Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology 5dr Car Review - March 2012

REVIEW
List Price: £23,925
Tax Band: G
Insurance Group: 18
MPG: 42.2
CO2: 156
0-62 Mph: 8.9 secs
BHP: 158 BHP
Range: 594 miles
CarSite Verdict:  3.75/5
The Tiguan is a 4x4 that really does feel more like a car when you’re behind the wheel, and this really does make it much better for those who aren’t looking for a full blown off-roader. The crossover tag means it has to be practical and easy to drive, and the Tiguan succeeds in these areas, although it is a little more expensive than some of the most popular Japanese examples.

PROS:  The Tiguan is a crossover that has a lot to offer with a cabin that is comfortable and practical, and the engine performs very well too.

CONS:  The Tiguan is more expensive than some of its rivals on the market, while the ride will be a little too firm for some with the hefty purchase price for this model likely to be an issue for some buyers.

Behind the Wheel

One of the best things about the Tiguan is that it does drive like the car, and it can boast steering that is quick to respond and accurate, while there is plenty of grip while cornering too. The firm suspension means the body is stable while cornering, but this does mean that the ride is a little bouncy and unsettled unless you’re driving on a very good surface. Inside the cabin the steering wheel and driving seat can be adjusted for the comfort of the driver, and while the forward visibility benefits from the higher driving position, rear visibility is limited by thick window pillars.

The 1.4 litre petrol engine isn’t the largest available, but it is still able to deliver some good performance, with acceleration from 0-62mph achieved in only 8.9 seconds. The top speed of 126mph is ample for driving on A roads and the motorway, and while engine noise and road noise is minimised, there is a little wind noise at speed.

Looks & Equipment

The Tiguan is an attractive vehicle that has a bold front end with a thick horizontal grille and also has a large air intake which is typical of the design of many cars these days. The lines are fairly smooth and there is a slight fade in the roof towards the rear door, and the tail lights are split over the body and the rear door of the Tiguan. Inside the car the controls are chunky and straightforward, and the dashboard does display information clearly, although there are some small dials which do look a little impractical.

The level of equipment included with this car is fairly good, with alloy wheels and a CD stereo with a multi-disc changer both very welcome features in the car. Air conditioning is included as standard, but it is a shame to see that climate control, cruise control and the reversing camera are only on the optional extras list.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Tiguan is a car that is very practical, and does well at balancing the extra space of a 4x4 with the driving mannerisms of a car, and the cabin has plenty of space in the front and the rear. Boot space is also quite good too. Volkswagen has a good reputation for making reliable cars, but the Tiguan has only received average reviews in the driver surveys.

Safety in the Tiguan is very good, with plenty of driver assists that help to keep the car stable and under control at all times. There is also the inclusion of six airbags that are good for looking after passengers in case of an accident, which have helped the Tiguan achieve five stars in the Euro NCAP safety test.

Value for Money

With a list price of £23,920, the Volkswagen Tiguan isn’t the cheapest crossover that is available on the market, but it performs consistently well in all aspects, with no glaring weaknesses. The Nissan Qashqai is one of the most successful cars in this class, and is available for a much lower price than the Tiguan.

The petrol engine isn’t the most efficient available, delivering an average 42.2mpg. The relatively low insurance group means that premiums shouldn’t be excessive, and the strong resale values for the Tiguan will be a particular highlight for potential buyers. The car is delivered with a three year or sixty thousand mile warranty, and has one year’s roadside breakdown assistance cover.

Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology 5dr Car Review - by 
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Volkswagen Tiguan Sport 1.4 TSI BlueMotion Technology 5dr - March 2012
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Small 4x4 Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Small 4x4 cars that you can then compare to the Volkswagen Tiguan. Here are some popular Volkswagen Tiguan alternatives:

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