Tiguan time: characteristic features of the model and its history
Content
The compact crossover Volkswagen Tiguan was presented to a wide range of experts and motorists as a production car in 2007 in Frankfurt. The authors came up with a name for the new car, made up of Tiger (tiger) and Iguana (iguana), thereby emphasizing the qualities of the car: power and maneuverability. Along with a rather brutal name and purpose, the Tiguan has a very impressive appearance. VW Tiguan sales in Russia continue to grow, and in terms of popularity among all Volkswagen models, the crossover is second only to the Polo.
Briefly about the history of creation
The Volkswagen Tiguan, shown as a concept car, showcased the use of joint technology from VW, Audi and Mercedes-Benz to promote cleaner diesels using catalytic technology and ultra-low sulfur to reduce nitrogen oxides and soot in exhaust gases.
The platform chosen for the Tiguan was the PQ35 platform previously used by the VW Golf. All cars of the first generation had a two-row seating arrangement and four-cylinder power units mounted transversely. The car is a typical representative of the SUV (sport utility vehicle) class: this abbreviation, as a rule, conventionally designates station wagon cars with all-wheel drive.
The most demanded Tiguan was in the USA, Russia, China, Argentina, Brazil and Europe. For different countries, different configuration options were provided. For example, in the US, the trim level can be S, SE and SEL, in the UK it is S, Match, Sport and Escape, in Canada (and other countries) it is Trendline, Comfortline, Highline and Highline (plus the sport version). On the Russian (and a number of other) markets, the car is available in the following trim levels:
- Trend&Fun;
- Sport & Style;
- Track&Field.
Since 2010, it has become possible to order the R-Line package. At the same time, a set of R-Line options can only be ordered for the Sport&Style package.
The Volkswagen Tiguan in the Trend&Fun specification is recognized by most experts as the most balanced model among the competitors closest in terms of characteristics, none of which can offer the same level of comfort combined with ease of operation and stylish appearance. Among the features of the package:
- six Air Bags;
- stability control ESP;
- trailer stabilization system built into the ESP;
- on the back row of seats - Isofix child seat fasteners;
- parking brake, electronically controlled and equipped with an automatic locking function;
- multimedia system with radio-controlled receiver and CD player;
- semi-automatic climate control;
- power windows on the front and rear windows;
- controlled exterior mirrors with heating system;
- on-board computer;
- central locking with radio-controlled remote control;
- a large number of compartments for storing small things.
The Sport&Style specification is focused on active and high-speed driving. High mobility and maneuverability of the car is provided by a sports suspension and front-wheel drive, complete with an aerodynamic body. For this modification of the Tiguan, the following are provided:
- 17-inch alloy wheels;
- chrome framed windows;
- silver roof rails;
- chrome strips on the front bumper;
- combined seat upholstery in Alcantara and fabric;
- seats of a sports configuration;
- tinted windows;
- bi-xenon adaptive headlights;
- fatigue control system;
- LED daytime running lights;
- Kessy system that allows you to activate the engine without a key.
Tiguan in the Trend&Fun configuration is designed for a maximum angle of 18 degrees, while the front module of the Track&Field specification car provides for movement at an angle of up to 28 degrees. This modification has increased cross-country ability and provides:
- extended angle of entry of the front bumper;
- 16-inch alloy wheels;
- assist descent and ascent;
- additional engine protection;
- rear-mounted parking sensors;
- tire pressure monitoring;
- multifunctional display with built-in compass;
- halogen headlights;
- railings located on the roof;
- chrome-plated radiator grille;
- wheel arch inserts.
In 2009, Tiguan began to explore the Chinese market by releasing a version of the Shanghai-Volkswagen Tiguan, which differed from other models only in a slightly modified front panel. Two years earlier, a concept Tiguan HyMotion powered by a hydrogen fuel cell was introduced in China.
A rather decisive restyling happened in 2011: the headlights became more angular, the design of the radiator grille was borrowed from the Golf and Passat, the interior trim changed, and a three-spoke steering wheel appeared.
Tiguan of the second generation was released in 2015. The production of the new car was entrusted to factories in Frankfurt, Russian Kaluga and Mexican Puebla. The short wheelbase Tiguan SWB is only available in Europe, the long wheelbase LWB is for Europe and all other markets. Exclusively for the North American segment, a model is produced with a two-liter four-cylinder TSI engine in combination with an automatic transmission. US market vehicles are available with S, SE, SEL, or SEL-Premium trim. It is possible to order a model with front or all-wheel drive 4Motion. For the first time for a Tiguan, all front-wheel-drive vehicles come standard with a third row of seats.
In 2009, VW Tiguan was recognized by Euro NCAP experts as one of the safest cars in its class.
Video: getting to know the new Volkswagen Tiguan
VW Tiguan 2018 version
By 2018, the Volkswagen Tiguan has firmly established itself in the leading positions in the rankings of the most sought-after crossovers and the most popular cars in Europe and the world. In the top-end configuration, Tiguan competes with such representatives of the premium segment as the BMW X1 or Range Rover Sport. Among other rivals of Tiguan on the market today, Nissan Qashqai, Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, Hyundai Tucson continue to remain.
Before the Tiguan, I had a Qashqai with a matte display, there were such glare that nothing was visible on the screen, I really had to almost climb into the passenger seat. Here, under absolutely the same operating conditions, at the moment when the sun falls on the screen, everything is clearly visible. And the image is lost and glare appears when you greatly change the viewing angle and put your head on the steering wheel. Last night I specifically looked at different angles while driving home through traffic jams. As for the less shiny, yes, but a lot also depends on the screen manufacturing technology, I was convinced of this by the example of Qashqai, so now there really is no problem with glare.
Exterior Features
Among the features of the new Tiguan is its “modularity”, i.e. the frame can be customized to fit different models. This opportunity appeared thanks to the use of the MQB platform. The length of the machine is now 4486 mm, width - 1839 mm, height - 1673 mm. 200 mm ground clearance allows you to overcome road obstacles of moderate difficulty. To complete the trendline, decorative moldings, 17-inch alloy wheels, roof rails are provided. If desired, you can order a metallic paintwork. The comfortline package includes 18-inch alloy wheels as an option, 19-inch wheels for the highline, and 19-inch wheels for the sportline as standard.
Interior Features
The interior design may seem somewhat boring and even gloomy due to the predominance of dark tones, but there is a sense of security and reliability, which, in all likelihood, the developers were striving for. The sports version is equipped with seats with a large number of adjustments, a comfortable fit and a high-quality, pleasant to the touch combined finish. The rear seats are slightly higher than the front, which provides good visibility. The three-spoke steering wheel is trimmed with perforated leather and decorated with aluminum.
AllSpace modification
The premiere of an extended version of the VW Tiguan was planned for 2017–2018 — AllSpace. Initially, the car was sold in China, then in all other markets. The cost of Allspace in China amounted to $33,5 thousand. Each of the three gasoline (150, 180 and 200 hp) and three diesel (150, 190 and 240 hp) engines provided for the extended Tiguan are complemented by a robotic six or seven-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive. The wheelbase of such a car is 2791 mm, length - 4704 mm. The first thing that catches your eye is the enlarged rear doors and elongated rear windows, of course, the roof has also become longer. There were no other significant changes in appearance: between the headlights, made in the correct form, there is a large false radiator grill made of chrome-plated jumpers, on the front bumper there is the already familiar large air intake. On the lower perimeter of the body there is a protective trim made of black plastic.
More space has appeared in the cabin, a third row of seats has been installed, on which, however, only children can feel comfortable. The electronic filling of AllSpace differs little from the standard version and may include, depending on the configuration:
- Cruise control;
- emergency braking system;
- control system "blind zones";
- LineAssist;
- Park Assist;
- automatic brake application in case of collisions, etc.
Technical specifications
The range of engines for use in the 2018 VW Tiguan includes 125, 150, 180 and 220 horsepower petrol versions with 1.4 or 2,0 liters, as well as 150 horsepower petrol units. With. volume of 2,0 liters. The power supply system for all types of engines is direct fuel injection. The transmission can be based on a manual or robotic DSG gearbox.
According to most motorists, the robotic box increases efficiency, but does not yet have the required reliability and durability, and needs to be improved. Many owners of Volkswagens with a DSG box experience interruptions in its operation after a short run. Malfunctions, as a rule, are associated with the appearance of jerks and hard shocks at the time of switching speed. It is far from always possible to repair or replace a box under warranty, and the cost of repairs can be several thousand dollars. At some point, the deputies of the Russian State Duma even considered the possibility of banning the sale of cars with such a box in the country: the idea did not come to fruition only due to the fact that Volkswagen extended the warranty period to 5 years and urgently reconstructed the “mechatronics”, the double clutch assembly and the mechanical part.
Rear and front suspension - independent spring: this type of suspension is considered to be the most appropriate for cars of this class due to the reliability and simplicity of design. Front brakes - ventilated disc, rear - disc. The advantage of using ventilated brakes is their resistance to overheating due to the design features. The drive can be front or full. The all-wheel drive system in Volkswagen cars, called 4Motion, is usually supplemented with a Heldex friction clutch with a transverse engine position, and with a Torsen-type differential with a longitudinal engine position.
I got into the salon of a brand new car, the odometer is 22 km, the car is less than 2 months old, emotions go wild ... After the Japanese, of course, a fairy tale: silence in the cabin, engine 1,4, front-wheel drive, consumption on the highway at a speed of 99 km per hour ( mainly on a cruise) for 600 km of the way - amounted to 6,7 liters !!!! We refueled 40 liters, upon returning home there were still 60 km left!!! DSG is simply gorgeous ... so far ... On the highway in comparison with the TsRV 190 liters. s., the dynamics are clearly no worse, plus there is no “hysterical” roar of the engine. Shumka in the car, in my opinion, is not bad. For a German, unexpectedly soft, but at the same time collected suspension. It rulits perfectly ... What else is good: a good overview, a lot of all sorts of buttons and settings, car operating modes. Power trunk lid, heated everything you can, large display. Ergonomics of the instrument panel is decent, everything is at hand. Normal trunk space for rear passengers more than a Honda. Head lighting, valet parking and more, everything is on top. And then ... 30-40 minutes after saying goodbye to the dealer, the first electronics error - a malfunction of the airbags lit up, followed by a failure of the emergency call system ... And the display shows the inscription: “System malfunction. For repairs! Outside the night, Moscow, ahead of 600 km of the way... Here's a fairy tale... Call manager... no comment. As a result, I must say the rest of the way drove without incident. Further, during the operation, an error was displayed for something else, I did not have time to read it on the go. Periodically, the parking sensors do not work, and today, on an empty highway, the electronics yelled again, informing me that there was an obstacle around me, and from all sides at once. Electronics is definitely buggy!!! Once, when starting off, there was a feeling that I was driving along some kind of comb, the car twitches, jumps, but there were no errors, after 3-5 seconds everything went away ... So far, that’s all from surprises.
Table: technical characteristics of different modifications of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2018
| Characterization | 1.4MT (Trendline) | 2.0AMT (Comfortline) | 2.0AMT (Highline) | 2.0AMT (Sportline) |
| Engine power, l with. | 125 | 150 | 220 | 180 |
| Engine volume, l | 1,4 | 2,0 | 2,0 | 2,0 |
| Torque, Nm / rev. in min | 200/4000 | 340/3000 | 350/1500 | 320/3940 |
| Number of cylinders | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Cylinder arrangement | inline | inline | inline | inline |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| fuel type | gasoline A95 | diesel | AI95 gasoline | AI95 gasoline |
| Supply system | direct injection | engine with undivided combustion chambers (direct injection) | direct injection | direct injection |
| Maximum speed km / h | 190 | 200 | 220 | 208 |
| Acceleration time to a speed of 100 km/h, seconds | 10,5 | 9,3 | 6,5 | 7,7 |
| Fuel consumption (city/highway/combined) | 8,3/5,4/6,5 | 7,6/5,1/6,1 | 11,2/6,7/8,4 | 10,6/6,4/8,0 |
| Environmental class | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 | Euro 6 |
| CO2 emissions, g / km | 150 | 159 | 195 | 183 |
| Drive unit | front | full | full | full |
| PPC | 6MKPP | 7-speed robot | 7-speed robot | 7-speed robot |
| Curb weight, t | 1,453 | 1,696 | 1,653 | 1,636 |
| Full weight, t | 1,960 | 2,16 | ||
| Trunk volume (min/max), l | 615/1655 | 615/1655 | 615/1655 | 615/1655 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 58 | 58 | 58 | 58 |
| Wheel size | 215/65/R17 235/55/R18 235/50/R19 255/45/R19 235/45/R20 255/40/R20 | 215/65/R17 235/55/R18 235/50/R19 235/45/R20 | 215/65/R17 235/55/R18 235/50/R19 235/45/R20 | 215/65/R17 235/55/R18 235/50/R19 235/45/R20 |
| Length m | 4,486 | 4,486 | 4,486 | 4,486 |
| Width, m | 1,839 | 1,839 | 1,839 | 1,839 |
| Height, m | 1,673 | 1,673 | 1,673 | 1,673 |
| Wheelbase, m | 2,677 | 2,677 | 2,677 | 2,677 |
| Clearance, cm | 20 | 20 | 20 | 20 |
| Front track, m | 1,576 | 1,576 | 1,576 | 1,576 |
| Rear track, m | 1,566 | 1,566 | 1,566 | 1,566 |
| Number of seats | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Number of doors | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5 |
Gasoline or diesel
If, when buying the most suitable VW Tiguan model, there is a problem in choosing a gasoline or diesel engine version, you should take into account that:
- the fundamental difference between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine is the method of igniting the combustible mixture - in the first case, ignition occurs with the help of a spark produced by a spark plug, in the second - the compressed mixture is heated to a high temperature and ignited with a glow plug;
- a car with a diesel engine, other things being equal, is usually more expensive than a gasoline version;
- maintenance costs for both engines are about the same, except that diesel engines will have to change the fuel filter more often;
- the price of gasoline and diesel fuel today is almost equal, but a diesel engine is considered more economical due to lower fuel consumption - the difference can reach up to 50% in favor of a diesel engine;
- the diesel engine is more "whimsical" to the quality of fuel - the use of poor diesel fuel can lead to lengthy and costly repairs.
Among other things, a diesel engine is more environmentally friendly, i.e. the content of harmful substances in the exhaust gases is lower than that of gasoline engines. It should be said that technological progress does not stand still, and diesel engines today no longer create as much noise and vibration as before, gasoline units are becoming more economical.
Video: first impressions of the new VW Tiguan
Handling is just fine, there are no rolls at all, the steering wheel is very light, there is no buildup.
Salon: an amazing thing, on a compact crossover, I freely sit behind myself as a driver and my legs do not rest against the backs of the seats, and I am very comfortable in the back, but at the same time, if I sit comfortably in the front passenger seat, sit down behind myself I can’t comfortably, I think this is due to the presence of an electric driver’s seat control and the absence of one on the passenger seat. The salon, after the Tuareg one, seems narrow, but, by and large, it is more than enough even for me (190/110), and the left and right hands are not clamped by anything, the armrest is infused in height. Behind a high tunnel, in connection with which only two will sit comfortably. Viennese leather is pleasant to the touch, but not as pleasant as nappa on the Tour. I really like the panorama.
Of the jambs - crooked navigation, when they left Kazan, she stubbornly tried to build a route through Ulyanovsk, without offering alternative options. It's good that there is APP-Conect, you can display left-handed, but accurate iPhone navigation.
In general, something like this, the wife is very pleased, I also really like the car.
What has changed in the latest VW Tiguan
For each market where the VW Tiguan is available, specific innovations were provided for in 2018, although, as you know, when moving from one version to another, newer, Volkswagen rarely allows revolutionary changes, adhering to a conservative line of progressive development in most cases. Cars intended for sale in China received an enlarged trunk and the letters XL to the name. For the North American market, models with two child seats in the third row and an automatic transmission are assembled. Europeans are offered an extended version of AllSpace, in which:
- the Composition touch multimedia system with a 5-inch black-and-white monitor was replaced with a similar one with a 6,5-inch color screen. Plus, a USB connector and a CD player appeared, the control resistors moved from the bottom to the center;
- the Discover Pro navigation system received a 9,2-inch monitor instead of an 8-inch one;
- fog lights changed color from chrome to black;
- updated devices KESSY, SideAssist, ParkAssist and others.
Price
The cost of VW Tiguan depends on the configuration and ranges from 1 million 350 thousand rubles to 2 million 340 thousand rubles.
Table: the cost of VW Tiguan of different trim levels
| Specification | Model | Price, rubles |
| Trendline | 1,4 MT 125hp | 1 349 000 |
| 1,4 AMT 125hp | 1 449 000 | |
| 1,4 MT 150hp 4×4 | 1 549 000 | |
| Comfortline | 1,4 MT 125hp | 1 529 000 |
| 1,4 AMT 150hp | 1 639 000 | |
| 1,4 AMT 150hp 4×4 | 1 739 000 | |
| 2,0d AMT 150hp 4×4 | 1 829 000 | |
| 2,0 AMT 180hp 4×4 | 1 939 000 | |
| Highline | 1,4 AMT 150hp | 1 829 000 |
| 1,4 AMT 150hp 4×4 | 1 929 000 | |
| 2,0d AMT 150hp 4×4 | 2 019 000 | |
| 2,0 AMT 180hp 4×4 | 2 129 000 | |
| 2,0 AMT 220hp 4×4 | 2 199 000 | |
| Sportline | 2,0d AMT 150hp 4×4 | 2 129 000 |
| 2,0 AMT 180hp 4×4 | 2 239 000 | |
| 2,0 AMT 220hp 4×4 | 2 309 000 |
Volkswagen Tiguan in the circle of narrow specialists is sometimes called the "city SUV", because in most indicators related to cross-country ability, the Tiguan is inferior to more powerful competitors. This is offset by a variety of options that provide intelligent driver support, as well as a stylish and completely up-to-date appearance.
