Logo
No matching results

Recent Articles

Popular Makes

Body Types

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Review

The GTI of compact crossovers? Let’s not get crazy, VW

AS
by Autobytel Staff
May 30, 2008
3 min. Reading Time
fallback

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s all-new entrant in the compact crossover class of vehicles. It offers up a 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an available six-speed manual transmission, available all-wheel drive and driving dynamics superior to most vehicles in its class.

Honda CR-V, Saturn Vue, Toyota RAV4

Volkswagen calls the Tiguan the GTI of compact crossovers. While it’s certainly fun to drive, there are others out there that offer up almost as much fun with more power or more capability. It’s good, and we like the Tiguan, but a GTI it ain’t.

Volkswagen has taken to calling its new 2009 Tiguan compact utility vehicle the “GTI of sport utilities.” Now, we like the Tiguan just fine. It’s one of the better vehicles in its class, really, with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder, an available six-speed manual transmission (rowing your own gears is rare in this class), optional all-wheel drive and the usual selection of goodies available from most of its competitors, and then some. Through the roads around the Rocky Mountains outside of Boulder, Colo., where we first sampled the Tiguan, we found it to be an enjoyable vehicle in most respects.

undefined

But there was nothing about the Tiguan that reminded us of Volkswagen’s GTI. The fabled hot hatchback boasts great handling and power in a sophisticated package compared to cars like the Civic Si or the Subaru WRX. About the only GTI-like thing about the Tiguan is its price, which comes in considerably higher than many of its Toyota and Honda competitors. Price aside, if it really was the GTI of its class, we’d be jumping up and down, singing its praises, and probably standing in line right now to buy one.

As it is, the Tiguan is more like the Rabbit of compact crossovers. It is a little more fun to drive than its competition, offers up a more sophisticated European driving experience, and has a conservative German style that looks good without being flashy. In the same way the Rabbit appeals to those who need an inexpensive compact, but want an alternative to the homogenized world of Toyota Corollas and Honda Civics, the Tiguan will appeal to those who need a crossover, but don’t want to see themselves coming and going in a Honda CR-V. They’ll likely be happy with it, as long as they know that it ain’t no GTI.

Page 2

There are three trim levels to choose from in the Tiguan family, from the base front-drive S with a manual transmission starting at $23,890, including the $690 destination charge, all the way to the luxed-out SEL with all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic, which will set you back $33,630, including destination.

undefined

On our drive, we tested two Tiguan models. One was the base S model, which is hardly a penalty box with its 16-inch wheels, power amenities, cruise control, and a sound system with an MP3-compatible in-dash CD player and center console auxiliary input. There are also standard safety systems like anti-lock brakes, stability control, and front, side and curtain airbags. Options are limited to bigger wheels, a trailer package and rear side airbags, but you won’t find all-wheel drive on the base model’s menu.

The other trim level we drove is likely to be one you’ll see a lot: A loaded-up mid-range SE with the automatic and optional all-wheel drive. With a retail price of $29,965, including destination, it included all of the S equipment, plus 17-inch alloy wheels, chrome exterior trim, upgraded interior cloth and trim, heated seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls, and a multi-function trip computer. Our test vehicle was also equipped with the $1,300 power panoramic sunroof and the $1,950 touch-screen navigation system.

The top SEL trim level adds leather seating, a power driver’s seat and several other goodies to the Tiguan, but we’re not convinced it’s worth the extra scratch, especially considering that the sunroof and navigation system are still optional. Our SE test vehicle was already as much as an Acura RDX as equipped; add the same bits to an SEL and you’re in BMW X3 territory, where the little VW gets beaten up, its lunch money stolen.

Page 3

Regardless of trim level, there is only one engine available with the Tiguan: Volkswagen’s tried and true 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. This is one of our favorite engines. With an even 200 horsepower and its 207 lb.-ft. of torque spread out over the majority of its rev range, it’s a smooth, peppy, free-revving powerplant that is utilized throughout much of VW’s lineup. However, there are two knocks against it. First, gas mileage is only so-so, its 18 mpg city and 25 mpg highway about the same as some of its more powerful V-6 competition, and notably worse than other less powerful four-cylinders. The second is that Volkswagen recommends premium fuel. Sure, you can use regular gas and lose some performance in the bargain, but with skyrocketing gas prices all over the country, premium fuel in a relatively inexpensive vehicle is a lot to ask.

undefined

Two transmission choices are available. The first is an honest-to-goodness manual. It’s been a while since we’ve seen one of these in a crossover, and since the Tiguan’s driving dynamics are pretty good, we like having this smooth shifting transmission here, although we wish it was available across the board and not just in the base S trim. The second is a six-speed automatic that’s standard everywhere else, and it will likely be the far more popular choice. With the Tiptronic manual gear selection, we found it was still fun in the twisty bits we drove, though not as fun as the stick.

Any crossover must have all-wheel drive as an option, and the Tiguan offers up front- or all-wheel drive in all but the base S model, which is front-drive only. Depending on the trim level, you get either 16-, 17-, or 18-inch wheels and tires. The 4Motion all-wheel drive system uses a Haldex center differential to apportion power to the front, rear, or all wheels as needed. We found it worked invisibly, but unfortunately it adds nearly 200 pounds to Tiguan’s curb weight.

The Tiguan rides on an independent suspension and uses four-wheel antilock disc brakes to stop. One interesting feature is a standard electronic parking brake; no pedal to push or big handle to pull, just a small lever on the dash. Stability control is also standard, as are front, side and curtain airbags, with side airbags optional for rear passengers.


`

Interested in Getting a New Car?

Used Cars Near You

No Data Available

Powered by Usedcars.com
©2024 AutoWeb, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Some content provided by and under copyright by Autodata, Inc. dba Chrome Data. © 1986-2024.