Can the new Tiguan successfully bridge the gap between Volkswagen’s future-focused plans and its still significant reputation for honest, dependable motoring? We have put it through our road test to find out…
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Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI R-Line DSG Fast Facts
- Price: R766 300
- 0 to 100 km/h: 9.29 seconds
- Top speed: 207 km/h
- Power: 110 kW
- Torque: 250 N.m
- CAR Fuel index: 9.12 L/100km
- CO₂: 173 g/km
Introduced in 2007 as a raised ride-height relation to the popular Golf, the Tiguan has become one of Volkswagen’s bestselling products and, like its hatchback sibling, established itself as a cornerstone of the brand’s modern portfolio. As Volkswagen wrestles with the prospect of realising its emissions-free future, both the Golf and Tiguan have been listed as “safe for the foreseeable future” by the head office in Wolfsburg.
This means the third-generation Tiguan has been handed the full complement of advancements atop its updated MQB EVO underpinnings. This includes refocused attention to detail and material quality, the latest under-the-skin technologies, and drivetrain options aimed at future-proofing a product that has found 7.4 million homes globally; 41 000 of these in South Africa.
Available at launch in base, Life and flagship R-Line trim (with a Style model almost certainly in the pipeline), our test team was unanimous in its praise for how well Volkswagen’s design department has evolved the exterior styling of the Tiguan, including several elements – the LED infused nose and headlamp treatment being the most notable – that showcase the brand’s broad future design language. We’ve yet to see a base or a Life derivative in the metal, but let’s hope this newfound sense of presence and distinction is shared with the derivatives that don’t benefit from an R-Line exterior kit and the optional 20-inch “Leeds” alloy wheels fitted to our Oyster Silver metallic test unit (19-inch items are standard).
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While the new car’s upmarket interior likewise showcases what to expect in future VW products, the return of a multi-function steering wheel with physical controls (replacing the much-criticised haptic items introduced in SA on the Golf Mk8) is welcome. Elsewhere, while we quickly familiarised ourselves with the workings of the transmission lever now mounted on the steering column, the resultant amalgamation of lighting and windscreen wiper switchgear on the lone remaining stalk is less intuitive, though mitigated somewhat by the standard inclusion of auto headlamps and rain-sensing wipers.
All modern Tiguan derivatives are fitted with a leather-bound steering wheel, digital instrumentation, ambient interior lighting and a Composition Media package that operates via a 12.9-inch touchscreen infotainment display. The latter runs Volkswagen’s newest software, and its interface has been redesigned to be more user-friendly, including a row of configurable favourite functions and altogether more intuitive climate control settings. The upgraded 15-inch infotainment display we sampled in an overseas test drive isn’t offered locally yet, and the addition of a set of four USB-C ports (two in the rear) with a wireless charging dock is via an optional (R18 500) Discover Pro upgrade.
R-Line specification introduces full leather upholstery, including on several strategically placed soft-touch surfaces like the door panels and centre console housing. Shared with the recently updated Touareg, the flagship Tiguan models are also fitted with the brand’s impressively comfortable and supportive ergoActive seats that feature electric adjustment (with a memory setting), heating, ventilation, and a massage function.
Although its 2 676 mm wheelbase is unchanged, a stretch in the new car’s overall length translates to a more generous luggage area when compared with the outgoing model. Also handy is the ability to slide the 60:40-split second-row bench for increased legroom or packing space, as required.
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Likely to be expanded to include new eTSI and e-Hybrid mild- and plug-in hybrid derivatives (and a new R model) in the coming months, the new Tiguan is offered initially with two powertrain options: a 2.0 TDI with 4Motion all-wheel drive and the brand’s proven 1.4 TSI turbopetrol unit delivering 110 kW and 250 N.m to the front wheels exclusively. Both engine options are paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Tested here, the turbocharged 1 395 cm3 petrol unit offers a familiar but compelling blend of performance and efficiency (with a fuel route figure of 8.74 L/100 km) with just enough refinement to complement a package that’s obviously been engineered around new-generation powertrains. The availability of older-generation engines is likely one of the reasons Volkswagen Group Africa could introduce new Tiguan at a price point broadly similar to that of the outgoing model.
Aimed at complementing the car’s updated MQB underpinnings, it’s easy to believe VW’s claims of making significant changes to the Tiguan’s default suspension and handling characteristics. With R-Line trim and its associated larger wheelset likely to remain a popular choice in our market, even with the optional low-profile (225/40 R20) tyres fitted to our test unit, only the harshest road imperfections were felt in the cabin. That said, based on experience with the already impressive outgoing model (including a long-term test of the 1.4 TSI Life DSG), a new entry-level or Life-trimmed Tiguan riding on standard 17-inch rubber should be impressively compliant.
VW’s mid-size SUV remains one of the more poised, well-balanced contenders in this segment, its mandate comfortably covering the weekly school run ahead of a long-distance weekend adventure; the new car offers slightly more ground clearance than the outgoing model. The steering is generally well-weighted and precise, and this is another in a long line of Volkswagen products that are pleasingly easy to live with.
Volkswagen’s newest IQ. Drive technology, including lane-keeping assistance, forward-collision mitigation and driver fatigue monitoring, is optional in the new car, as is adaptive cruise control.
Including the aforementioned considered choice of materials, the sense of assuredness, refinement and calmness within the cabin of the new Tiguan sets it apart from most of its rivals in this segment. Arguably the most important product in its modern portfolio, Volkswagen has successfully evolved its bestselling SUV to a point where it’s capable of showcasing future-focused ergonomics, infotainment technologies and a selection of either next-generation or proven powertrain options, while still feeling pleasantly assured, well put-together and, importantly, familiar.
While the outgoing package lost out to the modern Hyundai Tucson and reigning champion Kia Sportage in our 2024 Top 12 Best Buys, the arrival of the all-new Tiguan will certainly test this ranking once voting for the 2025 winner begins.
Find the full feature in the December issue of CAR Magazine.
