2009 Volkswagen Tiguan: Good enough to overcome its name? Maybe...
If I had to pick a compact crossover based purely on model name I'd have a surprisingly limited selection. CR-V. CX-7. RAV4. Sportage. VUE. X3. Not exactly names to brag about when discussing your latest purchase with the neighbors. I don't mind "Forester" and "Escape" actually sounds kind of cool.
The all-new 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan doesn't do much to break the "goofy compact crossover name" trend, but otherwise it's a solid entry.
I think I'm most impressed by how much interior space the automakers can now pack into these otherwise small vehicles. I remember when the Escape came out in 2001 and it had almost exactly the same interior volume as the outgoing Explorer. Then the BMW X3 came out a few years later with nearly as much interior volume as the then-current X5.
Same situation exists with the VW Tiguan. When I initially approached the vehicle in the parking garage I questioned how much usable second-row and cargo space would exist in that tiny footprint. Looking in through the windows did nothing to change my impression, but after adjusting the driver's seat for my six-foot frame I hopped in the second row and found fully adequate leg and head room.
Then, despite the short distance between the second-row seatback and rear glass, I popped the rear hatch and marvelled at the functional cargo area. It's no GMC Acadia, but as a compact crossover there's plenty of space for groceries or luggage or even a couple kids' bikes.
This is all good news in a world where mid-teens MPG and hard-to-judge exterior dimensions are as hip as Tom Cruise movies. The Tiguan is rated at 18/24, and the 2.0-liter turbo four from the Golf/Rabbit helps it get to 60 mph in less than 8 seconds.
Other highlights include the typically VW-plush cabin, including soft leather, real metal trim and a pumping audio system (on premim "SEL" models). Lowlights, like a starting price at $23,000 and cargo space that still falls short of competitors (despite being larger than I expected) mean you can classify Tiguan as a clear "value" proposition. It's sort of like the anti-Kia Sportage (which has similar specs in most areas yet comes in $4000 cheaper).
Is the Tiguan worth the extra money? If you like VW cabin materials and driving dynamics, and you don't need a lot of cargo space, probably. If "bang-for-your" buck is a high priority you can do better with most of the Tiguan's competitors.
If it's a close call for you either way...well, maybe this compact crossover's name can break the tie. Or maybe not.
- Posted by
- Karl Brauer September 3, 2008, 6:00 AM
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- Volkswagen
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- Volkswagen Tiguan Compact Crossover
Man, I hate crossovers so much that it hurts sometimes. The Tiguan is just a fantastic example of exactly how stupid and pointless they really are. Honestly, I have never once thought to myself, "Boy, I'd like to get a GTI...Only I'd like it to be slower, less economical, more tippy in the corners, almost as useless offroad, and...oh yeah, more expensive."
"Man, I hate crossovers so much that it hurts sometimes."
Shockingly automakers are more concerned about providing what the market demands than satisfying your personal tastes.
The Tiguan will be a medicore sales success for predictable reasons. It costs too much with the goodies, it takes premium fuel, VW cant shake its reputation for being less reliable than Japanese brands, mediocre mileage, etc. This thing costs over $37k with all the options and that is just ridiculous for a non luxury branded compact crossover. If the average buyer was more concerned with how many high end features they could get as opposed to value the Phaeton will still be on the market and VW's lineup would be far more popular.
Actually VWs in 2009 won't require premium. VW suggests premium for total max enginer performance but they do say now to ahead and be cheap. Still don't get how saving ~$150 a year on gas is a big deal to people wasting 5-6k on a year on a new vehicle, but whatever.
The tiguan would be a gandslam with the 2.0 TDI. Without the diesel it's just common. With the TDI, it's more like an Escape Hybrid without the weight, poor handling, American parts quality.
If you grab the stick instead of the autobox it improves your economy to 19/26 (FWD only apparently). Still, it's not that smart of a choice unless you need AWD and want a small VW. I wouldn't mind it as much if it cost less, but that's the case with all of VW's products.
"Shockingly automakers are more concerned about providing what the market demands than satisfying your personal tastes."
Darn. I had hoped that every executive from each one of the world's auto makers would all read my comment in Karl's blog and decide to stop making crossovers. Thanks for destroying my dreams. Next time you insult me, make sure you don't reiterate two of the points that I made (mediocre fuel economy and high price) two sentences later.
I'm definitely keeping an eye on Tiguan. But for now, lack of a good VW dealer in my NW USA area and VW's so-so reliability sent me to the '09 Forester XT . XT's a cheaper-trimmed cabin and engine requiring premium (regular "only in emergencies"), but better acceleration, turning circle, suspension travel and reliability.
Perhaps sometime this year Karl will have a drive in the XT for comparison?
"Shockingly automakers are more concerned about providing what the market demands than satisfying your personal tastes."
Wow, 1487, you just don't know how not to be abrasive.
I think the Tiguan would be great, if it cost roughly the same and were the size of the Touareg 2. Throw in an efficient TDI motor (not the insane V10 Twin Turbo currently offered for $70K), and I'm set. Or I could just get a SportWagen TDI for about the same price as a base Tiguan and actually get more cargo room.
They already sold 2500 tiguans, it'll b a nice little seller, and the FSI motor is amazing. I want one.
Maybe 1487 doesn't know but VW sales are up. So much for people not wanting those unreliable VW's.
"Man, I hate crossovers so much that it hurts sometimes. The Tiguan is just a fantastic example of exactly how stupid and pointless they really are. Honestly, I have never once thought to myself, "Boy, I'd like to get a GTI...Only I'd like it to be slower, less economical, more tippy in the corners, almost as useless offroad, and...oh yeah, more expensive.""
Well put, sabastian.
"I think I'm most impressed by how much interior space the automakers can now pack into these otherwise small vehicles"
VW has been good at this for years. The 2004 Golf TDI I used to drive was a marvel! My 6'2" frame fits comfortably in the front with far more room then most vehicles. And, you can load a ridiculous amount of cargo. That being said, I'm going to echo sabastian: If I can fit myself and all my stuff in a Golf/Rabbit, why am I looking at a CUV again?
If only hatchbacks were 'cooler' in NA.....
"Thanks for destroying my dreams. Next time you insult me, make sure you don't reiterate two of the points that I made (mediocre fuel economy and high price) two sentences later."
I said this vehicle had a high price and medicre fuel economy. Other choices are cheaper and more efficient. I hardly repeated any of your "points". Trust me. Also, you might want to look up "insult" in the dictionary before using that term again.
"Maybe 1487 doesn't know but VW sales are up. So much for people not wanting those unreliable VW's."
If you sell 20 cars one year and 22 the next your sales are up. You need to learn the difference between volume and sales increases. VWs volume is small and they are way down from their historic US highs. No VW racks up notable sales vs its top competitors in the US market which is significant when you consider how large VW is globally. Then again, you were also alleging that the Mazda 5 was a hot seller without mentioning actual sales volumes.
"Wow, 1487, you just don't know how not to be abrasive."
That was for Sabastian specifically. He dishes it out so he can take it. Those who give respect get it typically.
"Maybe 1487 doesn't know but VW sales are up. So much for people not wanting those unreliable VW's."
I agree with Karl that most cars are reliable. I said people have the perception that VW's quality cant match that of the Japanese and that hurt's VW in the US. Many people (mostly Japanese car loyalists) bash German quality the same way you bash American car quality daily on the LT blogs. Typically I ignore any sentiments expressed by those ignorant enough to ignore the fact that vehicle quality is good across the board these days.
1487 is right, across the board most cars are built pretty well. They may use poor interior materials or cheap parts but the cars mechanically will run.
As was true with my 2001 VW and now our 2006 Audi, trim seems to be the one area VWs - in my experience - fall apart the fastest. We live in a mild climate and still we've had rubber-type trim pieces fade, break, blister, peel, or break for no apparent reason. Sadly, VW/Audi call these problems "normal wear and tear."
Sales up in THIS economy means a LOT, volume has nothing to do with it. The Mazda5 is still a hot seller at MAZDA dealers, moron.
It'll be interesting to compare how much more space and utility this Tiguan offers over the new Jetta SportWagen TDI, which costs the same but get a lot better fuel economy.
cx7, who knows sales of the Mazda5? Oh right, a Mazda employee.
Riiiiight, because sales figures are top secret Mazda-employee only information?
Mazda5
August - 2008
1,324
August - 2007
948
Change
39.7%
YTD
August - 2008
14,637
August - 2007
10,213
Change
43.3%
Do note, that Mazda barely advertises this vehicle.
Besides, how many they're selling means nothing when talking about sales going UP
Do note, it's seriously odd for a car fan (not a mazda employee) to obsessed with a slow, bland, miniature minivan.
"Sales up in THIS economy means a LOT, volume has nothing to do with it. The Mazda5 is still a hot seller at MAZDA dealers, moron. "
Not when you sales are recovering from some of their lowest levels in years. In case you missed it, VW wasnt doing too well in the US a few years back. Their sales are up because they have a few new models and their lineup is mostly cars. That doesn't mean they are selling a large number of vehicles. VW sells about 20k-25k units a month. BMW outsells them in the US. So does Lexus.
"Sales up in THIS economy means a LOT, volume has nothing to do with it. "
Does that apply when talking about the lambda crossovers you are always bashing? Buick sold 6k of them last month which is way up over last year. YOu impressed? I doubt it.
blueguy: The Mazda5 is an excellent little vehicle. Do you find it odd that Karl and so many other Edmunds editors extol the virtues of minivans?
What the hell is with all this personal vitriol lately?
"
Do note, it's seriously odd for a car fan (not a mazda employee) to obsessed with a slow, bland, miniature minivan.
"
LOL, I'm not, nothing but assumptions from you and 1487.
I hate the Mazda5, it's ugly and slow.
cx7, so noted. You are one serious Mazda fan. :)
"That was for Sabastian specifically. He dishes it out so he can take it."
Remind me again how I "dished it out." I don't believe that my initial post mentioned anything other than Tiguan.
I love the Mazda5! Except for its blasted driver's footwell where a mystery plastic panel resides, dangerously resisting my foot everytime I try to move between the brake and accelerator pedal.
Must be designed for midgets.
Now the Tiguan, that's a car. Turbocharged to be as gas guzzling as the CX-7. Sometimes you'd wish cars like the Toyota Rav 4, which gets 22/28 mpg, didn't exist. A delightful drive should be the best at everything.
I hated the Tiguan until I saw one driving around my neighborhood. It is actually a nice looking car. It kind of looks like a Toureg and Golf had a baby. Tall Golf or mini-Toureg kind of look...
Btw, is it pronounced "Tig-U-an" or "Ti-Guan"? Since it's a cross between Tiger and Iguana, I guess the latter... but I kind of like the 3 syllable "Tig-U-an" :)
I want a Tiguan but I'm probably going to wait and get a used SEL with all the options. Or lease one.
basically, I saw one and they have great road presence. The TFSi engine is a winner, a chippied Tiguan should be pretty spiffy.
"Remind me again how I "dished it out." I don't believe that my initial post mentioned anything other than Tiguan."
did not you dished it out in this topic specifically. let's not act like you are some novice with no track record.
Let it be noted that 1487 keeps your internet records.
Creepy.
What's my record so far?
Bet's on there'll be a VW "Bling-uan" at SEMA.
Seriously, would 20" 20-series tires work on this?
Nice to see Tiguans follow Audi's interior philosophy and offer colors other than black.
The beauty of it all is that you buy what you like. no one forces anyone to buy something they don't want or like. I know we'll be getting one when the stick(s) arrives mid October, it's for my wife yes she likes stick shift better more power more control I can go on with the benefits of driving a stick besides we're not ready to let grandma drive one of our cars nor are we handicap to be driving an automatic. It's far from happening meybe when we become 75 maybe 80 years old. by the way we live in a very large city in fact may the biggest in the entire country but we cannot stand driving a boring automatic.