Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI R-Line review: family freighter dials up the fun

Family SUVs are notoriously dull to drive but this model delivers excitement as well as practicality. Be warned, though, fun doesn’t come cheap.

Starting a family doesn’t have to mean an end to the fun for driving enthusiasts.

Volkswagen’s family-friendly Tiguan SUV has a sporty model at the top of the range.

Here are five things we learned about the Tiguan R-Line

There is plenty of grunt

The Tiguan 162TSI R-Line scores the brand’s feisty 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine that makes 162kW and 350Nm. Not so long ago this was the same engine that powered the brand’s benchmark Golf GTI hot hatch.

Thanks to the turbocharger, the Tiguan delivers a hefty serving of torque low in the rev range. This brings spritely acceleration of the mark. The R-Line hits 100km/h in just seven seconds and makes light work of overtaking at higher speeds, too.

Volkswagen’s Tiguan 162TSI R-Line delivers performance few SUVs can match. Picture: Supplied.

It’s the driver’s choice

Volkswagen has matched the grunty turbo engine with a quick shifting seven-speed dual-clutch automatic. This gearbox does a great job of keeping the engine humming along in its sweet spot, but gear changes can feel jerky at times indecisive at lower speeds.

The Tiguan has several preset driving modes that change the throttle response and suspension tune.

In Sport mode the transmission will hold on to lower gears for longer, while the suspension will stiffen for better control through corners. All-wheel drive grip adds to the Tiguan’s cornering composure, while direct steering provides plenty of feedback.

It all adds up to an engaging drive on twisty back roads.

The R-Line has bigger wheels and sportier styling. Picture: Supplied.

Performance doesn’t come cheap

The Tiguan range starts at about $46,000 drive-away, but the 162TSI R-Line will set buyers back $62,000 drive-away. That puts it right at the top of the mainstream SUV pile and creeping into luxury territory.

Despite the price tag, Volkswagen says the R-Line is the best selling Tiguan.

You get plenty of nifty features and sporty touches for you money, including big 20-inch alloy wheels, stainless steel pedals and unique bumpers, side sills and a rear spoiler.

Ambient interior lightning, plush but firm leather-appointed seats and a leather R-Line sports steering wheel add to the appeal.

The cabin feels a little drab, though, with some hard plastics that can feel a bit cheap compared to rivals at this price point.

A $2500 “vision and sound” package adds a head-up display, a premium Harman Kardon stereo and a bird’s eye view camera. A $2000 panoramic sunroof is the only other option.

A prepaid five-year servicing plan costs $2700, about $1000 cheaper than paying as you go.

The cabin is tech-laden and smart, but lacking a little flair. Picture: Supplied.

Tech is front and centre

Volkswagen has paired a 9.2-inch central touchscreen – compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and boasting in-built satnav – with a 10.25-inch digital cockpit in front of the driver.

It's a winning combo that feels more like a luxury SUV than a mainstream machine.

Hi-tech navigation graphics appear in the digital cockpit, which means drivers don’t have to turn their heads to see where the next turn is.

VW has replaced standard buttons on the steering wheel with “touch controls” that give haptic feedback similar to the vibration from your smartphone screen.

The Tiguan is well equipped with driver aids. Picture: Supplied.

Safety equipment is comprehensive

The Tiguan is a family SUV and Volkswagen has beefed up its array of active driver aids to give owners peace of mind.

The Tiguan will brake automatically if it detects a potential collision with a car or pedestrian.

It’ll make sure you don’t wander out of your lane by sounding an alert if it starts to detect you drifting. If you don’t respond it will gently tug the steering wheel to keep you pointed in the right direction.

The Tiguan will also let you know if something is in your blind spot and if a car is approaching from the side as you reverse.