VOLKSWAGEN has enjoyed tremendous local market success with its Tiguan in the booming compact SUV segment as it has quickly become the brand’s second-largest-seller here, so the introduction of an even cheaper entry-level model is big news for the brand. And our first drive of the new sub-30K Tiguan shows it to be a worthwhile addition to the range, with excellent performance from the car’s brilliant twin-charged engine and enough grunt to make using the standard six-speed manual gearbox anything but a chore. And a visit to the petrol station will delight with an economy rating of just 6.9L/100km on the combined cycle, though that’s on more expensive 95-octane fuel.
Tiguan
Released: May 2008
Ended: October 2011
Family Tree: TiguanThe Tiguan was Volkswagen’s first compact SUV and offered buyers in that segment European style, dynamics and safety at a price comparable to its Asian competition.
In Australia, it was offered in a three-model range, all with 4Motion all-wheel drive. The entry model was the 125TSI turbo-petrol, while a 147TSI variant topped the range. The turbo-diesel 103TDI developed 103kW at 4200rpm and 320Nm at 1750-2500rpm.
Standard on 125TSI and 103TDI was a six-speed manual while a six-speed auto was optional on all but the 147TSI, which came standard with the auto.
In a strange move in this segment, VW offered an off-road pack that gave hill descent control and recalibrated chassis electronics for off-road driving but this was unpopular.
Super Test
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