VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDI Life 5dr DSG

The rejuvenated third generation Volkswagen Tiguan looks a strong package. Jonathan Crouch drives it.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's third generation Tiguan has been subtly moved up-market but will retain a familiar appeal to hordes of loyal customers who liked this lower-mid-sized SUV's two predecessors. It's been redesigned outside and completely upgraded within. Plus it's more electrified, bigger and better connected.

Background

It's difficult to overstate the importance of the Tiguan to Volkswagen. Since the introduction of this mid-sized SUV model line back in 2007, it's regularly been the brand's global best seller, consistently since 2018 ahead of the Golf hatch it's always borrowed its engineering from. The second generation version announced in 2016 was even more successful than the first, contributing greatly to a sales total that had crested 7.5 million by the time of the introduction of the third generation model we look at here in Autumn 2023. This rejuvenated design shares its general size and market positioning with its predecessor (just above the T-Roc, just below the Touareg); but not a lot else. The evolved exterior look is merely a prelude to a completely redesigned cabin which borrows much from the design revolution also seen in the 9th generation Passat (with which this Tiguan now shares its upgraded MQB-Evo platform). Infotainment's also on a different level from before, borrowing lessons learned from the ID.7. It all sounds quite promising.

Driving Experience

A Tiguan customer won't typically be looking for anything particularly dynamic behind the wheel. He or she will prioritise refinement, comfort and, a little surprisingly if the sales numbers are to be believed, 4WD. The big change with this MK3 model - the adoption of the company's new, more electrified 'MQB evo' platform - doesn't feel like much of a big change from behind the wheel, but that's only because Wolfsburg has decided it should be so, keeping the road manners uninspiringly firm but comfortable - the way it thinks most customers will like it. Actually though, quite a lot's gone on in terms of re-engineering - changes to the suspension, the adoption of the brand's 'Vehicle Dynamics Manager' system, re-tuned steering and an adapted 'DCC Pro' version of the brand's adaptive damping system. There's also an all-new PHEV eHybrid drivetrain option, based around a 1.5-litre petrol engine and a bigger 19.7kWh battery now offering a 60 mile EV range. There's a choice of either 204PS or 272PS models and either way, as before, the eHybrid set-up's only front-driven and mated to 6-speed DSG auto transmission. Unlike most of its rivals, Volkswagen can't offer a full-Hybrid powertrain for those who can't stretch to PHEV tech, but it has added its mild hybrid eTSI tech into the Tiguan range - that's what we tried. The 1.5-litre eTSI model in question comes either with 130PS or, in the form we tried, with 150PS. Which returns similar efficiency figures to those you'd get from the continuing 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel model. All conventionally-engined Tiguan variants use the brand's 7-speed DSG auto transmission. If you want 4MOTION 4WD, there's a flagship unelectrified 2.0 TSI 265PS flagship model which gets to 62mph in just 5.9s.

Design and Build

This third generation Tiguan is a recognisable evolution of its popular predecessor but it wants to move a fraction further up-market, hence Volkswagen's decision to make it 30mm longer than before (it's also 4mm taller). Talking of length, there won't be an extended 7-seat Allspace version offered this time round because the brand plans to fill that niche with yet another SUV, the Tayron. This Tiguan's side profile is now more athletic, but the main changes are found at the front, with smart new LED headlights and a vast shark-like lower grille arrangement. The big differences this time round though, lie inside where there's a completely redesigned cabin that's more spacious, better quality and more sophisticated. All the screen stuff is based on the new VW Group MIB4 set-up we first saw in the ID.7, a major step forward from the MIB3 system that's attracted much criticism in the current Golf. The parts of that old system that featured on the previous Tiguan have been addressed here. So controls are now properly back-lit and the previous silly touch-sensitive steering wheel buttons banished. A 10.3-inch digital instrument display is now standard, paired alongside a central infotainment touchscreen that will usually be 12.9-inches but can be upgraded to a rather over-large 15.0-inch size on request. Because there are now no manual gearbox Tiguans (the transmission selector has been relocated to a steering column stalk), the centre console has been redesigned. It now hosts a rotary controller used to alter driving modes, audio volume and what Volkswagen calls 'atmospheres', basically pre-programmed settings for music and ambient lighting: there are five major ones - 'Lounge', 'Energetic', 'Joy', 'Minimal' and 'Me'. There's also a dual phone charging station and a head-up display that projects directly onto the windscreen (instead of onto a plastic panel as before). As for the rear, well despite the outside length increase, back seat legroom hasn't changed much because the wheelbase length is the same as before. But there is 10mm more headroom; and a clever new mechanism in the armrest that pops out to reveal a couple of cup holder spaces and a slot to rest your phone. The panel can be angled towards either rear occupant too. Out back, there's been a 37-litre increase in boot space (now up to a generous 652-litres), though it'll be quite a bit less than that with the PHEV versions (which offer a 490-litre capacity).

Market and Model

Expect pricing to sit in the £34,000-£45,000 bracket, which is pretty par for the course when it comes to upwardly mobile lower-mid-sized SUVs these days. There's a choice of five trim levels - standard spec, 'Life', 'Match', 'Elegance' and 'R-Line' variants. Even base spec gives you 17-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights, climate control and a rear view camera. Plus a 10.3-inch digital instrument display and a 12.9-inch central infotainment touchscreen. And there's the usual included app that allows you to interact with your Tiguan from wherever you're using your smartphone. With 'Life' trim, you get 3-zone climate control, 'comfort'-spec seats, different alloy wheels, a Park Assist system, auto main beam, adaptive cruise control and 'Apple CarPlay' and 'Android Auto' smartphone-mirroring. If you want to spoil yourself, you'll want to look at plusher 'Elegance' spec, which gets you larger 18-inch wheels, acoustic glass, a powered tailgate, LED Plus headlights and a 'Park Assist Pro' system that will record the last 50-metres of your journey and retrace your steps automatically. At the top of the range, 'R-Line' models get 19-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a sporty body kit. Key options include a head-up display and DCC adaptive damping. Safety kit includes a clever 'Automatic Post-Collision Braking System' that automatically brakes the car down to 6mph after a collision - so if, say, someone hits you and, understandably, you go to pieces, the car will automatically sort itself out. There's also a 'Front Assist' system that at speed, scans the road ahead as you drive for potential accident hazards, warning you if one is detected and automatically braking if necessary. You get that same kind of functionality at urban speeds too, as part of a 'City Emergency Braking' system included as part of the 'Front Assist' package.

Cost of Ownership

The economy figures aren't too much different from before. Which means that if you opt for the base eTSI petrol 1.5-litre 130PS variant, you're looking at up to 46.3mpg on the combined cycle and 139g/km of CO2. For the 150PS eTSI version we tried, the figures are up to 45.6mpg and 141g/km. for the 2.0 TDI 150PS diesel, it's 52.3mpg and 141g/km. As we told you in our 'Driving' section, the eHybrid PHEV models are capable of around 60 miles of range before you need to use fossil fuel. Volkswagen reckons that will allow many families to use this car as an EV, given German market research suggesting that 95% of journeys are less than 31 miles long and 99% are shorter than 60 miles. Total fuel and EV range of a Tiguan eHybrid is about 620 miles. The 204PS version is rated at 706.2mpg and 9g/km; the 272PS version rates at 565mpg and 11g/km. As for servicing across the range, well as usual with Volkswagen models, there's a choice of either 'Fixed' or 'Flexible' maintenance packages. You'll choose the 'Fixed' approach if you cover less than 10,000 miles a year and with this, the car will typically be looked at every twelve months. If your daily commute is more than 25 miles and your Tiguan will regularly be driven on longer distance journeys, you'll be able to work with a 'Flexible' regime that can see you travelling up to 18,000 miles between garage visits - or every two years, whichever is sooner. And warranties? Well the standard package is three years and 60,000 miles.

Summary

The Tiguan has evolved - but not beyond recognition. If you liked it before, you'll like it even more now, with its newly chiselled looks and more advanced powertrain selection. The redesigned cabin we think is key: the previous model's interior couldn't really carry off a near-premium price tag. With this third generation model, that had to change - and it has. Also key are the advances made to this model's Plug-in Hybrid option. Previously, a Tiguan eHybrid's all-electric range was little more than a nice-to-have bonus. Now though, for many family customers, the PHEV version of this car really could function pretty much like a full-EV most of the time. So this is a cleverer type of Tiguan, as it needs to be for the likely prices being asked. These might suggest a mid-sized SUV with a more premium badge. But there's no doubt that this one now has more of a premium feel.

Body Glass

Rear wiper

Rain sensor windscreen wipers

Heat insulating windshield

Laminated safety glass windshield

Heat insulating glass in side and rear windows

Brakes

Rear disc brakes

Front disc brakes

Hill start assist

Hill start assist

Electronic parking brake with auto hold

Carpets/Rugs

Carpet mats, front and rear

Chassis/Suspension

Front wheel drive

Front shock absorption

Front shock absorption

Communication

Bluetooth mobile phone interface

E-Sim card for online connectivity

Wireless App-Connect

Inductive smartphone charging without external antenna connection

Driver Aids

Rear view camera

Dynamic road sign display

Oncoming vehicle braking when turning including swerve support

Multifunction front facing camera

Lane keeping system Lane Assist

Driving profile selection

Driving profile selection

Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control

Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Lane change system, Side assist, Rear traffic alert and Exit warning system

Adaptive cruise control (ACC)

Power assisted steering with speed sensitive

Extended safety system (proactive passenger protection system)

Extended safety system (proactive passenger protection system)

Front Assist - Autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring

Driver Convenience

Start/stop system with regenerative braking

Tailgate/trunk lid unlocking from outside

Driver Information

Navigation system

eCall emergency call service

Warning signal and warning light for front and rear seatbelts not fastened

Digital Cockpit Pro - 10.25" high resolution dash display screen with customisable menus and information

IDA voice assistance with ChatGPT

IDA voice assistance with ChatGPT

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Remote electrically foldable door mirrors, puddle lights and reverse activated passenger's door mirror

Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right

Exterior mirrors convex on the left and aspherical on the right

Body-coloured exterior mirror housings

Puddle lights and reverse activated passengers door mirror

Embellishment Trims

Soul instrument panel

Entertainment

8 Speakers

Diversity antenna for FM reception

Digital radio reception (DAB)

12.9" infotainment display

Exterior Body Features

Black roof rails

Body coloured door handles

Illuminated door handle recesses

Rear side wing doors

Body coloured bumpers and air intake with chrome trim

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

Headlight range control

Coming/leaving home lighting function

High level 3rd brake light

LED headlamps

LED rear combination lamps

LED separate daytime running light

Rear fog light on one side, reversing light on both sides

Ambient lighting with logo projection

High Beam Assist, automatic sensing for switching between dipped and main beam

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air care climatronic 3 zone air conditioning system with rear air conditioning control panel

Interior Features

Front centre armrest

Cloth upholstery

Leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel with paddle shift

12V outlet in center console rear and in luggage compartment

Variable luggage compartment floor

12V socket in centre console

2 USB-C ports in the front, 2 USB-C charging sockets on the centre console in rear, charging capacity up to 45 W

Ceramique headlining

Flat luggage compartment floor

Interior Lights

10 colour interior ambient lighting

Safety

Rear side airbags

Rear side airbags

Two tone horn

Front and rear curtain airbags

Tyre pressure loss indicator

Driver and front passenger airbag with front passenger airbag deactivation

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

First aid kit with warning triangle and safety vest

3 point seat belt for centre rear seats

Manual child proof rear door locks

Front centre airbag

3 Point seat belts in front with pretensioners

3 point seatbelts in outer rear with ECE label

Seats

Front comfort seats

Power adjustable lumbar support in front

Safety optimised front head restraints

Mechanical rear seat release

Three rear head restraints

Single front passenger seat

3 bench rear seats in 2nd row

Front seats with manual height adjustment

Rear bench seat, split folding, longitudinally movable and folding with load-through hatch and centre armrest

ISOFIX anchors for child seats on outer rear seats and front passenger seat compatible with i-Size

Security

Alarm with interior protection

Central locking system keyless entry

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Wheels

Airstop tyres

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 142

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 152

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 142

Engine and Drive Train

Cylinders - Bore (mm): 81

Cylinders - Stroke (mm): 95.5

CC: 1968

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Compression Ratio: 16.0:1

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Engine Code: CT1C4Z

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

WLTP - MPG - Low: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 38.2

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 37.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 53.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 49.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 61.4

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 56.5

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 47.9

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 7.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 5.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 5.7

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 4.6

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 5.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 5.8

General

Coin Series: Life

Coin Description: TDI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Mileage: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: 83

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: 88

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: 84

NCAP Safety Assist %: 78

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: 5

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 3

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.4

Top Speed: 129

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: NAPOLI

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4539

Width: 1842

Wheelbase: 2677

Height: 1658

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1635

Minimum Kerbweight: 1635

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2240

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 55

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2000

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 605

Max. Loading Weight: 605

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 652

No. of Seats: 5

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.7

Exterior Body Features

Premium paint

Special solid paint

Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof with rear panoramic sunroof

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Net partition and luggage net

Tool kit and car jack

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Grenadilla black

Metallic - Cipressino green

Metallic - Persimmon red

Metallic - Oyster silver

Metallic - Nightshade blue

Metallic - Dolphin grey

Paint - Solid

Solid - Urano grey

Paint - Special

Special solid - Pure white

Premium paint - Oryx white Mother-of-pearl

Towing

Folding tow bar with electric release, incl. trailer assist - Alternator 180A

Folding tow bar with trailer assist

Trim - Cloth

Cloth - Grey melange soul

Wheels - Alloy

19" Catania alloy wheels with black diamond turned surface and anti theft wheel bolts

Wheels - Spare

Space and weight saver spare wheel