It seems to be the season for diesel compact crossovers. Since September, we've driven the 2013 Mercedes-Benz GLK 250 BlueTEC and the brand new 2014 Audi Q5 TDI. Now we have added some forbidden fruit to that record: the European-market diesel model of the Volkswagen Tiguan, offered in North America only with a direct-injected and turbocharged 200-horsepower 2.0-liter gasoline engine. The European Tiguan TDI is powered by a 174-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel four-cylinder engine that produces 280 lb-ft of torque. While a six-pace handbook gearbox is offered, our test automobile had the non-compulsory seven-speed dry-clutch DSG dual-clutch automated transmission, powering all four wheels via VW's 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. The diesel Tiguan also included a typical start-stop function, switching itself off at relaxation--which, we seen, additionally turned off the facility help for the steering. It being winter (see images), we didn't take a look at whether or not any air conditioning would cease as nicely with the engine off, though we'd suspect it will, since it is unlikely VW would match an costly electric air-conditioning compressor.
Two more winter notes: First, after an overnight chilly soak, it took virtually a second for the diesel to hearth after the ignition was switched on. This is far better than the 10-second glow plugs in diesels of the Eighties, nevertheless it was a little bit reminder of the totally different powerplant. Second, our Tiguan TDI was fitted with low-profile European summer tires that proved a nasty match for snowy, greasy winter roads--meaning we have no touch upon its handling, since we did nothing remotely aggressive. Unlike the more powerful Audi Q5 TDI, which used a 240-horsepower, 3.0-liter V-6 turbodiesel putting out a prodigious 428 lb-ft of torque, the Tiguan TDI was slightly gradual off the mark in its first second or two. VW quotes 0-to-62-mph acceleration of 8.5 seconds, 2 seconds slower than the Q5 TDI. But using the paddle shifters behind the wheel to maintain the revs above, say, 2000 rpm (redline was 5000 rpm), the Tiguan would surge ahead, with the DSG snapping off quick shifts and the crossover gathering speed shortly.
Over our usual check route of 250 miles or so, comprising about two-thirds freeway travel and one-third metropolis and suburban visitors, we averaged 33.6 miles per gallon. The European mixed cycle gasoline-efficiency take a look at rates the model at 37 mpg mixed, although these outcomes are usually 20 percent increased than equal EPA rankings. By way of comparability, the gasoline Tiguan is rated at 21 mpg combined in its entrance-wheel-drive model with a six-pace handbook gearbox, and 23 mpg mixed with the DSG automatic (with both entrance-wheel or all-wheel drive). So why didn't VW supply a diesel choice for the Tiguan when it launched its first compact crossover as a 2006 mannequin? The difficulty doubtless comes down to price. While the Golf and Jetta models had been ready to meet strict new emission standards a number of years ago with out adding urea injection, larger and heavier vehicles (including the Passat) would require the more refined aftertreatment expertise. That's extra simply justified on a luxurious brand like Audi or Mercedes-Benz, much less so on a mass-market car like a VW. 30,000 or more, which VW possible considered as merely too dear in a class the place young families are often highly delicate to purchase price. The gasoline Tiguan provided on the market in the U.S. 36,500 for the sporty R-Line mannequin with distinctive look items. Finally, we must say that we applaud Volkswagen's U.S. North America, however letting us drive them--for several miles to several days. This is actually our fourth such automobile from VW in lower than two years. As nicely as the Tiguan TDI, we've driven the Volkswagen Up minicar, the Scirocco R sports coupe, and the XL1 diesel plug-in hybrid ultra-economy car.
It could seem like manual transmissions are going extinct, and have been for decades, but this rule doesn’t apply a lot to Volkswagen. We nonetheless imagine in a number of the pure elements of driving, and that's the reason we’re happy there are such a lot of Volkswagen fashions with manual transmission. So without maintaining you ready any longer, here is a listing of Volkswagen models which might be supplied with a manual transmission. Needless to say this record is updated to the 2016 model 12 months. Have a look or contact us at Neftin Volkswagen to be taught more about their availability. As you can see, Volkswagen drivers in the U.S. Those that want a few of the benefits of a manual, however don’t know learn how to drive with one, can still choose between the numerous VW fashions offering the DSG transmission with Tiptronic shifting mode. So why would you need to decide on one of these guide transmission choices over an automated. Well, listed here are a number of explanation why a stick shift could be the better possibility for some drivers. 1. More control in antagonistic weather circumstances or when you don’t have much traction. 2. A doable theft deterrent (if the thief can’t drive a stick shift). 3. The potential for just a little better gasoline financial system. 4. It’s just plain enjoyable. So now that you’ve seen how many Volkswagen fashions have handbook transmission, consider VW to your next stick-shift mannequin. Should you haven’t learned learn how to drive with a guide transmission, seeing how many nice VW models include a guide transmission would possibly simply be a good enough motive to study. You won’t remorse it.
