Updated Volkswagen Tiguan review: Subtle tweaks make classy SUV better

The new version of one of the country’s most popular SUVs has arrived in local showrooms bringing increased equipment and style.

There’s a changing of the guard happening at Volkswagen.

For decades the Golf has been the lifeblood of the brand, but executives predict the updated Tiguan SUV will take over that mantle this year.

“Increasingly the Tiguan is the model with which Volkswagen is becoming synonymous,” Volkswagen Australia managing director Michael Bartsch says.

VW has boosted the equipment and safety credentials of its Tiguan SUV.

No surprises there, given the relative sales trajectory of hatchbacks and SUVs. What is surprising, though, is the brand’s “if it ain’t broke” approach to its most important model.

The previous model Tiguan launched — and was our Car of the Year — in 2016 but this midlife update doesn’t have significant changes to its mechanical fundamentals.

Instead the refresh has focused on sharper styling, a more hi-tech cabin and better standard safety and driver assistance software.

Price rises have been kept to a minimum.

The Tiguan will now follow the car in front in heavy traffic, slowing down, taking off and staying within its lane without human intervention. If it senses a crash it will prepare the cabin for impact, closing the windows and sunroof and pre-tensioning the seatbelts to lessen the chances of whiplash.

The good news is that, despite the extra equipment, Volkswagen has kept price rises to a minimum.

The interior is well appointed with high quality materials used throughout.

The range now kicks off with the Life model, which replaces the previous Comfortline.

At $39,690 it’s $200 more expensive than its predecessor, but the driver assistance package, which previously cost $1600, is now standard.

The cabin is also more luxurious and up-to-date. A configurable digital display in front of the driver replaces the analog dials of the old model, while the tri-zone aircon is now controlled by a touch screen underneath the centre dash display.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, as is hands-free operation of the tailgate.

Engines remain unchanged.

The 1.4-litre turbo remains the standard engine. It’s matched to a six-speed dual-clutch auto and puts out a respectable 110kW and 250Nm.

Those wanting all-wheel-drive and extra grunt can pay $4000 more for the 132TSI. It delivers a handy 132kW and 320Nm and its auto has an extra gear for highway cruising.

The Elegance is the next model in the range and it comes with a choice of more powerful diesel and petrol engines, as well as more goodies in the cabin.

The petrol engine puts out a hearty 162kW/350Nm but the 147kW/400Nm diesel is the pick for anyone interested in exploiting the Tiguan’s braked towing capacity of 2500kg.

Elegance models have leather-appointed seats with electric adjustment and heating in the front, as well as a heated steering wheel.

There are also bigger 19-inch wheels, adaptive suspension, a larger centre screen, a choice of 30 ambient lighting colours and LED lights that illuminate the road ahead without dazzling oncoming traffic.

The Tiguan is one of the better driving SUVs on the market.

Above the Elegance model is the R-Line, which focuses on sporty styling cues and costs an extra $3000.

We tested the cheapest model in the range, the 110TSI, as it’s the first to arrive. The best-selling 162TSI and 147TDI arrive next month, while the 132TSI follows in June.

Despite the lack of engineering upgrades, the Tiguan remains one of the more enjoyable SUVs to drive, although it is outgunned in the power stakes by Ford’s Escape.

Sharp, communicative steering and good body control mean it feels composed through corners, while the suspension is unfazed by bumps and corrugations taken at speed.

The Tiguan is a comfortable and classy option for families.

The engine has to work hard uphill and when overtaking, but it’s adequate for the task, helped by a clever dual-clutch auto that plucks the right gear for extracting maximum performance.

In a mix of freeway and city driving, we managed roughly 8L/100km, which is impressively close to the manufacturer’s claim.

Around town, that auto can be a little jerky in stop-start traffic, while the suspension doesn’t iron out the bumps as well as some rivals.

Overall, though, the Tiguan remains a class act. The cabin is spacious front and back, there are air vents and USB ports for everyone and the luggage area is generous by class standards. If it ain’t broke …

VERDICT 3.5/5

The Tiguan is a comfortable and classy option for families after a little bit of luxury at an affordable price.

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 110TSI VITALS

Price: From $41,490 drive-away

Warranty/servicing: 5 years, unl’td km, $2400 over 5 years

Engine: 1.4-litre turbo 4-cyl, 110kW/250Nm

Safety: Seven airbags, auto emergency braking, blind-spot assist, lane-keep assist, radar cruise control, rear cross-traffic alert

Thirst: 7.7L/100km

Luggage: 615 litres

Originally published as Updated Volkswagen Tiguan review: Subtle tweaks make classy SUV better