New VW Tiguan hits SA, here's the low-down

IOL Motoring Staff

Johannesburg - It's hard to believe it's been eight years since the original Tiguan landed in South Africa, but it does mean that the second-generation model that's just been launched, is possibly a tad overdue.

All-new from the ground up, Tiguan II follows the latest Golf and Passat onto the VW Group's weight-saving MQB modular platform, allowing for larger dimensions while reducing overall weight by up to 53kg depending on the model. The new SUV is 30mm wider and 60mm longer than its predecessor, with the wheelbase growing by 77mm, while the height has been reduced by 33mm.

Naturally interior space grows too and VW claims that it's now one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. Knee room is up by 29mm and boot space by 145 litres, and the two can be varied as needed thanks to a sliding rear bench with 180mm of adjustment, which allows a 615-litre boot when the bench is at its furthest forward.

Two engines for now, more coming

Initially only two engine options will offered, both 1.4-litre TSI turbopetrol units but with differing outputs: 92kW and 200Nm in the base models, which have a six-speed manual gearbox, and 110kW/250Nm in the upper version, which comes with a six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox.

However VWSA is promising to expand the range during the last quarter of this year with a 2-litre TDI turbodiesel line-up that will be available in three outputs (81kW, 105kW and 130kW) and those who fantasise about a GTI-of-sorts for the school run will also be able to opt for a 2-litre TSI turbopetrol with 162kW on tap. The latter, along with the two most powerful TDI variants, will be fitted with VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive, while all other engine derivatives drive the front wheels as has become the norm in the Rav4 class.

Snazzy new gadgets

On the gadget front the big talking point is the Active Info Display, which is basically VW's version of Audi's 'virtual cockpit' instrument cluster. The 31cm screen has also been adapted for adventurous motorists with an off-road display profile that includes a compass and steering angle indicator.

As for the main command centre, the Tiguan comes standard with a 12.7cm Composition Colour touch-screen infotainment system, and buyers can upgrade to a 16.5cm Composition Media system or a 20cm Discovery Pro system with satnav. Buyers opting for the most basic system will have to pay extra for Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Other optional gadgets include adaptive cruise control, parallel parking assist with rear view camera, keyless start, head-up display and an electric tailgate.

THE LINE-UP

1.4 TSI 92kW Trendline - R378 000

Key standard features: 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, cruise control, leather-covered multi-function steering wheel, electric windows, tyre pressure monitoring, six airbags and fatigue detection.

1.4 TSI 92kW Comfortline - R419 000

1.4 TSI 110kW Comfortline DSG - R457 680

Add: LED headlights with high-beam control, three-zone automatic climate control, 'Comfort' front seats, rain sensor and park-distance control.

An R-Line exterior kit is also optionally available and includes 19-inch 'Sebring' alloy wheels.

ALTERNATIVES

Lower range:

VW Tiguan 1.4 TSI Trendline - 92kW/200Nm - R378 000

Ford Kuga 1.5T Ambiente - 110kW/240Nm - R366 900

Hyundai Tucson 2.0 Premium - 115kW/196Nm - R369 900

Mazda CX-5 2.0 Active - 121kW/210Nm - R360 300

Nissan Qashqai 1.2T Acenta - 85kW/190Nm - R345 900

Toyota Rav4 2.0 GX - 107kW/187Nm - R363 400