While the face-lifted Volkswagen Tiguan has been around for a while, the diesel model is new to South Africa. Oliver Keohane spends a week behind the wheel.
The Tiguan 2,0TDI R-Line is the type of car you fall in love with instantly. I did, at least. Wow, what a beautiful and enjoyable vehicle.
Let’s start in the engine room. The 2.0L 4-cylinder turbodiesel pushes out 130kW and 380 Nm. That’s 60 Nm more than the TSI counterpart, and the effect is exciting and impactful. Paired to a 7-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (a dual clutch automatic transmission), you stick that into Sport mode, welcome the split-second of anticipation, and then let the extra torque do the work to propel you past whoever needs overtaking.
What makes the engine more easily enjoyable to me, is the way that the car handles. The Tiguan TDI does not not compromise in terms of driving confidence, thanks largely to the 4motion all-wheel drive system, and the playful steering allows you to weave easily through traffic and around town. For a mid-size SUV it’s pretty punchy in its normal road-driving setting.
Admittedly, I spent too much time in Sport mode, but the Tiguan also has an eco-mode. The manufacturer claims a fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km, but for the stretches I spent just in ‘drive’ (No Eco or Sport mode activated) I was averaging in the higher 7s, lower 8s. I’m sure one could crack those numbers down with some more conservative driving and also not living in Vredehoek where every road is a hill and your rev-counter hates you. The 58 litre tank allows an estimated range of 879km, so I still barely made a dent over the week.
The Tiguan does also come with an off-road mode, and the aforementioned all-wheel drive system. Unfortunately I wasn’t able to take it out the city, but I would imagine it to be more than capable on dirt roads –granted you’re not doing any serious 4×4 trails.
Aside from a grumbling engine – which was only probably more noticeable because I was spending some time driving Mercedes’ new GLB the week before – I found the powertrain and handling to offer a sporty, pleasurable driving experience.
A look inside the Tiguan TDI R-Line:
It is also a pleasure to cruise around in a car as sexy as the Tiguan R-Line. A caveat must be added here. I was the beneficiary of a test car brimming with optional extras, some of which – like the Black Style option pack, Matrix LED headlights and panoramic sunroof – definitely added to the subtle luxury of the aesthetic. Nevertheless, coming in stock, the Tiguan R gets a big thumbs up for design. It’s body is sleek and sporty, but it sacrifices nothing with interior and boot space.
The interior is understated but impactful, Apple Car-Play connected quickly and ran smoothly, and I really liked the simplicity of the digital cluster behind the steering wheel. I also had a soft spot for the steering wheel itself. Again, thanks to optional extras I was blessed with a Harmon/Kardon sound system too.
In summary, the Tiguan TDI is a stunning SUV stylistically that ticks all the boxes in terms of practicality. Depending on how you spec it though, you’re looking to compete at two different levels…
Starting at R818 600, the Tiguan TDI can compete with likes of the Hyundai Tucson, Toyota RAV 4 and Mazda CX-5, while also pushing the Audi, BMW and Mercedes in terms of value for money. However, while the Tiguan TDI R-Line is a magnificent car, a lot of the features that really got my attention initially, I discovered to be optional extras. Coming in at a monstrous R970 550 with all these extras, the model I drove – despite it being such a pleasure – does not do enough to compete at that price-point.
The Tiguan at a glance:
- Model: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 130kW 4Motion R-Line
- Price: R818 600
- Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbodiesel
- Power: 130 kW
- Torque: 380 Nm
- Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch
- Fuel consumption: 6.6 L/100 km (claimed)
- Boot capacity: 520 litres