When the Tiguan arrived here in 2016 it lacked only one thing, a sweet turbodiesel option. Volkswagen has finally added it to the line-up, as BERNIE HELLBERG reports.
The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan ushered in a new styling language for the brand’s SUV range last year, and having tested almost every model in the ever-growing line-up, we were keen to spend some time behind the wheel of the new 2.0-litre TDI version which was introduced during the second quarter of 2017.
RECAP ON THE INTERIOR
Completely redesigned, with advanced electronics controlling all aspects of the interior tech, the Tiguan is a super stylish place to spend your time.
Specification levels differ substantially across the Tiguan range, but the 2.0 TDI is comprehensively specced by today’s standards. With 4Motion all-wheel-drive standard on the Highline model we tested, you have a rotary dial selector for different drive modes. Hill descent control is also included.
Regardless of which Tiguan model you choose, seven airbags are standard (dual front, front side, full-length curtain and driver’s knee), tyre pressure monitoring, lane-keep assist, and a driver fatigue monitor also add to the Tiguan’s safety credentials.
R-LINE SUBLIME
The R-Line pack is only available with the petrol- and diesel Highline variants at the cost of R18,700. It adds an eye-catching R-Line body kit, R-Line interior trim with embroidered logos on the seats and grey piping alongside the black leather, black headlining, stunning 20” alloy wheels, adaptive chassis control and progressive steering.
It is, without a doubt, the choice for buyers who want the most dynamically capable and also remarkably comfortable Tiguan model available. Despite riding atop huge with low-profile rubber, the adaptive dampers remarkably managed to iron out pockmarks and small potholes when the going got rough – which is almost every suburban road nowadays.
THE SWEET SPOT
While I have always been a fan of the Tiguan’s 1.4-litre petrol engine, Volkswagen has indeed hit a new sweet spot with this turbodiesel mill. Capable of producing 130 kW of power between 3,500 and 4,000 r/min, and a healthy 400 Nm of torque (from 1,900-3,300 r/min), this little four-cylinder is as gutsy and responsive as they come.
It’s not unusual for a modern turbodiesel to suffer from a slight case of low-rev lag, and the Tiguan is unfortunately not spared that fate. The occasional delay when accelerating from standstill may get you hot under the collar when you’re in a hurry, but most drivers will either not notice, or won’t care that it takes the turbo an extra second or two to properly spool up.
The diesel comes standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic and 4Motion all-wheel-drive, and there are paddles if you want to take matters into your hands.
LAST WORD
In our opinion, the 130 kW turbodiesel Tiguan checks all the boxes to qualify itself as one of the best medium SUVs in this segment, if not the number one choice outright. Sure, at R558,300 (R577,000 with the R-Line kit added) you are paying a premium over most of its rivals – from R23,400 more than the Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Elite Diesel (FWD), to a mere R800 pricier than the Mazda CX-5 2.2 DE Akera AWD – but if you’re shopping in that ballpark already, the Tiguan makes a whole lot of sense.
Report by BERNIE HELLBERG | Images © VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA