2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line review: SUV jumps to the front of the pack

SUVs are now the most popular choice for Aussie new car buyers, and this well-rounded new addition shows why we love them.

2021 Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line.

The age of the SUV is upon us and Volkswagen’s Tiguan proves why.

Aussies used to jump into small hatchbacks more than any other vehicle but now we love high-riding SUVs.

The Tiguan has supplanted the Golf as VW’s most dominant model, flying off showroom floors in big numbers. A raft of recent upgrades is expected to continue the strong demand.

Range-topping 162TSI variants have arrived in Australia priced from $50,790 (before on-road costs) for the Elegance grade.

The 162TSI R-Line is the most popular model in the Tiguan line-up.

This comes with goodies such as heated and electrically adjustable leather-appointed front seats, a leather-wrapped heated steering wheel, 19-inch alloy wheels, several driving modes, LED head and tail lights and a 9.2-inch infotainment screen with satnav.

Stepping up to the 162TSI R-Line tested here will set you back an extra $3000.

The extra spend gets you a mass of styling tweaks including unique bumpers, side sills, rear spoilers, larger 20-inch alloy wheels and stainless steel pedals and more.

It also adds convenience and tech features such as an auto-opening boot and an R-Line steering wheel with touch controls with haptic feedback rather than conventional buttons.

Any colours besides white costs an extra $800 and a panoramic sunroof is $2000.

Handsome styling is one of the Tiguan’s selling points.

Buyers wanting a head-up display, bird’s-eye view camera and a premium Harman Kardon stereo will need to pony up $2500 for a Sound and Vision pack.

Volkswagen says this is its most popular version by some margin, making up more than half of Tiguan sales.

It is easy to understand why, the 162TSI R-Line is handsomely styled and has a comfortable, roomy and well appointed cabin.

The combo of a 9.2-inch touchscreen – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – and a 10.25 digital cockpit is a head above the competition.

The brand’s digital screen and dash are ahead of the pack.

Three zone airconditioning, with back seat vents and controls, is a welcome feature and a mass of USB-C charging points for both pews is essential in this digital world.

There are elements of the cabin that feel a bit cheap, where a Mazda has a cabin lined with soft leather and glossy surfaces the VW kits it out in a mix of hard and soft plastic, leather and hard patterned inserts.

Cargo space is above average for the class and a powered boot is essential for shoppers and parents with barely a hand to spare.

A five-year, unlimited kilometre warranty removes some of the stress of ownership and a five-year prepaid service plan is worth the upfront cost of $2400. Going the postpaid route will add more than $1000 over the five years.

Power comes from a spicy turbo petrol engine matched to a seven-speed DSG auto.

Safety is comprehensive with all the vital areas covered.

It will automatically brake for cars and pedestrians if it detects a potential collision. Lane keep assist and lane departure warning will conspire to help keep you in your lane and blind spot detection and rear cross traffic alert are also present.

The big selling point of the 162TSI is its feisty 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine making a handy 162kW and 350Nm. This is paired to a seven-speed dual-clutch auto – a familiar combination once found in cars such as the Golf GTI.

Ample torque is delivered low in the rev range making for spritely acceleration and the quick-shifting auto does a fine job of keeping the engine humming along in its sweet spot.

Preset driving modes cover a range of driving conditions. In Comfort mode well sorted suspension soaks up bumps and lumps with ease, making for a smooth ride.

Selectable driving modes make for a comfortable and entertaining drive.

Click over to sport mode and the suspension firms, creating a sharper drive experience ideal for twisty backroads.

The Tiguan is a joy to steer, handling corners with bend-hugging poise and confidence that rivals will struggle to match, aided in part by all-wheel drive and grippy tyres.

Road noise can be a little intrusive over coarse chip roads, but overall the cabin is a quiet and relaxed space on the road.

Fuel use is respectable at 8.5L/100km, we achieved close to that on a mix of highway and city driving, but it does require pricier premium unleaded.

VERDICT 4/5

Stylish, well equipped and modern SUV, which will appeal to mums and dads looking for a blend of luxury and driving finesse at a reasonable price.

VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN 162TSI R LINE VITALS

Price: $53,790 plus on-roads

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol, 162kW/350Nm

Warranty/servicing: five-years/unlimited km, $2400 over five years (prepaid)

Safety: 7 airbags, auto emergency braking, blind spot detection, lane keep assist, rear cross traffic alert, parking assist, driver fatigue warning and radar cruise

Thirst: 8.5L/100km

Cargo: 615L