Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review – ‘Tigs’ Many Boxes!

What is it?

No, this certainly isn’t the first-ever SUV from Volkswagen India. Back in 2008, the manufacturer came up with the Touareg to test waters in the luxury SUV segment. This time, however, VW India has decided to try its luck in the premium SUV/crossover segment with the second-generation Tiguan. On sale at a rather steep price of Rs 27.99 Lakh – 31.39 Lakh (ex-showroom, New Delhi), the Mk2 Tiguan finds itself bang in the middle of Toyota Fortuner territory. Also, a five-seat layout and an understated design don’t help matters. So, is the Tiguan a write-off right from the word go? Well, no, not really. We spent a couple of days driving the new VW through some of the most picturesque settings in Karnataka. Here’s our Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review for all the details-

Also See- Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota Fortuner | Volkswagen Tiguan vs Ford Endeavour

Neat, Clean Surfaces

The Tiguan looks distinctly modern and unmistakably Volkswagen. The car’s sleek headlights, together with the chrome-garnished front grille, work well to make the car look wider and more planted. The headlights carry several LED fixtures that make the nose look even more premium. The sharp shoulder lines and discreet creases on the bonnet go on to give the design a touch of solidity that motivates many to drive home a German.

It’s in the side profile that things get a bit boring. In a fashion typical of most VWs out there, the Tiguan’s side profile carries neat and clutter-free surfaces that almost totally lack any flamboyance. Save for the slightly pronounced wheel arches and the bold character line, there’s nothing of note here that catches your attention, except perhaps some chrome garnishing above the body base line. The rear-end gets wrap-around twin-pod taillights, which do mimic the headlights in their profile. Overall, the Mk2 Tiguan is a handsome crossover.

Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review – Video

Modern, Feature-laden Interior

The interior is a reflection of the exterior. The dashboard has a clean, clutter-free design and neat layouts. The steering gets a flat bottom and feels nice to hold. The highlights here are the instrument cluster and the infotainment system, both of which have been angled towards the driver. Beneath the infotainment system are the climate controls that are also angled towards the driver. As expected of a premium product from Volkswagen, quality levels are top notch.

A big highlight of the Tiguan is its long list of features. In India, the Tiguan Diesel is available in two trim levels- Comfortline and Highline.

Comfortline Trim Features-

• LED headlamps with LED DRLs
• 17-inch alloys
• Memory function for driver’s seat
• Electric front seats
• Heated front seats
• 4Motion All Wheel Drive
• Three-zone Auto Climate Control
• Apple CarPlay
• 8.0-inch Composition touchscreen infotainment system
• 8-speaker audio system
• Android Auto

Highline Trim Features-

• 18-inch alloys
• Keyless entry
• Push-button start
• LED taillights
• Reverse parking camera
• Ambient cabin lighting
• Panoramic sunroof
• Gesture-controlled tailgate
• Self-sealing Tyres

On the Go!

Powering the Tiguan is the new EA288 TDI Diesel engine that comes mated to the new DQ500 7-speed DSG transmission. For the India-spec model, the engine outputs 145 PS and 340 Nm. The new VW SUV boasts a Haldex AWD system and multiple driving modes. Other than this, when driven in Eco mode, the engine disengages itself from the gearbox to enhance the fuel efficiency.

On the go, the Tiguan exhibits enough gusto. The engine is high on refinement and the turbo lag is minimal. The NVH levels are really low, except for the typical Diesel clatter at idle, but we’re really nitpicking here. The transmission delivers quick shifts that are almost seamless in nature. The engine feels a lot smoother and more refined than its earlier iterations. The Tiguan offers brisk acceleration right from the moment you step on the gas. The motor gets fully energized around 2,000 RPM, post which it revs freely all the way till 5,000 RPM. There’s a linear torque spread throughout the rev range and the Mk2 Tiguan breaks no sweat to reach speeds as high as 160 KMPH. Overall, the Tiguan is a brilliant car to drive. No, it isn’t the sportiest option in this price range, but it offers ‘waftability’ befitting larger, more expensive crossovers.

Around the Corners

The new generation Tiguan becomes the first VW in India to boast MQB architecture. Unsurprisingly then, this crossover drives like a full-blown premium SUV. It feels really planted at high speeds while maintaining its composure over broken patches of the road. The steering is very accurate and choosing the ‘Sports’ mode adds some more weight to it. Again, the Tiguan isn’t the sportiest handler in its price range, but it’s definitely a willing partner on the twisty ghats.

Overall, the new Tiguan impresses us with its ride and handling characteristics. The new model demonstrates the sort of European panache one expects from expensive German crossovers. It’s clearly a better preposition to all other crossovers/SUVs in this segment.

Should I Buy One?

Yes, the Tiguan lacks the daunting stance of some of the SUVs on sale in this price range. It also lacks a third row of seats. Moreover, the fully loaded variant is priced a bit close to entry-level crossovers from the revered German trio. However, the new Volkswagen Tiguan is good at most of the things that really matter. The Mk2 Tiguan is a really well-rounded package. It’s not very exciting to drive, but enjoys an upper hand over all its rivals when it comes to the fun-to-drive preposition. The cabin is well built and really high on practicality with almost a gazillion storage spaces and enough room for five occupants. Also, the Tiguan enjoys a really long list of comfort & convenience features.

True, all of this comes at a rather steep price, as VW India has decided to price the car much above the likes of Hyundai Tucson and more towards models like the Audi Q3 and the BMW X1. However, the Tiguan feels nearly as good as the aforementioned German crossovers and that alone goes on to say a lot about the new Tiguan’s capabilities.

Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review – Specifications

Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review – Price

Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review – Image Gallery

So what do you have to say about our new Volkswagen Tiguan test drive review? Do let us know by sharing your views in the comments section below.