The VW Tiguan is the world's bestseller in the VW range. However, the first generation gave cause for criticism regarding the results of the TÜV inspections: Does the second generation do better?
The first generation of the VW Tiguan came in 2007, saw the compact competition and took the lead. The SUV, which has been available since 2016, retired at the beginning of 2008. The replacement followed in his successful footsteps, but should do a lot better - for example with the TÜV.
Body and interior
The Tiguan II is also easy to recognize as a VW family member. But unlike before, the compact SUV has lost a bit of its simplicity. The beads and edges are more defined, but it doesn't look really noticeable. Design experiments were not part of the specification when developing the vehicle. For this purpose, the SUV, such as the Golf, uses technical components from the VW Group's modular transverse matrix (MQB) and, depending on the equipment, looks chic and modern on the inside.
Compared to its predecessor, the five-seater SUV increased in length by 6 centimeters to a length of 4,49 meters, in width by 3 centimeters (1,84 meters) and the wheelbase (2,68 meters) even by 8 centimeters. At the same time, 3 centimeters were saved in height, so that the overall view is more elongated. The space is good both in the first and in the second row. The trunk volume comes to 520 liters, if you move the rear seat, which can be moved lengthways by 18 centimeters, for the benefit of larger luggage, it is 615 liters. If the rear seat backrests are folded down, 1.655 liters are available.
Do you need more space, seats and luggage volume? The 2017-meter-long Tiguan Allspace, which has been available since the end of 4,70, offers a third row of seats on request. Seats 6 and 7 are only suitable for children. Depending on the seat configuration, the trunk volume is 760 to 1.920 liters (five-seater) and 700 to 1.775 liters (seven-seater). However, if all seven seats are occupied, the volume shrinks to 230 liters.
Motors and drive
Initially, only conventional four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines are available for propulsion, and these are available with front-wheel or all-wheel drive. Entry-level diesel is a two-liter with 85 kW / 115 PS. Above this are further expansion stages of the two-liter engine with 110 kW / 150 PS, 140 kW / 190 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS. The two smaller engines transmit power via a manual gearbox, while the more powerful ones use a seven-speed dual clutch gearbox (DSG). The diesel engines should be the first choice for frequent drivers and trailer users. With the exception of the small 115 HP motor, all are available either as options (150 HP) or standard (190 and 240 HP) with all-wheel drive; The torque is also impressive: it ranges from 320 Nm to 500 Nm. The average consumption is between 4,7 and 6,4 liters.
Alternatively, VW has a 1,4-liter TSI with 92 kW / 125 PS and 150 PS on offer on the petrol side. There is also a 2,0-liter TSI in the expansion stages with 132 kW / 180 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS. With the top engine, a seven-speed DSG ensures power transmission, with all other engines a manual six-speed gearbox is on board. A six-speed DSG (150 PS) or a seven-speed DSG (180 PS) is available as an alternative. The basic petrol engine is only available with front-wheel drive, the 150 hp version can be ordered with all-wheel drive as an option. 4 × 4 drive is standard on the 180 hp and 220 hp engines. The average consumption is given with values between 5,8 and 7,8 liters. In 2018, the petrol engines received a revision as part of the changeover to Euro 6d emissions standards. The entry-level engine is a 1,5-liter TSI with 96 kW / 130 PS and 150 PS. The two-liter top engine now has 169 kW / 230 PS.
With the facelift, electrified engines with mild hybrid systems and as plug-in hybrids will find their way into the engine range. A new top version (Tiguan R) with 235 kW / 320 PS is also available. However, these engines are unlikely to be relevant to used vehicles.
Equipment and safety
Always on board are, among other things, air conditioning, lane departure warning, speed-dependent power steering and city emergency braking assistant with pedestrian detection. In addition to the three equipment levels (Trendline, Highline and Comfortline), there were many options for the first owner to tick. Thanks to MQB, a virtual cockpit, infotainment systems with smartphone integration or a head-up display are available for the Tiguan. There was also plenty of choice when it came to assistants, including automatic distance control and a trailer maneuvering assistant. The compact SUV achieved five stars in the NCAP crash test. Since the facelift, the new infotainment generation based on the MIB3 modular infotainment kit and other assistance systems such as an emergency stop or travel assistant have also been available.
Quality
The first Tiguan vehicles of the second generation have now been presented to the TÜV for the main inspection. Your owners can breathe a sigh of relief. In contrast to the Tiguan I, the TÜV inspectors found nothing to complain about when it came to axle suspension and axle springs. The VW engineers have probably learned from the problems of the first generation. However, the new edition of the SUV is also noticeable in terms of brake disc wear. The inspectors usually tick the other checkpoints.
Conclusion
The Tiguan offers plenty of space for passengers and luggage and, depending on the equipment, a lot of comfort. The fact that the compact SUV was not a bargain when it was first purchased can also be seen in the prices of used cars. Around 14.000 euros are called for models from the first months of registration. Interested parties have to invest around 20.000 euros for a used Allspace.