are you in the market for a compact SUV does the word Teutonic leave you giddy
instead of confused then maybe you need to add the second generation Volkswagen
Tiguan to your consideration list it's back
there bigger than the original Tiguan the second generation Tiguan has grown
in size to better compete with the expanding dimensions of the compact SUV
segment and before I forget you can still buy the smaller cheaper and less
sophisticated previous generation Tiguan now dubbed the Tiguan limited don't get
that Tiguan confused with this Tiguan anyway a larger Tiguan means a roomier
interior explore the rest of the cabin and you'll find comfortable seats a
tasteful layout and a wealth of soft high-quality materials if you dig a
squishy - you'll love the VW tiguan in defiance of compact SUV convention the
Tiguan comes with a standard third row seat that for some reason costs $500
extra on all wheel drive models to illustrate the third rows coziness
here's footage from the Detroit Auto Show do I look happy
lesson learned use the v-dubs third row for children and only when this S&E
demands it I've come too far in life to die in the back of the Tiguan
when not hauling displeased car reviewers the rear quarters can carry a
healthy 33 cubic feet of gear with a third row stowed and an even healthier
37.6 cubic feet in to roti guan's speaking of the second row it slides
reclines and offers 40/20/40 split folding abilities for maximum human
cargo flexibility convenient seat releases make drop in the second row a
cinch while the wide rear cargo opening can be
enhanced with some nifty options we've seen tailgates before that open with the
wave of a foot but Volkswagens done something clever you've got your arms
filled with heavy stuff you push a button and then when you walk away the
car will sense when the key has left and it'll automatically close the tailgate
that one doesn't have it before moving on there are a few more interior details
worth noting in cruise mode I like to keep my hands at 8 and 4 and risk my
arms on the armrest in the Volkswagen Tiguan there's literally no seat and
steering wheel position where that is possible and before you ask the armrest
is not height adjustable so I guess it's back to 9 and 3 or even better wrists
draped gently across the top command seating command steering there's also no
latch on the center console though now that I think about it
yeah I guess a latch isn't necessary elsewhere the door panel bottle holders
are huge so keep piling on those drinks and handy storage spots on the dash and
by the driver's knee meaning your phone and that role of medical tape you used
to tape microphones to your chest will always have somewhere to live and that
last one might only apply to me moving on
many of the Tiguan finest attributes are revealed once it's in motion
with light responsive steering and the quiet cabin Volkswagen Tiguan is a good
choice for long distance travels yes there might be softer sprung SUVs but
Volkswagens compact rides in a refined and comfortable fashion despite being
nearly 10 inches longer than the previous Tiguan this Tiguan is still
fairly easy to park thanks to a reasonably tight turning circle and good
visibility in all directions and a complete absence of parking spots with
which to demonstrate my point ah here we go if you spring for the optional 360
camera and optional front rear parking sensors this whole thing is even easier
but this car doesn't have it so watch we back off a cliff or hey why don't I just
explode overcoming the Tiguan fairly hefty curb weight is a 2-liter
turbocharged four-cylinder engine that provides reasonable thrust but floor
from a standstill and you'll experience some momentary lag while the turbo spool
up that might seem nitpicky but in situations like this where you have to
cross a road or maybe you can't see if other cars are coming and you want to
quickly blast through the danger zone that instantaneous power is critical
Mike I've got an idea for a song it doesn't rhyme the I don't care
danger town
crédit send it to the label in normal driving the engines turbocharged nature
reveals itself through occasionally surging throttle response while the
8-speed automatic is not the most transparent transmission we've
experienced but it works well enough the powertrain
also includes a standard and largely inoffensive automatic engine start/stop
system but note when the engine shuts off of a stop light the AC compressor
shuts down as well for that end DW deserves a hearty high-five for
including an off button even with an automatic engine start/stop system
fatigue wants combined EPA rating of 24 mpg is low for the category 4
perspective Honda CRVs aside from the base trim are rated at 30 mpg combined
if you need all-wheel drive BWS 4motion all-wheel drive system is available for
$1,300 the Volkswagen Tiguan has its positives but price is not one of them a
base Tiguan S trim equipped with apple carplay and android auto rear seat vents
Bluetooth a backup camera and an exceptionally strong 60 or 70 mm Mile
fully transferable warranty starts a hair above $26,000 including destination
charges placing its entry price above competitors like the fun and lovely
Mazda cx-5 be well rounded Honda CRV the technology-rich Chevrolet Equinox the
roomy Toyota rav4 and the Nissan Rogue which like the Tiguan can be had with a
third row seat select a more expensive Tiguan and you can enjoy keyless access
with push-button start an eight-inch infotainment system replacing the pace
6.5 inch unit power seats leatherette or genuine leather replacing the base cars
cloth seats adaptive cruise control with stop and go functionality front and rear
parking sensors and a 12-point three inch customizable digital instrument
panel that can put navigation info right in front of your face well kind of blow
your face but you get the picture as with most modern SUVs active safety
aides are also available including blind spot monitoring forward collision
warning with pedestrian detection automatic braking and a lane departure
warning system that would be more helpful if it also steered you back into
your lane select an utterly loaded premium
trim with all-wheel-drive and the fancy looking Arline package and you can
expect an MSRP a touch higher than $40,000 examine the competitive field
and you'll find more efficient less expensive and more practical SUVs many
of which boasts superior resale values but if you want a handsome SUV with an
amazing warranty satisfying road manners and occasional use third row and a
dusting of German heritage and you don't mind paying for the privilege
the Volkswagen Tiguan is worth the spin
you