinder engine and the 2.0 liter TDI four-cylinder engine. The engines are linked to a 6-speed manual and DSG gearbox with sport mode and trip-tonic functions. There is also a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox. The 8-speed torque converter with sport mode and triptonic function comes as the last transmission option. The larger Tiguan retained the traditional two-box SUV look from the previous generation. Other than having the corporate horizontal grille and lower front fascia, there are not many changes that had been done to the exterior of the Tiguan. The SE trim has an upgraded eight-inch infotainment system with heated front seating. The SEL trim arrives with a panoramic sunroof, 18-inch wheels, and adaptive cruise control that adjusts the speed of the vehicles to maintain speed depending on the cars ahead. There is a fully-loaded premium SEL model that has a Volkswagen Digital Cockpit, ambient interior lighting, and automatic parking assistance. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility come standard for all of the models.

The choice of power units for either Tiguan can be a bit overwhelming. However, the previous model essentially gives an option between a 1.4 liter and 2.0-liter turbocharged petrol engines or a 2.0-liter diesel. The petrol engines have less torque and return a worse fuel economy than the diesel, so the buyers do not favor them. The list of power units for the new vehicle is more comprehensive as there are two versions for the 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol unit producing 123 or 147 hp. There are two versions of the 2.0-liter turbocharged engine as well, churning out 178 hp or 217 hp. The diesel alternatives need to encompass different versions for the 2.0-liter unit. That would provide 148, 188 and 236 hp depending on particular preferences. The running costs for the new generation are noticeably cheaper. The original Tiguan returned figures between 19 and 23 kilometers to the liter. It is a bit impressive compared to modern rivals in some ways. Even the most potent petrol versions of the new model are expected to return amounts of 20 kilometers to the liter. The most efficient diesel also manages to return 26 kilometers to the liter. When one adds in lower road tax figures and the Tiguan should not be any more expensive as compared to the average family hatchback.

The design from the exterior has slightly changed as the short Tiguan has proportions similar to the first-generation model. The version now looks more like the stretched variants of models offered by the majority of automakers in the Chinese market. Though these variants usually provide more seating room in the rear for the customers that prefer to have someone else do the driving, these designs typically look a bit out of proportion when compared to the regular-sized siblings. The brand may not be known for pushing boundaries when it comes to vehicle styling, but for the first efforts, the original Tiguan had very resolved types of styling. The upright stance hints at the light off-road potential though the previous model had a reserved look, which made it look slightly like a smaller Touareg. The Tiguan has stepped up with this new model as there are sharper edges and more significant dimensions, making it look more like an SUV than ever before. The second-generation Tiguan is a bit larger in every aspect, and there is a shorter overhand, which provides a more robust stance than before. The new model is 33 mm lower, 30 mm wider, and 60 mm longer than before. The wheelbase had also been stretched by 77mm for the sake of better interior spacing.

The cabin of the previous Volkswagen Tiguan has a family-friendly environment that mixes some of the excellent quality materials with some spaciousness and visibility. The high mounted infotainment screens and vents echo the practical multipurpose vehicles from the brand. The ergonomically friendly layout has worked very well for a lot of buyers within the market. On the other hand, the new generation has a premium feel which belies the underpinnings of the Tiguan. There is better material quality than before, and the entire layout comes across as more car-like as compared to before. When one factors the bigger infotainment screen and Volkswagen’s version of the Audi Virtual Cockpit, then it becomes very welcoming in terms of ambiance. The previous cabin of the Tiguan was durable and functional, but it was also a bit unexciting. The seating position and air-con vents were also a bit challenging. The spacing is where the latest model has excelled because of the wheelbase dimensions. The previous Tiguan was already one of the options with a lot of space in its class, considering the boot offers 470 liters, and there is room for five. The increased space of the current generation allows up to 615 liters, which is 35 more than what the Touareg provides.

The Tiguan is based on the same platform as the VW Golf, even though when it comes to the outgoing model, it is the previous generation Golf. However, it has handled well and has been very car-like when it comes to the driving experience, though the ride has been made stiff to prevent anybody roll, it is not to an uncomfortable level. The new Tiguan model has not been test-driven on several roads yet though considering it is based on the MQB platform, which is the same as the latest Golf; it is predicted that it is going to handle excellently. The expectation is for a compliant ride and stable handling though optional 4Motion four-wheel drive is going to provide the Tiguan with a better grip for owners that are in the rural areas. A lot of the cars come available with a six-speed manual gearbox as the standard, though the seven-speed DSG is an alternative.

The new Volkswagen Tiguan comes available with several technology features for the customers to enjoy. Several of these features take advantage of the VW Car-Net Application connect system. It is a platform that allows the user to connect their compatible smartphone utilizing Apple Car Play and Android Auto systems. These are attributes that have several applications. A select few of them can be accessed on the touchscreen displays available. The touchscreens also entail a 6.5 inch and 8-inch touch screen, which is both provided depending on the level. It is possible as well to get access to concert audio systems courtesy of a Fender Audio system available with a 480-watt amp platform complete with nine speakers. Along with the several entertainment systems which are onboard the 2019 Tiguan, the SUV also comes along with many safety features. The attributes range from quality assistance protocols and driving awareness technologies like rear traffic alert when there are pedestrians behind the vehicle, lane-keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control.

The standard safety packages on the new Volkswagen Tiguan include some of the standard rear door child safety locks, airbags, and traction control. Additional systems include engine immobilizer, passenger, airbag occupant sensing deactivation, dusk sensing headlamps, and LATCH child seat anchors. Driving aids and awareness packages have also been improved for the second-generation Tiguan. A few are optional for the S-trim and standard on the higher levels like the automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring systems. Some of the models also come with front and rear parking sensors, as well as adaptive cruise control. The Tiguan has taken advantage of some of the premier safety packages in the market to accentuate its popularity among crossover users. The new generation has done this to a higher level with the inclusion of latch child seat anchors.

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a moderately priced SUV in the market, though the first generation goes up until 2017, meaning the pricing for some of the more recent models may be quite pricy owing to the year. A 2015 Tiguan may retail at 5 million Kenya Shillings. The difference between the generations is quite small in terms of time to the present. So the pricing is also not that much higher. A 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan retails at 8 million Kenya shillings.