What’s a Tiguan?
People were constantly asking me that question during the test week because, after the Touareg, they expected the funny little name to mean something.
2009 VW Tiguan
Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, inline, turbocharged
Horsepower: 200
Torque: 207 pound-feet
Transmissions: 6-speed manual (standard); 6-speed automatic
Drivetrain: Front-wheel drive (standard); all-wheel drive
Wheelbase: 102.5 inches
Length: 174.3 inches
Width: 71.2 inches
Height: 66.3 inches
Fuel economy: 19/26 (FWD, MT); 18/24 (AWD, AT)
Base price: $23,890
As tested: $33,205
Well, it does. Kind of.
It’s just not a nomadic people located in Africa. Instead it’s the combination of the words “tiger” and “iguana.” Um. OK. I’m not quite sure what that has to do with a car, but I liked the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan anyway.
True to this new small crossover class, it follows the formula of emulating a larger SUV in miniature. The Tiguan looks like a smaller version of the Touareg. It retains a lot of the capacity and flexibility of the larger SUV but has much more of a carlike ride. Since overall length is just 174.3-inches, the front passenger seat folds flat to allow for taller objects. Total cargo volume with rear seats folded flat tops out at 56.1 cubic-feet.
The entry-level Tiguan comes as an S model with a base price of $23,890. It includes a six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive. Upgrading to an automatic transmission at this level will cost an additional $1,100. And if you want all-wheel drive, it’s only available in the SE and SEL models, basing at $29,565 and $33,630 respectively.
The test vehicle was an SE model with an automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. It added some pricey options like the navigation system with a rear backup camera ($1,990) and the panoramic sunroof ($1,300). Interestingly, with these high-level features, the test vehicle retained the no-nonsense cloth seating surfaces. Then again, as I was playing around with the build-a-car feature on the VW Web site, it doesn’t appear that leather is available until the SEL model, and then it’s standard. The as-tested price of the test vehicle was $33,205.
Every Tiguan comes with the Prevent and Preserve Safety System, which includes 45 safety features. Plus, it boasts standard items such as six airbags and Electronic Stability Program. What it’s missing, however, is standard rear side-curtain airbags. If you want these for your kids in the back seat, you’ll tack on an extra $350.
The only engine option currently available in the Tiguan is the 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder. It delivers 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. I thought this was more than adequate for a vehicle weighing 3,433 pounds. I wouldn’t go so far as to call the Tiguan zippy, but it did keep a nice pace and have decent acceleration.
One of the advantages of the smaller engine is better gas mileage, but I have to admit I’d like to see higher numbers for this little SUV. The four-wheel drive model has EPA city/highway mileage estimates of 18/24 mpg. The front-wheel drive model with the manual transmission does garner slightly better numbers with 19/26 mpg.
The interior of the Tiguan is pretty simple and definitely recognizable as a member of the Volkswagen family. I was, however, slightly befuddled by the credit card holder next to the hazard light button. The cards slip into slits carved on the center stack, and stick out about a quarter inch. Even if you’re just using it to store your gym membership card, that seems like it would prove to be too much temptation for a thief.
Even though the seats were the standard cloth, they were relatively attractive and definitely sturdy. Plus, as luck would have it, VW has standard heated seats with their cloth seating surfaces on the SE model.
My favorite feature on the test car, far and away, was the optional panoramic sunroof. There were several nice days in the test car before it turned cool, and the first thing I did every time I started the car was push the button to open the sunroof. It was like bringing the sunshine inside.
The harshest criticisms I can give the Tiguan center around my petite size, and so, wouldn’t affect most of the population. But here it goes anyway. First, I couldn’t get a comfortable seating position because I pumped the seat up so high that my left foot couldn’t touch the floor. So, I’d end up pushing against the top of the dead pedal, which in turn gave me a cramp in my calf. The other problem: The height of the rear hatch. I had to jump to catch the hand hold in order to put it down.
Funny thing is, I also had these problems in the recently reviewed Jetta SportWagen, but I don’t ever remember this being a problem – especially the left foot thing – in a Touareg. That being said, I haven’t driven the new Touareg 2, yet.
I like this new round of small crossovers entering the scene, and I think they’re a great idea for someone who needs a little flexibility but still wants decent gas mileage. I had a great week in the Tiguan and found it easy to drive and even easier to parallel park – with or without the rear backup camera.
The Tiguan is another great entry for Volkswagen. Though, I kind of wish I didn’t know the origins of the name. Tiger and iguana? Really? Hmmm.
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