Test-driving the Volkswagen Tiguan: exploring electric features in a diesel crossover.

Since the launch of the first Tiguan in 2007, nearly 8 million crossovers of two generations have been sold worldwide, making it the company's most popular model. Consequently, Volkswagen's developers had no margin for error in creating this new model in a segment characterized by fierce competition. Journalists from RBK-Ukraine Auto discovered what features could impress discerning buyers.

Electric Influence

At first glance, the new generation of the German crossover shows a clear design unification with Volkswagen's electric ID family. The grille has been lowered and fully integrated into the bumper, while its former position is now occupied by a solid LED strip.

At the same time, the body has become more rounded and aerodynamic—compared to the previous generation, the coefficient of aerodynamic drag has decreased from 0.33 to 0.28. This rounded shape gives the impression that the vehicle has significantly increased in size. However, the dimensions of the Tiguan have hardly changed: it has grown by 32 mm in length (now 4541 mm) and 5 mm in height (now 1640 mm). The width (1839 mm) and wheelbase (2681 mm) remain unchanged.

If we describe the exterior of the vehicle, the best word would be "calm." Indeed, Volkswagen designers have stripped the car of any sharp elements, focusing instead on interesting design features—extended daytime running lights across the front and multi-layered rear optics, along with "powerful" wheel arches. Interestingly, the new model in the Ukrainian market resembles its predecessor less than the new Touareg and the new Passat wagon.

Despite the absence of adaptive matrix lighting in our test vehicle, the well-formed beam of light did not hinder visibility of distant road elements during nighttime travels. Additionally, there’s no need to worry about the winter imperfections of Ukrainian roads, such as ruts and potholes—the 169 mm ground clearance is sufficient to handle them. However, on rough terrain, this parameter may become a significant limitation, and it’s important to keep in mind the potential lack of ground clearance.

A New Dominance

Traditionally, Volkswagen vehicles feature interiors that include familiar and convenient components from other models. Experienced "weight counters" will find parts from the Golf, Passat, Touareg, and others.

In the center of the dashboard is a 15-inch monitor. Below it are touch-sensitive strips for controlling the dual-zone climate control and audio system volume. Perhaps these strips are the only ergonomic drawback of the German crossover; everything else is well thought out.

There were concerns that the large screen could distract from the road due to moving map objects, color changes, and so on. However, the interior designers carefully considered the size of the icons on the monitor's working screens and the angle of the display towards the driver, ensuring that this digital centerpiece does not divert attention from the road and primary controls.

On the central console, between the ignition and electronic parking brake buttons, there is a round dial for a universal touch control switch—it can be configured for adjusting volume, changing driving modes, or customizing the interior's emotional ambiance.

Interestingly, the transmission selector has moved from the transmission tunnel to the right steering column lever. As a result of this decision, the Tiguan has lost manual transmission versions, regardless of the engine. The instrument panel is exclusively digital, featuring a 10.25-inch screen.

The shape and firmness of the ErgoComfort driver's seat have been approved by German doctors. While we won't comment on its benefits or drawbacks for the spine, it is certainly comfortable—only warm remarks can be made. Notably, the vehicle offers several massage modes. The rear seating area appears to have slightly increased compared to its predecessor.

The trunk of the new Volkswagen Tiguan is ready to accommodate up to 652 liters of cargo in its standard position. In more familiar terms, that’s enough space for two strollers and a couple of backpacks. Few crossovers in the same class can boast such ample storage. If the rear seats are folded down, this figure can increase by a "German thousand"—up to 1650 liters.

Classic Genre

In European markets, several diverse hybrid versions have been offered for the model, following recent trends. However, the Ukrainian market presents a true German classic in terms of the new Volkswagen Tiguan's engine lineup. The crossover is available with a 2.0 TDI diesel engine in two variants—producing either 150 or 193 horsepower.

All engines are paired with a seven-speed DSG transmission, but the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is only available with the more powerful version. It is worth noting that the third-generation Tiguan is built on the MQB Evo platform: McPherson struts are retained at the front, while a multi-link suspension is used at the rear.

From the first kilometers of driving, it becomes clear that the vehicle is designed for well-paved roads. This does not mean that it has lost the good suspension ergonomics of its predecessor. However, it is noticeable that on sharp bumps, such as potholes and asphalt seams, the vehicle's suspension seems to "resist" too much.

Even on patched and "wavy" roads, the car maintains a very stable course: it doesn’t require constant corrections. Another strong point of the Tiguan's suspension, combined with a set of vibration-dampening materials, is its ability to handle cobblestones without issue. It is evident that on key markets, cobblestone roads are still present.

The 193-horsepower turbo-diesel offers a good balance: it ensures decent acceleration both on the highway and in the city while also attempting to save fuel. Regarding the former, the engine, with a maximum torque of 400 Nm available from 1750 rpm, accelerates the vehicle from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.7 seconds. Even at speeds above 100 km/h, there is a noticeable reserve that allows for easy overtaking of other vehicles. During rapid acceleration, the car downshifts to the 1st or 2nd gear and raises the engine's RPM to optimal levels. Typically, the vehicle tries to keep the RPMs around 1500 to consume as little fuel as possible.

Yes, the diesel Tiguan has not lost its signature virtue—fuel efficiency. In the city, the vehicle consumes no more than 8-8.3 liters per 100 km, while on the highway, it easily stays within 6.7-7 liters per hundred kilometers. Of course, appetite depends on the chosen speed and the number of overtakes.

Price of the Matter

In our market, the Tiguan is available in two trims—Life and Elegance. In the base version, the vehicle is equipped with a 150-horsepower diesel engine, and among its features, you can find a 12.9-inch monitor, a rearview camera, three-zone climate control, heated steering wheel and seats, an alarm system, etc. Prices for this crossover start at 1,706,757 hryvnias.

In the Elegance variant, a more powerful engine, all-wheel drive, massage seats, proactive passenger safety systems, and more are also included. Prices for the 193-horsepower version start at 1,885,027 hryvnias.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Volkswagen Tiguan

Strong points of the German crossover:

• Availability of diesel engines
• Low fuel consumption
• Convenient and well-thought-out multimedia system
• All-wheel drive system
• Recognizable design

Drawbacks of the vehicle:

• Absence of gasoline engines in the lineup
• Digital "microclimate"
• Lack of matrix lighting