Introduction
The compact crossover segment has seen significant growth, leading to increased competition among car manufacturers striving to cover every small part of this segment. Today, we’re featuring a remarkable vehicle that has been a strong competitor since its debut in 2007: the Volkswagen Tiguan. In its second generation, the Tiguan competes with models such as Audi Q3, BMW X1, and Volvo XC40.
Exterior Design
To enhance its competitiveness in the compact SUV category, the second generation of the Tiguan has seen an increase in length by 59 mm and width by 31 mm. The vehicle has adopted Volkswagen's new design language, making it closely resemble its larger sibling, the Touareg, but with its own unique flair.
At first glance, you will notice its distinctive 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels, chrome accents along its exterior, and numerous noticeable curves that increase its imposing and robust appearance.
Interior Design
The interior has undergone significant changes similar to the exterior design, with an increase in cabin space that surpasses expectations for a compact crossover. It offers numerous storage compartments, cup holders, and sliding and reclining seats for the second row, along with a 40-20-40 split rear seat folding feature.
In addition to comfort and practicality, the cabin also includes tables behind the rear seats, USB ports, and a three-zone climate control system that reaches all passengers. If you’re still not convinced by its practicality, the Tiguan boasts an impressive trunk space of up to 685 liters behind the second row, which is larger than its German competitors and the Swedish Volvo.
Features
To attract a diverse age range of buyers and expand its customer base, the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan comes equipped with a panoramic sunroof, an entertainment system featuring an 8-inch screen that supports both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as smartphone mirroring capabilities, and a 400-watt audio system by DYNAUDIO, among other features.
For driver-specific features, the Tiguan is equipped with adaptive cruise control along with a speed limiter, and a 12-inch display replaces the traditional instrument cluster to showcase various functionalities such as navigation and entertainment systems. Additionally, it includes an automated parking system that, while not perfect, is better than what we’ve seen in other vehicles that might expose you to collisions with stationary cars.
Driving Experience
Despite its outstanding exterior design and interior features, the Tiguan does not reach the peak of driving enjoyment. However, it has undergone notable improvements compared to previous models, primarily due to its adoption of a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine similar to that found in the sporty Volkswagen Golf GTI.
This impressive engine produces a horsepower of 220, depending on the driving mode selected, coupled with a 7-speed DSG transmission allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 6.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 220 km/h. These are impressive numbers for a family SUV.
Conclusion
It can be said that the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line is the best vehicle among its mentioned competitors. However, with a price tag of AED 176,000, it is certainly not the cheapest option available. A more suitable choice would be to forgo the R-Line package to save AED 12,000 and opt for the Sport version, which is equipped with the same fantastic engine for just AED 164,000. Yes, it is still pricey, but it is worth the investment.
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