DRIVEN: Volkswagen Tiguan remains a classy and practical SUV package

The Tiguan is Volkswagen’s best-selling model globally, with 7.4 million having found homes across the globe, and over 40,000 in South Africa alone.

It’s little wonder then that the Wolfsburg stylists played it safe with the third-generation model, which swaps its predecessors square and sometimes complicated lines for a smooth, curvy look that seems to be winning almost universal praise.

With pricing having remained similar to its predecessor, ranging from R651,500 to R853,900 at the time of writing in January 2025, the Tiguan is likely to remain one of the best sellers in its segment, albeit still taking a back seat to the far bigger local volumes enjoyed by its T-Cross, Polo and Polo Vivo siblings.

Built around the company’s updated MQB Evo platform, the new Tiguan is 30mm longer than the outgoing model, while the rest of its dimensions remain similar.

But while overseas markets receive newer generation EVO engines and hybrid tech, the South African Tiguan soldiers on with the older engines, largely thanks to our fuel quality, and most of the range is powered by a 1.4-litre TSI turbopetrol, producing 110kW and 250Nm, and driving the front wheels through a seven-speed DSG gearbox.

Also on offer are 2.0 TSI petrol (104kW, 350Nm) and 2.0 TDI diesel (110kW, 340Nm) versions, topping the range and available exclusively in R-Line guise.

The 1.4 TSI is available in base, Life and R-Line flavours, and we recently spent a week with the middle model. Although the proven 1.4 engine is perhaps not the height of refinement anymore, it still feels perfectly adequate in this application, offering relatively effortless performance in all scenarios, and the DSG gearbox is smooth and intuitive in its operation. Volkswagen claims an overall fuel consumption figure of 7.6 litres per 100km, but prolonged urban driving could see it hover above the 9.0 l/100km mark, while freeway driving should see it settling in the sixes.

The suspension is a little on the firm side, but still delivered a comfortable ride on the Life model’s optional 18-inch alloy wheels. Handling is sure-footed, for an SUV, and the steering is direct and communicative, giving you a good feel of the road beneath.

As with the exterior styling, the Tiguan’s cabin mimics its all-electric ID.4 sibling, with a minimalistic cockpit design and steering-mounted gear shifter.

The latter does take some getting used to, and I really wish they’d followed the Golf 8’s formula of placing an electronic shift lever on the centre console, right next to the parking brake and start button, so all the things you need to get going are in one, easy-to-access place.

Thankfully though, it doesn’t have the Golf’s annoying ‘slider’ steering controls, with the Tiguan instead sporting traditional buttons. 

In the centre of the dashboard is a 12.9-inch infotainment system, with crisp new graphics and an improved interface that is relatively user-friendly.

The climate system is now operated via this screen, and although that kind of set-up will never be as user-friendly as physical controls, the Tiguan’s system is perhaps better than most as numerous climate functions are permanently displayed at the bottom of the screen.

Like the previous version, the third-gen Tiguan continues the tradition of practicality, with ample rear legroom and an even bigger boot, having grown by 37 litres to total 652 litres. One downside is the lack of rear USB ports unless you opt for the R18,500 Discover Pro package, which also comes with wireless phone charging upfront.

Standard features in the new Tiguan, in base form, include 17-inch Bari alloy wheels, Eco LED headlights, a 12.9-inch infotainment system, digital instrument cluster, 10-colour ambient lighting dashboard and Park Assist.

The Tiguan Life gains LED Plus headlights with auto high-beam, front grille with LED light strip, multi-function steering wheel with shift paddles, ambient lighting extended to the doors and electric foldable side mirrors with memory function.

The Tiguan R-Line rolls on 19-inch Coventry alloy wheels, and the cabin gains ErgoActive heated front seats with massage function, Varrena leather upholstery with R-Line logos, 30-colour ambient lighting and a heated sports steering wheel, to name a few of the highlights.

VERDICT

The Volkswagen Tiguan remains a classy package that ticks most of the boxes for midsize SUV buyers. It’s practical, refined and although - like all its mainstream rivals - it is being asked some questions on the pricing front by a flood of new Chinese entrants, the proven and popular Tiguan is likely to retain its traditional fan base in its newest guise.

IOL