Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trend & Fan Road Test and Review

The name “Tiguan”, which is a combination of the words “Tiguan” and “Leguan” (German for “iguana”), is a list of VW candidates after receiving about 350,000 suggestions from readers of the German magazine Auto Bild. Was chosen from. We like the name, especially since the others under consideration were Rockton, Nanuk, Samun, and Namib.

With a slightly muscular and deliberate stance, a unique front and rear end, the Volkswagen Tiguan Trend & Fan is with other compact SUVs such as the BMW X3 and Honda’s ugly duckling CR-V. It looks refreshing when compared. The Trend & Fun model comes with VW’s 16-inch San Francisco wheels, but there are some nice-looking 19-inch alternatives. Chrome grille surround, color-coded exterior mirrors and door handles are standard equipment. Overall, Tiguan is well-balanced and stands out on the road.

Once inside, you are embraced in a supportive front seat. The optional electric seat adjustment of our test car means that almost an infinite number of driving positions are available, and when combined with the optional heated seats, make a very comfortable trip, especially in the winter in Cape. I was able to do. The interior was luxuriously appointed and I felt the fit and finish were excellent. The controls are in place and easy to use. The touchscreen radio is user-friendly and the 8-speaker system provides excellent sound quality, especially when using an MP3 player that connects via an auxiliary connection on the central armrest.

The backseat has ample foot space and a center armrest with two cup holders. The rear seats can be folded in 60/40 divisions and can be adjusted for reclining. Another feature is that it can be adjusted vertically, that is, it can slide back and forth. The trunk space is 471 liters, or 15 10 liters with the seat folded forward, which should be enough for four people’s luggage and monthly shopping. Numerous safety features including 6 airbags. Anti-lock braking; Electronic Stability Control; Side Impact Protection and rear Isofix anchor points (all standard throughout Tiguan’s range) contribute to the 5-star Euro NCAP rating.

The 200 mm Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trend & Fan has a significant ground clearance compared to other models in its class. Vehicle height improves the overall picture of the road, but the relatively thick C-pillars can be an obstacle. Combined with VW’s permanent four-wheel drive (4Motion), Tiguan is qualified to provide a competent off-road drive, at least on paper. However, this generally applies to the majority of SUV owners and we couldn’t test it. Like most Tiguan drivers, our time was spent almost exclusively in the urban jungle and black stuff. But Tiguan is relaxing in Tar. Ride quality is solid but comfortable, and 4Motion brings solid progress, especially in wet conditions. Thanks to the speed-sensitive power steering, the steering is direct and well weighted on the move. However, I felt that the steering became lighter when maneuvering in the city or in a narrow space.

Giving Tiguan a foot is the world’s first direct-injection gasoline engine with twin charging technology. The 1,4 liter engine is equipped with both a turbocharger and a mechanically driven supercharger. This innovative combination guarantees power supply over the entire rev range with little or no turbo lag, providing more power than a similarly powerful 2.0-liter motor, but with higher fuel consumption. .. The 1,4 liter TSI produces 110 kW at 5 800 rpm and 240 Nm of torque at 1 750-4000 rpm. The peak power is produced at a relatively high rev range, but the good torque spread makes the Tiguan a fun drive-and this is a small 1.4 liter ace. At highway speeds, you can comfortably cruise in 6th gear and climb most hills without stirring the gearbox. Even when driving at city speeds, the motor pulls in 5th and 6th speeds from 80km / h without complaint. The motor is responsive and speaks to the driver with a small, tenacious growl. It’s a shame that the gearbox isn’t as smooth as the engine it’s coupled with. We found it to be a notch, and as we ran through the gear, it was a bit clumsy.

I like us …

• styling.
• Well-equipped interior.
• A solid but comfortable ride.
• High quality fit and finish usually associated with more expensive cars.
• A great “small” TSI engine with its responsiveness and tenacious growl.

we would like…

• Traditional parking brakes, as opposed to electronic parking brakes, which appeared to behave inconsistently.
• Better synchronized manual gearbox, or VW’s finished DSG automatic.
• Light steering at low speeds.
• Auto-folding feature of relatively bulbous side mirrors-think of small parking lots or busy street parking.

Quick fact

• Engine capacity: 1390 cm³
• Number of cylinders: 4 cylinders, in-line
• Aspirations: Supercharger and Turbocharger
• Power: 110 kW @ 5 800 rpm
• Torque: 240 Nm @ 1 750-4 000 rpm
• Drive type: Permanent four wheels
• Acceleration: 0-100 km / h in 9.6 seconds (request)
• Maximum speed: 192 km / h (required)
• Fuel consumption: 8.4 l / 100km (total billing)