2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Las Vegas NV

November 3, 2009   By Brian Alexander, Content Editor



2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
DriverSide Overview
Labeling your sport ‘ute “the GTI of compact SUV’s” is a bit of a risk, especially today when we have all manner of super ‘utes lurking about with 400-plus horsepower V-8s under the hood. Being as the Tiguan and GTI share the same powerplant, it’s an easy connection to make, but it also bestows upon the car certain expectations. GTIs have long been the iconic compact car, praised for their particular blend of practicality, fuel economy, reasonable pricing and engaging dynamics. As such, one would expect the Tiguan to possess similar characteristics, albeit repackaged into a taller, more usable platform. Volkswagen’s bid into the compact SUV market may be a bit late, but given the Tiguan’s reception across the Atlantic – Germany’s Auto Bild Magazine voted it European SUV of the year in 2007 – it’s likely to see high demand in the North American Market as well, despite the fact that Volkswagen only plans to sell around 25,000 models per year.








What's to Like
Good fuel economy is paired with a useful powerband thanks to the torque of the turbocharged engine. Sporty dynamics and acceleration that seem to defy the Tiguan’s dimensions are always on tap, and a 2,200-pound towing capacity, along with ample interior room, make it a remarkably usable vehicle.

What's Not to Like
No TDI diesel engine, which offers dramatically increased fuel economy, will be available at launch or for the foreseeable future due to higher costs associated with diesel technology. The Tiguan carries an average base price above its mass-market Japanese competitors.

The Drive:
DriverSide Driving Impressions
With the front-wheel drive model weighing in at just under 3,400 lbs, the Tiguan is slim enough to shame most compact luxury sedans, not to mention SUVs. This low mass – just 300 lbs heavier than a GTI – is easily accelerated down the road by the 2.0-liter TSI direct injection turbocharged four cylinder. Lower weight also allows the Tiguan to change direction with remarkable agility thanks to marvelous steering that is stiffly weighted and has outstanding response for an electromechanical system. The command seating position feels like that of a larger SUV and the seats themselves are comfortable for long hauls, though strangely enough, the leather items don’t seem to be noticeably more comfortable than the cloth. The Tiguan’s ride quality luckily isn’t GTI stiff, exhibiting body roll in the turns, though not overly so. A 4-Motion all-wheel drive model is available, though unless you live in a truly trying climate, you’ll probably be fine with the front-wheel drive model, as the electronic stability allows the front tires to sniff out ample grip, even in light snow.

Engine and Drivetrain
The Tiguan is powered by the same...

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