The Volkswagen Tiguan is a competent, but overpriced car for many who want a German badge to help them overlook that they’re driving a small crossover. What do you should know before you buy a Volkswagen Tiguan? Don’t fear, we’ll tell you every little thing proper right here in our Buyer’s Guide. We know Volkswagen desires to market their Tiguan as a crossover model of the GTI. And while it shares some similarities with the small hot hatch, together with the 2.0-liter turbo 4, a GTI it isn't. Volkswagen has taken some flack for saying the Tiguan is just like the GTI of crossover SUVs. It isn’t. At greatest, it’s the GTI of people who go antiquing on the weekend, don’t drive notably fast and live in a faculty town. In case you don’t desire a wagon, won’t drive a Ford and can’t afford a Lexus then possibly you must look at the Tiguan. You see, the GTI is amongst the most effective in its class.
The Tiguan isn't. Yes, it’s nicely put together, and yes, it can be had with a reasonably slick 4-wheel drive system, however it’s not that fast, it’s expensive, and it’s inefficient. People buy CUVs as A-to-B cars. Folks who purchase CUVs care about reliability, security, and above all, gasoline financial system. It's on this latter subject particularly where the Tiguan falls very brief. At only 26 MPG highway and 23 MPG combined, the Tiguan would possibly as effectively have a carburetor below its hood. On high of that, the Tiguan slots in a couple of grand dearer than its comparatively-geared up rivals.S. 2009 mannequin year and came with a 2.0-liter turbo 4 and two transmission options: a 6-pace auto and a 6-velocity guide. For 2015, Volkswagen partook in a blasphemous act: they nixed their handbook transmission possibility. But, on the vibrant facet, they did make the backup digicam commonplace throughout trim levels. 1,four hundred and acquired a brand new MIB II infotainment system. The 2017 is all new and constructed on the modular MQB platform discovered beneath the Golf and Audi A3. It’s longer, provides more inside space, and manages to cut over one hundred pounds from the earlier era. Not to mention, it just seems to be extra rugged than today’s dainty little VW CUV. Nevertheless it doesn’t matter, because you shouldn’t buy one. Lease one, perhaps, but don’t buy one. Maybe they’ll offer you an excellent deal. Seriously, just buy some other car. The gasoline financial system for the phase is abysmal, it’s not GTI quick, and it’s expensive. Here’s a link to the configurator, but as quickly as you open it, we advocate you're taking your mouse, move it to the top proper of your display screen, and click on on the “x. Hopefully that’s higher than Volkswagen’s current offering.
It’s one more automobile off the automaker’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) structure, and follows the tire tracks of the brand new Jetta, Atlas, Passat, Golf and Audi A3. For individuals who aren’t conscious, mass-produced automobiles are built on a standard car architecture that lowers prices and improves high quality by sharing components. That helps to make the Arteon’s dimensions lengthy and broad, with shorter overhangs. Those spatial changes make for a really sleek exterior, and on this case, the Arteon’s wheelbase is more than 5 inches longer than the outgoing CC - something that pays off inside the cabin. From the vantage point of a primary (or second) look, the combination of a profitable platform with the Arteon’s emotive styling might mean good things - optimistic issues. Add in the brand’s investment in supplies and tools, and VW could very effectively be trying on the kind of halo automobile they need. Standard interior options include keyless access/push-button begin, an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. The inside continues the give attention to magnificence, which is a little bit of a surprise. With a few exceptions, Volkswagen has been recognized to construct spartan and (often) sturdy interiors.
Think arduous plastic that doesn’t scuff or tear, the kind of knuckle-bleeding grained plastic that appears just as sturdy at mile 300,000 as it does new off the supplier lot. 35,000-plus sticker price, with quality supplies and useful know-how supplied as customary and non-compulsory equipment. For example, customary front seats are heated, with leatherette seating surfaces. There’s additionally non-compulsory vented seats and massaging seats, for these really-really lengthy days. Additional standard options embrace keyless access/push-button start, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system. Volkswagen’s App Connect know-how can also be customary, and presents smartphone integration with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and MirrorLink. Optional options embody the Volkswagen Digital Cockpit - a customizable display of driver-related information that may be moved round for simpler viewing. Additional options embody a panoramic sunroof, Car-Net linked providers, and a distant trunk opener that activates by swinging your foot beneath the rear bumper. For U.S. car patrons, the Arteon comes with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine and 8-speed computerized transmission.
Unlike their spoiled European friends (so many options!), American drivers get just one engine, and one transmission. That’s okay, although: VW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter engine and 8-pace automated transmission will do, making 268 horsepower and 258 lb.-ft. The Arteon additionally options accessible all-wheel-drive, and VW’s adaptive damping suspension system. Otherwise, the Arteon presents a bounty of commonplace tools, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, and driver help know-how like ahead collision warning, emergency braking, blind spot monitor, and more. Optional driver nannies embrace adaptive cruise control, energetic lane departure warning, excessive beam management, and an overhead view digicam. This, then, is the actual check for the Arteon. Oh effectively. It’s solely temporary, while we look forward to the electrification of the whole lot with wheels. Go ahead Mr. Robot! The 2019 Volkswagen Arteon is predicted to arrive at U.S. Some would say the definition of optimism is when a VW tries to be like an Audi. And whether or not or not the Arteon makes you consider Audi, with its upscale interior and sporty design….effectively that’s not such a bad thing. Did you discover this article useful? If that's the case, please share it using the "Join the Conversation" buttons below, and thank you for visiting Daily News Autos.