Just a couple of quick facts on Volkswagen's compact SUV. Based on the Volkswagen Golf MK6's platform (also known as PQ35), the production of the very first Tiguan started back in 2007 in Wolfsburg. Ever since then, worldwide sales of the Tiguan went as high as over 700,000.
And it gets more interesting. As part of a marketing strategy by Volkswagen, the name 'Tiguan' was voted by the public through the Auto Bild (a leading German automotive magazine) group. The other possible names were Namib, Rockton, Liger, Samun and Nanuk. Tiguan, apparently, is a combination of the German words Tiger (which mean 'Tiger') and Leguan (which means 'Iguana').
While not constantly referenced as a tiger or iguana, the Touareg's baby brother (as how it's sometimes called) has been recently added to the downsized list. Sporting a 1.4-litre drivetrain, the compact SUV from Wolfsburg lives up to expectations and should have absolutely no qualms holding its own as one of the showroom's favourite.
And it gets more interesting. As part of a marketing strategy by Volkswagen, the name 'Tiguan' was voted by the public through the Auto Bild (a leading German automotive magazine) group. The other possible names were Namib, Rockton, Liger, Samun and Nanuk. Tiguan, apparently, is a combination of the German words Tiger (which mean 'Tiger') and Leguan (which means 'Iguana').
While not constantly referenced as a tiger or iguana, the Touareg's baby brother (as how it's sometimes called) has been recently added to the downsized list. Sporting a 1.4-litre drivetrain, the compact SUV from Wolfsburg lives up to expectations and should have absolutely no qualms holding its own as one of the showroom's favourite.
Exterior
The Volkswagen Tiguan is truly likeable. The stylish-looking headlamps which feature dotted LED daytime running lights and the wider and more imposing two-bar grille with a sleeker front bumper all do their part to give the car a more dynamic and purposeful look.
Despite being a baby SUV, the Tiguan delivers a strong road presence which defies its compact dimensions. It is somehow capable of drawing attention to itself regardless of whether it's sitting still at the lights or on the move. Believe it or not, based on our experience we had with the car for the past couple of days, people don't just look, they stare.
Interior
There are some Golf similarities inside here and it's a good thing because the Golf has one of the best interiors you can find for its price. Plus, the Tiguan has its very own successful flavour on the inside. Most parts of the cabin you come into contact with have a superior tactile feel, with a level of fit and finish you would find only from the best.
The dash is simple but nicely laid out, too, and is lined with soft touch rubber, leather and solid plastics. It doesn't look expensive - not like a Lexus or a Bimmer - but the cabin trim feels substantial and very secured. It gives a clear impression that it'll probably stay like that for the next ten years without falling apart.
There are some Golf similarities inside here and it's a good thing because the Golf has one of the best interiors you can find for its price. Plus, the Tiguan has its very own successful flavour on the inside. Most parts of the cabin you come into contact with have a superior tactile feel, with a level of fit and finish you would find only from the best.
The dash is simple but nicely laid out, too, and is lined with soft touch rubber, leather and solid plastics. It doesn't look expensive - not like a Lexus or a Bimmer - but the cabin trim feels substantial and very secured. It gives a clear impression that it'll probably stay like that for the next ten years without falling apart.
Dials and switches on the centre console are all within reach of the driver. There's also a significant amount of space on the central area, thanks to the electronic park brake button. More notably, the light-filled interior of the Tiguan, helped by the panoramic sunroof, delivers a sense of occasion to occupants.
It's also precisely this 'glasshouse' feel that gives this urban-friendly runabout a charming persona it needs to stand out from its competitors.
Apart from the ample space all round, seats are firm yet well supportive. The only complain we have is that the Tiguan does not come with paddle shifters, so any 'manual' shifting will have to be effected via the gear lever.
It's also precisely this 'glasshouse' feel that gives this urban-friendly runabout a charming persona it needs to stand out from its competitors.
Apart from the ample space all round, seats are firm yet well supportive. The only complain we have is that the Tiguan does not come with paddle shifters, so any 'manual' shifting will have to be effected via the gear lever.
The Drive
Powering this is Volkswagen's famed 1.4-litre four pot TSI powerplant. It's, in many ways, special considering that customers can now purchase either a Cat A or Cat B Tiguan - something that's unheard of in previous years.
One of the great aspects of the automotive industry is constant technological development and while the Volkswagen Tiguan that you see here is the entry level unit, its powerplant is far from 'entry' - a complex and impressive way of delivering great performance and fuel economy.
Based on the same platform that underpins the Golf MK6, it's no surprise that the Tiguan handles quite well for an SUV, especially when compared to its more cumbersome rivals. There's a sense of assurance that belies its weight and centre of gravity. As a result, this is one of the keener SUVs of the lot to pilot.
You can chuck it around curves a bit if the mood takes you, thanks to a responsive and precise steering. Having a firm suspension also means the Tiguan doesn't roll much around corners. The only downside is that the ride could be a little jumpy for some.
Powering this is Volkswagen's famed 1.4-litre four pot TSI powerplant. It's, in many ways, special considering that customers can now purchase either a Cat A or Cat B Tiguan - something that's unheard of in previous years.
One of the great aspects of the automotive industry is constant technological development and while the Volkswagen Tiguan that you see here is the entry level unit, its powerplant is far from 'entry' - a complex and impressive way of delivering great performance and fuel economy.
Based on the same platform that underpins the Golf MK6, it's no surprise that the Tiguan handles quite well for an SUV, especially when compared to its more cumbersome rivals. There's a sense of assurance that belies its weight and centre of gravity. As a result, this is one of the keener SUVs of the lot to pilot.
You can chuck it around curves a bit if the mood takes you, thanks to a responsive and precise steering. Having a firm suspension also means the Tiguan doesn't roll much around corners. The only downside is that the ride could be a little jumpy for some.
Our test car also came with the optional package which included the coasting function. It automatically de-clutches the engine to allow for smoother coasting whenever possible, especially on downward slopes. Much like the Start/Stop system, it re-engages the transmission and engine the moment you touch either pedals and it does it so seamlessly that you will not even notice that the function is switched on.
Although fuel saving is not significant from this function, it's these little things that the car has that make it all the more unique. It's something that's certainly good to have, especially for those of you who enjoy driving across the border where roads are excitingly twisty and downward sloping.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Tiguan may look like an out and out off roader but it's made with highways and tarmac roads in mind. Few SUVs stop and steer with the deftness of this one. It's easy to drive and park and with the accurate steering and a comfortable ride, the car can be fun on any kind of road - on or off.
Although fuel saving is not significant from this function, it's these little things that the car has that make it all the more unique. It's something that's certainly good to have, especially for those of you who enjoy driving across the border where roads are excitingly twisty and downward sloping.
Conclusion
The Volkswagen Tiguan may look like an out and out off roader but it's made with highways and tarmac roads in mind. Few SUVs stop and steer with the deftness of this one. It's easy to drive and park and with the accurate steering and a comfortable ride, the car can be fun on any kind of road - on or off.
