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Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 Sport (A) Review
29 Nov 2011|22,345 views
Much like a very successful brand, Volkswagen has been very active this year. While the unfortunate rise of our COE has caused many automotive brands to slow down the number of cars brought into our shores, the German marque has, instead, added a significant number of new cars to its already packed stable.
That's not to say that it's a bad thing for Volkswagen. Being one of the highest-selling brands in the automotive industry in Singapore, Volkswagen is no newbie when it comes to surprising the critiques as well as its customers. Its new age designs and economical fuel sensibilities have garnered a lot of attention from the media.
Singapore can be a tough place to start an automotive project whose major influences seem to be one-sided politics and dull weather, but that hasn't stopped the German carmaker Volkswagen from doing just that with its new car launches project. From Polo GTI and Eos to Golf Cabriolet and Sharan, the cars rolling out of Volkswagen's factory have plenty in common with positive chill wavers like its DSG gearbox and new look.
And the latest Tiguan is no exception.
Exterior
This has largely to do with the cosmetic modifications on the compact SUV. Since its evolutionary design language in 2006 at Los Angeles Auto Show, the latest Tiguan we see here has progressed into a new sheet metal to match its company's latest design trends. Still, Volkswagen has managed well to maintain the car's chunky charms which are more of a stylish beauty than rugged off-roader.
That's not to say that it's a bad thing for Volkswagen. Being one of the highest-selling brands in the automotive industry in Singapore, Volkswagen is no newbie when it comes to surprising the critiques as well as its customers. Its new age designs and economical fuel sensibilities have garnered a lot of attention from the media.
Singapore can be a tough place to start an automotive project whose major influences seem to be one-sided politics and dull weather, but that hasn't stopped the German carmaker Volkswagen from doing just that with its new car launches project. From Polo GTI and Eos to Golf Cabriolet and Sharan, the cars rolling out of Volkswagen's factory have plenty in common with positive chill wavers like its DSG gearbox and new look.
And the latest Tiguan is no exception.
Exterior
This has largely to do with the cosmetic modifications on the compact SUV. Since its evolutionary design language in 2006 at Los Angeles Auto Show, the latest Tiguan we see here has progressed into a new sheet metal to match its company's latest design trends. Still, Volkswagen has managed well to maintain the car's chunky charms which are more of a stylish beauty than rugged off-roader.
 |
The most noticeable change is the front fraction, which now has a strong resemblance of the bigger Touareg. The twin split-bar grille and somewhat wider face enforce the Tiguan with a more mature, upscale look that it previously lacked. The new headlamps, which incorporate U-shaped LED arrays, lands the car in a scene known for being summery and it's surprisingly effective.
This common trend of decorative light has also been vastly used on its German peers such as Audi and BMW but Volkswagen has marked this change with the Tiguan and it somehow manages to recapture the aggression and elegance that were lost from its outgoing model.
Thus, it's more visually appealing now. Round the back - just like before - there are a number of emblems to remind you that this is a 2.0 TSI 4Motion Tiguan you're looking at. It appears cleaner and more sedate too, with the L-shaped taillights that are now in line with all the new cars in Volkswagen's stable.
 |
Interior
While it's typically Volkswagen inside, this urban-friendly run-about has ample space to brag about. With seating for up to five people made available in a comfortable manner, coupled with a maximum of 1,510 litres of maximum cargo capacity (470 litres with all seats in place), the Tiguan offers a level of convenience like no other. Plus, the firm yet well-supportive seats will allow all occupants to take long hauls without aches.
It's also a handsome combination of soft-touch rubber, leather and hard plastics. But it has to be the touches of chrome and panoramic sunroof that reinforce the understated look. And we reckon it's exactly this feel of modesty that gives the car a charming persona it needs to stand out from the crowd.
While it's typically Volkswagen inside, this urban-friendly run-about has ample space to brag about. With seating for up to five people made available in a comfortable manner, coupled with a maximum of 1,510 litres of maximum cargo capacity (470 litres with all seats in place), the Tiguan offers a level of convenience like no other. Plus, the firm yet well-supportive seats will allow all occupants to take long hauls without aches.
It's also a handsome combination of soft-touch rubber, leather and hard plastics. But it has to be the touches of chrome and panoramic sunroof that reinforce the understated look. And we reckon it's exactly this feel of modesty that gives the car a charming persona it needs to stand out from the crowd.
More importantly, visibility is clear all-round and drivers will never have an issue finding a comfortable driving position, thanks to the height and reach adjustable steering and seat.
Widely known as a fit-for-many-purposes compact SUV, the Tiguan offers an easy-to-reach layout that's difficult to find. The well-presented cabin offers what most drivers seek today: cubby-holes, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and even paddle shifters for the 'manual' enthusiasts to meddle around with.
Widely known as a fit-for-many-purposes compact SUV, the Tiguan offers an easy-to-reach layout that's difficult to find. The well-presented cabin offers what most drivers seek today: cubby-holes, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and even paddle shifters for the 'manual' enthusiasts to meddle around with.
 |
The Drive
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre TSI Tiguan Sport is a peppy runner. The car feels alive and urgent the moment you floor the accelerator which makes it a breeze when it comes to overtaking. On the straights, which is where the Tiguan excels, it tracks with poise and precision, requiring no steering intervention and revealing none of the bumpy ride that most bigger cars tend to have.
When tackling meandering roads, body roll is well contained and as you'd expect from Volkswagen's 4Motion, there's no shortage of grip, giving drivers the confidence and encouragement to push the car further. Handling is also much sharper while the brakes feel certain and assuring, which is what drivers will be thankful for with such a sprightly engine at play.
The Tiguan's road manners humbly feel more like a car than an SUV. Its smooth delivery and low-end torque are but mere icing on the cake. What it does impress though is that even when travelling at higher speeds, the car still feels nimble with sufficient feedback from the steering wheel, making it a very versatile performer.
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre TSI Tiguan Sport is a peppy runner. The car feels alive and urgent the moment you floor the accelerator which makes it a breeze when it comes to overtaking. On the straights, which is where the Tiguan excels, it tracks with poise and precision, requiring no steering intervention and revealing none of the bumpy ride that most bigger cars tend to have.
When tackling meandering roads, body roll is well contained and as you'd expect from Volkswagen's 4Motion, there's no shortage of grip, giving drivers the confidence and encouragement to push the car further. Handling is also much sharper while the brakes feel certain and assuring, which is what drivers will be thankful for with such a sprightly engine at play.
The Tiguan's road manners humbly feel more like a car than an SUV. Its smooth delivery and low-end torque are but mere icing on the cake. What it does impress though is that even when travelling at higher speeds, the car still feels nimble with sufficient feedback from the steering wheel, making it a very versatile performer.
Conclusion
At a price of $198,800 (as of 20th October 2011), the Tiguan Sport is one compact SUV that shouldn't be ignored, more so if you have the intention of switching from your current hatchback or compact sedan.
Pitched against the Land Rover Freelander, the Tiguan is more than sufficient and well-behaved for the real-world driving. For what's worth, we reckon it offers more for a lot less.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
At a price of $198,800 (as of 20th October 2011), the Tiguan Sport is one compact SUV that shouldn't be ignored, more so if you have the intention of switching from your current hatchback or compact sedan.
Pitched against the Land Rover Freelander, the Tiguan is more than sufficient and well-behaved for the real-world driving. For what's worth, we reckon it offers more for a lot less.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Much like a very successful brand, Volkswagen has been very active this year. While the unfortunate rise of our COE has caused many automotive brands to slow down the number of cars brought into our shores, the German marque has, instead, added a significant number of new cars to its already packed stable.
That's not to say that it's a bad thing for Volkswagen. Being one of the highest-selling brands in the automotive industry in Singapore, Volkswagen is no newbie when it comes to surprising the critiques as well as its customers. Its new age designs and economical fuel sensibilities have garnered a lot of attention from the media.
Singapore can be a tough place to start an automotive project whose major influences seem to be one-sided politics and dull weather, but that hasn't stopped the German carmaker Volkswagen from doing just that with its new car launches project. From Polo GTI and Eos to Golf Cabriolet and Sharan, the cars rolling out of Volkswagen's factory have plenty in common with positive chill wavers like its DSG gearbox and new look.
And the latest Tiguan is no exception.
Exterior
This has largely to do with the cosmetic modifications on the compact SUV. Since its evolutionary design language in 2006 at Los Angeles Auto Show, the latest Tiguan we see here has progressed into a new sheet metal to match its company's latest design trends. Still, Volkswagen has managed well to maintain the car's chunky charms which are more of a stylish beauty than rugged off-roader.
That's not to say that it's a bad thing for Volkswagen. Being one of the highest-selling brands in the automotive industry in Singapore, Volkswagen is no newbie when it comes to surprising the critiques as well as its customers. Its new age designs and economical fuel sensibilities have garnered a lot of attention from the media.
Singapore can be a tough place to start an automotive project whose major influences seem to be one-sided politics and dull weather, but that hasn't stopped the German carmaker Volkswagen from doing just that with its new car launches project. From Polo GTI and Eos to Golf Cabriolet and Sharan, the cars rolling out of Volkswagen's factory have plenty in common with positive chill wavers like its DSG gearbox and new look.
And the latest Tiguan is no exception.
Exterior
This has largely to do with the cosmetic modifications on the compact SUV. Since its evolutionary design language in 2006 at Los Angeles Auto Show, the latest Tiguan we see here has progressed into a new sheet metal to match its company's latest design trends. Still, Volkswagen has managed well to maintain the car's chunky charms which are more of a stylish beauty than rugged off-roader.
|
The most noticeable change is the front fraction, which now has a strong resemblance of the bigger Touareg. The twin split-bar grille and somewhat wider face enforce the Tiguan with a more mature, upscale look that it previously lacked. The new headlamps, which incorporate U-shaped LED arrays, lands the car in a scene known for being summery and it's surprisingly effective.
This common trend of decorative light has also been vastly used on its German peers such as Audi and BMW but Volkswagen has marked this change with the Tiguan and it somehow manages to recapture the aggression and elegance that were lost from its outgoing model.
Thus, it's more visually appealing now. Round the back - just like before - there are a number of emblems to remind you that this is a 2.0 TSI 4Motion Tiguan you're looking at. It appears cleaner and more sedate too, with the L-shaped taillights that are now in line with all the new cars in Volkswagen's stable.
|
Interior
While it's typically Volkswagen inside, this urban-friendly run-about has ample space to brag about. With seating for up to five people made available in a comfortable manner, coupled with a maximum of 1,510 litres of maximum cargo capacity (470 litres with all seats in place), the Tiguan offers a level of convenience like no other. Plus, the firm yet well-supportive seats will allow all occupants to take long hauls without aches.
It's also a handsome combination of soft-touch rubber, leather and hard plastics. But it has to be the touches of chrome and panoramic sunroof that reinforce the understated look. And we reckon it's exactly this feel of modesty that gives the car a charming persona it needs to stand out from the crowd.
While it's typically Volkswagen inside, this urban-friendly run-about has ample space to brag about. With seating for up to five people made available in a comfortable manner, coupled with a maximum of 1,510 litres of maximum cargo capacity (470 litres with all seats in place), the Tiguan offers a level of convenience like no other. Plus, the firm yet well-supportive seats will allow all occupants to take long hauls without aches.
It's also a handsome combination of soft-touch rubber, leather and hard plastics. But it has to be the touches of chrome and panoramic sunroof that reinforce the understated look. And we reckon it's exactly this feel of modesty that gives the car a charming persona it needs to stand out from the crowd.
More importantly, visibility is clear all-round and drivers will never have an issue finding a comfortable driving position, thanks to the height and reach adjustable steering and seat.
Widely known as a fit-for-many-purposes compact SUV, the Tiguan offers an easy-to-reach layout that's difficult to find. The well-presented cabin offers what most drivers seek today: cubby-holes, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and even paddle shifters for the 'manual' enthusiasts to meddle around with.
Widely known as a fit-for-many-purposes compact SUV, the Tiguan offers an easy-to-reach layout that's difficult to find. The well-presented cabin offers what most drivers seek today: cubby-holes, multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and even paddle shifters for the 'manual' enthusiasts to meddle around with.
|
The Drive
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre TSI Tiguan Sport is a peppy runner. The car feels alive and urgent the moment you floor the accelerator which makes it a breeze when it comes to overtaking. On the straights, which is where the Tiguan excels, it tracks with poise and precision, requiring no steering intervention and revealing none of the bumpy ride that most bigger cars tend to have.
When tackling meandering roads, body roll is well contained and as you'd expect from Volkswagen's 4Motion, there's no shortage of grip, giving drivers the confidence and encouragement to push the car further. Handling is also much sharper while the brakes feel certain and assuring, which is what drivers will be thankful for with such a sprightly engine at play.
The Tiguan's road manners humbly feel more like a car than an SUV. Its smooth delivery and low-end torque are but mere icing on the cake. What it does impress though is that even when travelling at higher speeds, the car still feels nimble with sufficient feedback from the steering wheel, making it a very versatile performer.
On the tarmac, the 2.0-litre TSI Tiguan Sport is a peppy runner. The car feels alive and urgent the moment you floor the accelerator which makes it a breeze when it comes to overtaking. On the straights, which is where the Tiguan excels, it tracks with poise and precision, requiring no steering intervention and revealing none of the bumpy ride that most bigger cars tend to have.
When tackling meandering roads, body roll is well contained and as you'd expect from Volkswagen's 4Motion, there's no shortage of grip, giving drivers the confidence and encouragement to push the car further. Handling is also much sharper while the brakes feel certain and assuring, which is what drivers will be thankful for with such a sprightly engine at play.
The Tiguan's road manners humbly feel more like a car than an SUV. Its smooth delivery and low-end torque are but mere icing on the cake. What it does impress though is that even when travelling at higher speeds, the car still feels nimble with sufficient feedback from the steering wheel, making it a very versatile performer.
Conclusion
At a price of $198,800 (as of 20th October 2011), the Tiguan Sport is one compact SUV that shouldn't be ignored, more so if you have the intention of switching from your current hatchback or compact sedan.
Pitched against the Land Rover Freelander, the Tiguan is more than sufficient and well-behaved for the real-world driving. For what's worth, we reckon it offers more for a lot less.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
At a price of $198,800 (as of 20th October 2011), the Tiguan Sport is one compact SUV that shouldn't be ignored, more so if you have the intention of switching from your current hatchback or compact sedan.
Pitched against the Land Rover Freelander, the Tiguan is more than sufficient and well-behaved for the real-world driving. For what's worth, we reckon it offers more for a lot less.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Photos by Julian Kho
Also read our comparison article on:
CX-5 2.0 (A) vs Qashqai 2.0 Premium (A) vs Tiguan 1.4 TSI (A)
Car Information
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 Sport (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.6km/L
Horsepower
157kW (210 bhp)
Torque
280 Nm
Acceleration
7.3sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Tiguan
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