First Drive: Volkswagen Tiguan

First Drive: Volkswagen Tiguan

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‍It's not uncommon to fall in love with a car to such an extent that it leaves a long-lasting impression. For me, it was the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, introduced in 2016, that left a significant impression as a key SUV in the brand's lineup.

I appreciated its versatility and elegant design, to the point that I wondered if Volkswagen designers and engineers would be able to match it with its replacement. It was a compact SUV that competed relentlessly in the same segment as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, BMW X3, Haval H6, Chery Tiggo 7 Pro, Mercedes-Benz GLC, and Honda CR-V, to name a few. 

As we fast forward to 2024, the Tiguan has entered its third generation. VW appears to have perfected the formula for the Tiguan, ensuring it remains a standout choice in its respective segment. Even in a market where feature-rich Chinese competitors are increasingly present, its blend of quality, performance, and affordable pricing continues to resonate. 

Its launch took place in the Eastern Cape, where we drove the Tiguan from Gqeberha to the hot Graaff-Reinet and back. Upon arrival at the launch, we initially took the wheel of the R-Line variant. Volkswagen has made the line-up pretty simple for its customers; you get the Base, Life, and R-Line as the flagship. 

The same effectively applies to the engine offerings. From launch, there is a sole 1.4-litre TSI engine with 110kW and 250Nm, paired with a 7-speed DSG gearbox. A 2.0-litre TDI with 110kW and 340Nm will join the fray before the end of the year and will be followed by the 2.0-litre TSI in the first quarter of 2025. The latter replaces the 2.0-litre TSI variant with 162kW, but notice that the torque figures remain unchanged. 

The transmission can be paired with either a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system or a front-wheel-drive configuration, depending on the specified model. 

Besides the outgoing model boasting a square-like stance and boxy shape, the new Tiguan has a softer approach—a silhouette that's reminiscent of the ID.4 electric SUV. That is not a bad thing at all, as the evolution is a positive change that infuses the model with a touch of futurism and sweetens its modern appeal.

In terms of size, the new Tiguan is 30mm longer (1,843mm), 4mm wider (4,539mm), and has a boot space that has been expanded by 37 litres to 652 litres, thus making it larger than its key rivals. 

Speaking of our day one tester in R-Line garb, it elevates the look of the entire range with R-Line-specific details such as stunning 19-inch alloy wheels, a more pronounced bumper design, and a signature light bar signature for both the front and rear, which have become synonymous with the VW brand.

Moving inside, the interior is completely new and exudes high levels of quality with a minimalist approach. For starters, gone is the centre-console-mounted gear lever; the Tiguan now uses a steering-column knob that took me a few minutes during my turn to drive to understand how it works. If you are familiar with the fashionable Mercedes-Benz gear selector, it works like that, but it operates with a twist mechanism.

VW offers a crispy 10-inch digital instrument cluster across the range, while the infotainment system comes courtesy of a 12.9-inch screen or an optional 15-inch screen. Speaking of a minimalist approach, the centre console only houses a start button, two USB-C ports upfront (one at the back), an electric handbrake, large cup holders, and a volume knob that also acts like a drive mode selector. Everything else is integrated into the large infotainment system, except for the temperature sliders.

We laud VW for reintroducing the physical steering wheel controls instead of the frustrating touch controls, which were prone to unintentional activation. That said, VW seems to have found a harmonious blend between modern digital advancements and classic user-friendly features. 

The R-Line model distinguishes itself with several premium standard features, including the massage function for the power-adjustable ErgoActive front seats and ambient lighting. This addition complements the climate functions of the front seats with memory functions and a panoramic roof, plus the 30-colour ambient lighting dashboard and doors. 

It’s worth mentioning that the Life variant, on the other hand, is fitted with leather seats, a panoramic roof, electrically folding side mirrors, and exterior ambient lighting. 

Our launch drive took us through traffic-congested roads due to large abnormal trucks transporting windmill components and driving at walking-pace speeds. It was frustrating to sit in slow-moving traffic, but that also allowed us to sample the 7-speed DSG transmission in stop-and-go situations. It offers outstanding levels of refinement, as well as strong pulling power to overtake when the road ahead clears up.

The truth is that the previous Tiguan had excellent on-road refinement, comfort, and handling traits; the new model has improved in these areas, thanks to an updated chassis architecture and the enhanced MQB Evo platform. Even over bumps and when trying to dodge potholes, the Tiguan remains tight and composed, delivering a smooth and controlled experience. 

The only thing we found unsettling though was the tyre noise. This, however, can be attributed to the rough tar surface on various sections of the road as well as the low-profile tyres. Notably, the Life variant with optional 18-inch tyres exhibited more subdued noise levels on the same stretch of road.

On the safety aspect, the Tiguan doesn’t add any fresh new features; instead, you get the usual lane-keep assist, blind spot monitoring, and optional ID.Light HD matrix headlights and adaptive cruise control in the case of the R-Line variant.

During the presentation, we enquired about the potential release of the full-blown Tiguan R model in the coming months. Volkswagen indicated that there is currently no official word on its performance model. However, if VW decides to build it, it’s expected to join the lineup at a later stage.

While the new Tiguan may have adopted a softer aesthetic, it has been meticulously refined in the areas that matter. Although the outgoing model was not outdated, it was beginning to show signs of ageing. Even when compared to Chinese rivals that offer a plethora of standard features, the new Tiguan maintains its strong presence thanks to exceptional quality and affordable pricing.

We were fortunate to catch our first glimpse of the new Tiguan, and it was love at first sight. Its refined design and impressive features left a lasting impression, promising a vehicle that will continue to captivate us for years to come.

• Tiguan 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R651,500
  
  
• Tiguan Life 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R702,800
  
  
• Tiguan Life 2.0 TDI 110kW 4M DSG: R755,700
  
  
• Tiguan R-Line 1.4 TSI 110kW DSG: R766,300
  
  
• Tiguan R-Line 2.0 TDI 110kW 4M DSG: R834,800
  
  
• Tiguan 2.0 TSI 140kW 4M DSG: R835,900
  
  

It comes standard with a 3-year/120,000km warranty and a 5-year/90,000 km EasyDrive service plan, including a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty.