The UK market leader looks set to gain ever more momentum with the addition of this new family-sized SUV. Going against the usual trend for ever greater dimensions, Tiguan Mark 3 is only 30 mm longer than the outgoing model yet comes with an additional 37 litres of boot space – a boon for trade-ins and new business alike. Width and wheelbase are unchanged from the 1,842 and 2,680 mm of the old-shape model.
Existing owners will struggle to find reasons to shop elsewhere for a replacement, or so Volkswagen hopes. Boosting the chances for maximum sales volume are a large range of powertrain choice, though there is no EV option, the ID.4 and ID.5 being for those who prefer to go electric in the D-SUV segment.
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Along with the new Passat and soon, the mid-life update for the Golf, the Tiguan is designed around the MQB evo architecture. Volkswagen says this not only allows its latest generation of PHEV drive systems to feature but so too the fourth-generation (MIB4) modular infotainment matrix for the digital cockpit.
As with almost all of the brand’s cars and SUVs, Tiguan 3 features a large (up to 38 cm) touchscreen with no physical controls for heating/cooling functions. There is however, a centrally-positioned dial on the central console. This not only controls music volume but can also switch functions and vary the driving profile and background lighting colours.
Abbreviations for engines continue to be TDI (diesel), TSI (petrol), eTSI (mild hybrid petrol) and eHybrid (plug-in hybrid), each of which is turbocharged and comes with a DSG transmission. The number of ratios does however, vary with certain engine/gearbox combinations, while all-wheel drive continues to also be available. Paddle shifters are standard for every Tiguan as is a twist-action gear position selector. To select Park, the driver presses a separate button.
For eHybrids, AC charging is now faster than in the second generation model, with rapid DC charging (up to 50 kW) now standard for the first time. There are two power outputs – 150 kW (204 PS) or 200 kW (272 PS) for the 1.5-litre engine. The maximum range as an EV is claimed to be 60 miles and the battery capacity is 18.5 kWh. These PHEVs become available later in 2024.
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By GlobalDataThere is also a choice of outputs for those who prefer the lower cost 1.5 eTSI – 96 kW (130 PS) and 220 Nm or 110 kW (150 PS) and 250 Nm – while the sole diesel is a 110 kW and 360 nm 2.0-litre unit.
I was given the opportunity to try the new model just ahead of UK deliveries commencing, and the one I spent the most time with was the eTSI. To be sure of accuracy, what this means in the case of the Tiguan is a 48 V belt starter-generator and lithium-ion battery.
The eTSI runs according to the Miller Cycle principle, which means early closing of the inlet valves with high compression, the twin benefits being low emissions and high economy. Volkswagen notes 350 bar injection system pressure, plasma-coated cylinder liners (less friction) and cast-in cooling channels for the four pistons. Maximum power is delivered between 5,500 and 6,000 rpm with 250 Nm of torque (the same for each eTSI).
Certain mild hybrids can feel a bit strained but not this one, at least not the 110 kW/150 PS example which I spent some time with. You really would not know that the engine is constantly being stopped and started, so well engineered is the software telling it to fire or switch off. Volkswagen quotes Combined economy of 45.6 mpg (and 46.3 for the 96 kW/130 PS eTSI) and a CO2 average of 141 g/km (139 g/km).
The list of safety and assistance systems which come as standard for every Tiguan is almost as long as the roster of powertrain choices. This comprises Side Assist (lane changes), Front Assist (autonomous emergency braking), Lane Assist (stay-in-lane system) and Rear View (reversing camera) plus Dynamic Road Sign Display.
Park Assist Pro with remote parking capability (for automatic driving into and out of parking spaces controlled by the driver from outside the vehicle using a smartphone app) and Trailer Assist (for assisted manoeuvring with a trailer) are also available.
The dashboard has a similar style to that of the new Passat, albeit the very welcome radio volume knob for some reason does not feature in the new estate. The big screen takes a little getting used to but most functions seem to be fairly logically positioned. I immediately went to deactivate Lane Keeping Assist but decided to see how intrusive it was. Happily, Volkswagen has taken note of all the moaning from journalists alike: in this car there is hardly any steering wheel pull when it isn’t required. Nice to see this technology is finally getting better.
Something else which is a good change is a lot more room on the centre console including a pair of inductive phone-charging trays. Volkswagen decided to move the automatic transmission switches to a wand on the right of the steering wheel thus freeing up some space. This also means that the windscreen wipers/wash is on the same stalk as the indicators but all functions work perfectly logically.
It should be made clear that while the dimensions have hardly changed, every panel is new. The shapes are also far from similar with details such as differently positioned (lower) doorhandles, glass volume and pillar angles. The lighting at either end adds to the effect of this being a totally fresh design, Volkswagen also noting that the Tiguan is the first MQB evo model to feature what it calls IQ.LIGHT HD matrix headlights. And on the Elegance and R-Line trim levels, strips between the tail lights and headlights are illuminated.
What about the all-important boot capacity, something buyers of family-sized SUVs are greatly interested in when comparing a potential new vehicle? In this case it’s a highly competitive 652 litres, with even the PHEVs being a very commodious 490 litres.
All in all, the new Tiguan is a great all-rounder with the potential to take segment leadership. And when the best performers in the European D-SUV class include such first rate rivals as the Kia Sportage, Nissan Qashqai and Hyundai Tucson, that’s saying something about how good this new Volkswagen is.
The new Tiguan is being launched in Britain with five model grades: Tiguan, Life, Match, Elegance and R-Line, with prices starting at GBP34,075 RRP OTR.
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