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Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 Sport TSI DSG (A) Review
04 Apr 2011|33,678 views
Compact SUVs tend to defy easy categorisation, yet prove immensely popular in Singapore, probably because this genre fuses the appeal of hatchbacks with the rugged demeanour of SUVs. More importantly, these 'crossover' vehicles are seen to feature all the pros rather than the cons associated with the component genres that form the entire package.
We reckon this preference for cross-over vehicles stems from the average buyer's need to project an image that he (or she) is not so readily pigeon-holed, or worse, regarded as 'conservative'.
By fusing the best traits of two popular segments, the Tiguan presents an appealing proposition for those who may eschew the hatchback or SUV body-type individually. Although sedans tend to rule the roost in the local market, the hatchback is also seen as a 'safe (to some extent, conservative even)' choice, particularly from the brand that brought us what is arguably regarded as the definitive hatchback - the original Golf.
Apart from small detail revisions, the biggest change for the Model Year 2011 Tiguan 2.0 TSI is the 7-Speed DSG transmission - previously, the car relied on a 6-Speed automatic gearbox for transmission duties, which to us, discharged its duties admirably, but we're told this revised 7-Speed DSG unit rises to even greater heights with its improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Codenamed 'DQ500', the new transmission is a wet-clutch high-performance application that has grown out of the brand's experience garnered from the DQ200 (a dry-clutch 7-Speed transmission found in the lower-powered models) and the DQ250 (a wet clutch 6-Speed system found in the GTI) transmissions.
Exterior
Likewise, thoroughbred SUVs tend to be perceived as gas-guzzlers that are oversized and unwieldy to manoeuvre around, which gave rise to the concept of the compact SUV. In the case of the Tiguan, we feel there's a chunky charm to its proportions, which are less overtly rugged than the average vehicle in this segment, ultimately coming across as a more muscular hatchback, which we like.
Visually, the Tiguan boasts the familiar compact, muscular proportions that have endeared it to its fans. There is a smattering of emblems at the back, including 'Tiguan' and the '2.0 TSI 4Motion' mouthful at both sides of the rump-end.
We reckon this preference for cross-over vehicles stems from the average buyer's need to project an image that he (or she) is not so readily pigeon-holed, or worse, regarded as 'conservative'.
By fusing the best traits of two popular segments, the Tiguan presents an appealing proposition for those who may eschew the hatchback or SUV body-type individually. Although sedans tend to rule the roost in the local market, the hatchback is also seen as a 'safe (to some extent, conservative even)' choice, particularly from the brand that brought us what is arguably regarded as the definitive hatchback - the original Golf.
Apart from small detail revisions, the biggest change for the Model Year 2011 Tiguan 2.0 TSI is the 7-Speed DSG transmission - previously, the car relied on a 6-Speed automatic gearbox for transmission duties, which to us, discharged its duties admirably, but we're told this revised 7-Speed DSG unit rises to even greater heights with its improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Codenamed 'DQ500', the new transmission is a wet-clutch high-performance application that has grown out of the brand's experience garnered from the DQ200 (a dry-clutch 7-Speed transmission found in the lower-powered models) and the DQ250 (a wet clutch 6-Speed system found in the GTI) transmissions.
Exterior
Likewise, thoroughbred SUVs tend to be perceived as gas-guzzlers that are oversized and unwieldy to manoeuvre around, which gave rise to the concept of the compact SUV. In the case of the Tiguan, we feel there's a chunky charm to its proportions, which are less overtly rugged than the average vehicle in this segment, ultimately coming across as a more muscular hatchback, which we like.
Visually, the Tiguan boasts the familiar compact, muscular proportions that have endeared it to its fans. There is a smattering of emblems at the back, including 'Tiguan' and the '2.0 TSI 4Motion' mouthful at both sides of the rump-end.
 |
Interior
This feisty urban run-about will easily accommodate five with ease, in addition to their assorted barang-barang. The seats are firm, yet well-supportive and rear occupants have aeroplane-style pull-out trays (mounted at the back of the front seats), as well as centrally-positioned air-con vents.
Little touches inside help spruce up the utilitarian interior: a new multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and a revised instrument layout with an attractive white backlighting create a pleasantly premium ambience to be ensconced in.
There are all the usual concessions to function in the forms of cubby-holes and storage bins: under-seat drawers are a God-send to keep muddy sneakers out of sight, while the rear seats can be flipped and folded in various configurations to free up even more space.
The seats are firm yet well-supportive and the driver will find the important controls within easy reach. Unfortunately, the Tiguan does not feature steering wheel mounted gear-paddles, so any 'manual' up- or down-shifts still have to be effected via the stubby gear-lever. However, this seldom becomes a need in daily driving, since the ratios are well-suited for brisk progress in town traffic.
 |
The Drive
The 1984cc engine in the test Tiguan 2.0 TSI produces a peppy 170bhp and 280Nm (the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI offers the full-blown 200bhp). The car is decently explosive when moving-off from the traffic-lights and with the new gear-box, scampers to the 100km/h mark in 8.1 seconds (1.8 seconds faster than the previous model with the 6-Speed automatic transmission).
Off-the-line, the Tiguan 2.0 TSI is capable of quite a surprising turn of speed; the DSG provides a seamless flow of power and gear-shifts that are well-slurred for occupant comfort. Equally as impressive are the brakes, which inspire confidence through a reassuring pedal feel and provide ample braking force.
The Tiguan rides firm, but never comes across as harsh; driven enthusiastically, the body-control should surprise those who may have been expecting worse from such a form factor.
Likewise, tree-huggers will appreciate the improvement to fuel economy, which measures 11.6km/L in the combined cycle - a decent enough figure for a turbocharged 2L vehicle, especially in light of the car's straight-line sprint performance (the higher powered Tiguan Sport, 200bhp/280Nm, will demolish the 100km/h dash in just 7.4 seconds and return similar fuel consumption figures).
The 1984cc engine in the test Tiguan 2.0 TSI produces a peppy 170bhp and 280Nm (the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI offers the full-blown 200bhp). The car is decently explosive when moving-off from the traffic-lights and with the new gear-box, scampers to the 100km/h mark in 8.1 seconds (1.8 seconds faster than the previous model with the 6-Speed automatic transmission).
Off-the-line, the Tiguan 2.0 TSI is capable of quite a surprising turn of speed; the DSG provides a seamless flow of power and gear-shifts that are well-slurred for occupant comfort. Equally as impressive are the brakes, which inspire confidence through a reassuring pedal feel and provide ample braking force.
The Tiguan rides firm, but never comes across as harsh; driven enthusiastically, the body-control should surprise those who may have been expecting worse from such a form factor.
Likewise, tree-huggers will appreciate the improvement to fuel economy, which measures 11.6km/L in the combined cycle - a decent enough figure for a turbocharged 2L vehicle, especially in light of the car's straight-line sprint performance (the higher powered Tiguan Sport, 200bhp/280Nm, will demolish the 100km/h dash in just 7.4 seconds and return similar fuel consumption figures).
Conclusion
For what it's worth, the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI's S$20k-odd premium (at time of writing) over the 'regular' 2.0 TSI comes in the form of its improved performance figures and some extra kit, including (but not limited to) bi-Xenon headlights, sports suspension and a panoramic sliding glass roof.
Even in the 2.0 TSI's 'base' guise, one never feels short-changed from the lack of equipment (versus the Sport) and the real-world performance of the 2.0 TSI is already potent enough to make short work of taxis and other commercial vehicles from one set of lights to the next.
The extras that come with the Sport are nice to have, but not essential - even less so if this is intended as a second or third car.
For what it's worth, the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI's S$20k-odd premium (at time of writing) over the 'regular' 2.0 TSI comes in the form of its improved performance figures and some extra kit, including (but not limited to) bi-Xenon headlights, sports suspension and a panoramic sliding glass roof.
Even in the 2.0 TSI's 'base' guise, one never feels short-changed from the lack of equipment (versus the Sport) and the real-world performance of the 2.0 TSI is already potent enough to make short work of taxis and other commercial vehicles from one set of lights to the next.
The extras that come with the Sport are nice to have, but not essential - even less so if this is intended as a second or third car.
Compact SUVs tend to defy easy categorisation, yet prove immensely popular in Singapore, probably because this genre fuses the appeal of hatchbacks with the rugged demeanour of SUVs. More importantly, these 'crossover' vehicles are seen to feature all the pros rather than the cons associated with the component genres that form the entire package.
We reckon this preference for cross-over vehicles stems from the average buyer's need to project an image that he (or she) is not so readily pigeon-holed, or worse, regarded as 'conservative'.
By fusing the best traits of two popular segments, the Tiguan presents an appealing proposition for those who may eschew the hatchback or SUV body-type individually. Although sedans tend to rule the roost in the local market, the hatchback is also seen as a 'safe (to some extent, conservative even)' choice, particularly from the brand that brought us what is arguably regarded as the definitive hatchback - the original Golf.
Apart from small detail revisions, the biggest change for the Model Year 2011 Tiguan 2.0 TSI is the 7-Speed DSG transmission - previously, the car relied on a 6-Speed automatic gearbox for transmission duties, which to us, discharged its duties admirably, but we're told this revised 7-Speed DSG unit rises to even greater heights with its improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Codenamed 'DQ500', the new transmission is a wet-clutch high-performance application that has grown out of the brand's experience garnered from the DQ200 (a dry-clutch 7-Speed transmission found in the lower-powered models) and the DQ250 (a wet clutch 6-Speed system found in the GTI) transmissions.
Exterior
Likewise, thoroughbred SUVs tend to be perceived as gas-guzzlers that are oversized and unwieldy to manoeuvre around, which gave rise to the concept of the compact SUV. In the case of the Tiguan, we feel there's a chunky charm to its proportions, which are less overtly rugged than the average vehicle in this segment, ultimately coming across as a more muscular hatchback, which we like.
Visually, the Tiguan boasts the familiar compact, muscular proportions that have endeared it to its fans. There is a smattering of emblems at the back, including 'Tiguan' and the '2.0 TSI 4Motion' mouthful at both sides of the rump-end.
We reckon this preference for cross-over vehicles stems from the average buyer's need to project an image that he (or she) is not so readily pigeon-holed, or worse, regarded as 'conservative'.
By fusing the best traits of two popular segments, the Tiguan presents an appealing proposition for those who may eschew the hatchback or SUV body-type individually. Although sedans tend to rule the roost in the local market, the hatchback is also seen as a 'safe (to some extent, conservative even)' choice, particularly from the brand that brought us what is arguably regarded as the definitive hatchback - the original Golf.
Apart from small detail revisions, the biggest change for the Model Year 2011 Tiguan 2.0 TSI is the 7-Speed DSG transmission - previously, the car relied on a 6-Speed automatic gearbox for transmission duties, which to us, discharged its duties admirably, but we're told this revised 7-Speed DSG unit rises to even greater heights with its improved performance and reduced fuel consumption.
Codenamed 'DQ500', the new transmission is a wet-clutch high-performance application that has grown out of the brand's experience garnered from the DQ200 (a dry-clutch 7-Speed transmission found in the lower-powered models) and the DQ250 (a wet clutch 6-Speed system found in the GTI) transmissions.
Exterior
Likewise, thoroughbred SUVs tend to be perceived as gas-guzzlers that are oversized and unwieldy to manoeuvre around, which gave rise to the concept of the compact SUV. In the case of the Tiguan, we feel there's a chunky charm to its proportions, which are less overtly rugged than the average vehicle in this segment, ultimately coming across as a more muscular hatchback, which we like.
Visually, the Tiguan boasts the familiar compact, muscular proportions that have endeared it to its fans. There is a smattering of emblems at the back, including 'Tiguan' and the '2.0 TSI 4Motion' mouthful at both sides of the rump-end.
|
Interior
This feisty urban run-about will easily accommodate five with ease, in addition to their assorted barang-barang. The seats are firm, yet well-supportive and rear occupants have aeroplane-style pull-out trays (mounted at the back of the front seats), as well as centrally-positioned air-con vents.
Little touches inside help spruce up the utilitarian interior: a new multi-function steering wheel, dual-zone climate control system and a revised instrument layout with an attractive white backlighting create a pleasantly premium ambience to be ensconced in.
There are all the usual concessions to function in the forms of cubby-holes and storage bins: under-seat drawers are a God-send to keep muddy sneakers out of sight, while the rear seats can be flipped and folded in various configurations to free up even more space.
The seats are firm yet well-supportive and the driver will find the important controls within easy reach. Unfortunately, the Tiguan does not feature steering wheel mounted gear-paddles, so any 'manual' up- or down-shifts still have to be effected via the stubby gear-lever. However, this seldom becomes a need in daily driving, since the ratios are well-suited for brisk progress in town traffic.
|
The Drive
The 1984cc engine in the test Tiguan 2.0 TSI produces a peppy 170bhp and 280Nm (the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI offers the full-blown 200bhp). The car is decently explosive when moving-off from the traffic-lights and with the new gear-box, scampers to the 100km/h mark in 8.1 seconds (1.8 seconds faster than the previous model with the 6-Speed automatic transmission).
Off-the-line, the Tiguan 2.0 TSI is capable of quite a surprising turn of speed; the DSG provides a seamless flow of power and gear-shifts that are well-slurred for occupant comfort. Equally as impressive are the brakes, which inspire confidence through a reassuring pedal feel and provide ample braking force.
The Tiguan rides firm, but never comes across as harsh; driven enthusiastically, the body-control should surprise those who may have been expecting worse from such a form factor.
Likewise, tree-huggers will appreciate the improvement to fuel economy, which measures 11.6km/L in the combined cycle - a decent enough figure for a turbocharged 2L vehicle, especially in light of the car's straight-line sprint performance (the higher powered Tiguan Sport, 200bhp/280Nm, will demolish the 100km/h dash in just 7.4 seconds and return similar fuel consumption figures).
The 1984cc engine in the test Tiguan 2.0 TSI produces a peppy 170bhp and 280Nm (the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI offers the full-blown 200bhp). The car is decently explosive when moving-off from the traffic-lights and with the new gear-box, scampers to the 100km/h mark in 8.1 seconds (1.8 seconds faster than the previous model with the 6-Speed automatic transmission).
Off-the-line, the Tiguan 2.0 TSI is capable of quite a surprising turn of speed; the DSG provides a seamless flow of power and gear-shifts that are well-slurred for occupant comfort. Equally as impressive are the brakes, which inspire confidence through a reassuring pedal feel and provide ample braking force.
The Tiguan rides firm, but never comes across as harsh; driven enthusiastically, the body-control should surprise those who may have been expecting worse from such a form factor.
Likewise, tree-huggers will appreciate the improvement to fuel economy, which measures 11.6km/L in the combined cycle - a decent enough figure for a turbocharged 2L vehicle, especially in light of the car's straight-line sprint performance (the higher powered Tiguan Sport, 200bhp/280Nm, will demolish the 100km/h dash in just 7.4 seconds and return similar fuel consumption figures).
Conclusion
For what it's worth, the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI's S$20k-odd premium (at time of writing) over the 'regular' 2.0 TSI comes in the form of its improved performance figures and some extra kit, including (but not limited to) bi-Xenon headlights, sports suspension and a panoramic sliding glass roof.
Even in the 2.0 TSI's 'base' guise, one never feels short-changed from the lack of equipment (versus the Sport) and the real-world performance of the 2.0 TSI is already potent enough to make short work of taxis and other commercial vehicles from one set of lights to the next.
The extras that come with the Sport are nice to have, but not essential - even less so if this is intended as a second or third car.
For what it's worth, the Tiguan Sport 2.0 TSI's S$20k-odd premium (at time of writing) over the 'regular' 2.0 TSI comes in the form of its improved performance figures and some extra kit, including (but not limited to) bi-Xenon headlights, sports suspension and a panoramic sliding glass roof.
Even in the 2.0 TSI's 'base' guise, one never feels short-changed from the lack of equipment (versus the Sport) and the real-world performance of the 2.0 TSI is already potent enough to make short work of taxis and other commercial vehicles from one set of lights to the next.
The extras that come with the Sport are nice to have, but not essential - even less so if this is intended as a second or third car.
Photos by David Khoo
Car Information
Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 Sport TSI DSG (A)
CAT B|Petrol|11.6km/L
Horsepower
149kW (200 bhp)
Torque
280 Nm
Acceleration
7.4sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Volkswagen Tiguan
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