2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Test Drive Review

Performance – The Volkswagen Tiguan is offered with only one engine in India, which is the EA288 2.0-litre TDI diesel unit producing 143 PS of power at 4000 RPM along with 340 Nm of torque between 1750-2750 RPM. The powerplant is offered with the new generation DQ500 7-speed DSG gearbox which is newer compared to the old DQ200 and DQ250 units. On paper, the power and torque figures might seem less but honestly, the Tiguan produces adequate grunt. The motor is a smooth performer but also feels noisy and there is a constant hum that can be heard in the cabin. The power surge is punchy after 2000 RPM and continues till about 3000 RPM before tapering off. In Eco mode, power feels a bit limited but for city usage, this mode is the best. In Normal mode, the engine opens up a bit while in Sports mode, the revs are held at 2000 RPM and this results in quicker power delivery. The gearbox downshifts if revs fall below 2000 RPM.

The engine+gearbox combo can easily be termed as one of the best in the segment

The DSG gearbox is very smooth and quick-shifting, and understands driving styles well. It adapts quickly to smooth as well as aggressive driving mannerisms. It can be slotted into Sports mode while you also get paddle shifters and a manual Tiptronic mode. The powertrain also offers you an Individual mode where you can adjust settings to your liking. The engine and gearbox combo makes for a good bet and power is sent to all four wheels thanks to the full-time Haldex AWD system. Despite this, the ARAI-claimed fuel efficiency is 17.06 km/l while real world figures are 10-11 km/l with aggressive driving and 15-16 km/l with smooth cruising.

Driving Dynamics – The suspension of the Tiguan gets a stiff setup but it is also very pliant and absorbs undulations with ease, with only the really bad potholes filtering inside the cabin. Ride quality is definitely comfortable and gets a big thumbs up. The steering is direct and precise but lacks feel. However, the Tiguan makes for a fun to drive car. It also remains properly composed all the time. The ARAI-certified ground clearance is 149 mm and that limits the car’s usage off the road. You do get an off-road mode in the Tiguan but due to the ground clearance, don’t expect the vehicle to do proper off-roading and it can be best termed as a soft-roader. The Haldex AWD system is awesome though, providing a lot of traction. Torque is sent to the front wheels under normal driving but depending on the situation, it can transfer torque between the front and rear wheels. Braking performance is very good while the Hankook tyres also have good levels of grip.

Safety and After Sales Service – The Volkswagen Tiguan comes with the usual safety features like 6 airbags, ABS with EBD, ESC, etc. However, you also get an active bonnet which basically comes with sensors on either side and when it detects a collision with a pedestrian, the bonnet rises up a bit, thus reducing the effect on the pedestrian as well as damage to the car. The sales and service network of Volkswagen is present in most major cities now with the company expanding its reach over the years. However the service experience can’t match Toyota whose Fortuner is a direct rival to the Tiguan.