Outgoing Tiguan is still a charmer

Volkswagen’s second-generation Tiguan has been successful, not only for the brand, but for the entire Volkswagen Group, as it has remained its bestselling model since 2018.

Last year alone, the model saw 458 000 units sold and it continues to sell well. The current model will be phased out next year to be replaced by the third generation of the Tiguan. 

The second-generation model was given a makeover in 2020 and, to remind ourselves why it continued to be the VW Group’s best seller, we welcomed the model into our long-term garage. 

Our first of six months with it has been a reacquaintance with the product to see how it has fared in the wake of newer models.

When this model launched in 2016, it was a great departure from the first iteration and a masterstroke for VW, as the first-generation model never quite struck the right chord on the design front. 

It’s a bit like a sophomore artist — rarely does the second album supersede the first — except the opposite may be true in the automotive space. 

As such, the current model seems to be the most popular yet of the Tiguan lineage, and I am not quite convinced of the forthcoming, third-generation model, which seems to have matured in its design to the point of not being exciting. 

Of course, we will have to wait until we have had a much more intimate look at the vehicle to conclusively form our opinion.

Our long-termer boasts a white lick of paint and is finished off with the sporty-looking R-Line package that includes chrome accents on the front grille and bumper, a boot spoiler and 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels. 

The cabin, too, has R-Line hints, with the leather-wrapped steering wheel and seats, while the foot pedals have a brushed aluminium finish. 

The infotainment system remains intuitive to use and has the latest mobile pairing facilities, such as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. 

Still, it must be said that the haptic “buttons’’ for the climate control and those on the steering wheel are annoying to use, particularly while on the move. You find yourself inadvertently pressing them at inopportune moments. Hopefully, the next-generation Tiguan will revert to physical buttons. 

That aside, the model is running in nicely and we are averaging 10 litres of fuel per 100km, which is not great, but far from unbearably high. 

A towbar has also been installed on our unit and we will soon put this to the test to ascertain the vehicle’s towing prowess — or lack thereof. 

Ride quality, even on the low-profile tyres, is quite good, but we are mindful of the state of our roads and the infinite potholes. 

The 4Motion, a part-time four-wheel drive system, offers prodigious grip levels and we have no qualms about traction. We will, of course, venture slightly onto the gravel at some point and report back on how the vehicle fares. 

Being a popular offering in the mid-sized SUV segment, family escapades will be part of the Tiguan’s duties, and will see how it fits into the role of ferrying a family of five. 

That 2.0 TSI engine with 162kW and 350Nm offers good performance but we are still of the view that the 2.0 TDI derivative is more suitable in this application, thanks to its inherent low-down torque engine characteristics and better fuel economy. 

Do you own this model range of Tiguan? Please get in touch with us and share your ownership experience. And, if you are in the market for this outgoing model, do keep an eye out for our monthly reviews on what to expect. 

As it stands, though, the Tiguan is proving to be a competent and polished product, despite its age.  

Specifications:

Engine           

2.0-litre, turbo 4-cyl

Power & toque

162kW & 350Nm

Transmission

Seven-speed auto

Top speed

225km/h

Fuel consumption

8.3l/100km

MILEAGE AT START: 1 594km

MILEAGE NOW: 4 339km

PRICE: R843 000 (R958 749 as tested)

GOOD STUFF: Design. Standard equipment. Space.

BAD STUFF: Getting a little long in the tooth. Pricing has gone further north in recent years.