Hello all, a question from a prospective buyer

[Jaso]

Hi Guy's,

I am currently looking into purchasing a new vehicle and was hoping the forum could give me an assessment on the new VW Tiguan 125 or 147 series.

I have not had a lot to do with VW prior to this and would appreciate any info on warranty, performance, fuel economy, mild off road ability, servicing, ride handling etc etc.. I know that is a lot of questions & personal opinions but I would really be interested in reading your comments.

I am currently comparing the Nissan X-Trail, Forester XT and now the Tiguan ..

I will be honest and say the Tiguan was coming up last due to boot/cargo size but then I had a look through it and wow what a nicely put together car ...

Anyway thanks in advance

Jason

[Tony Tiggy]

Jason,

I have a new 103TDI DSG Tiguan 2011 model, purchased 30 Nov 2010 at Waitara Volkswagen Hornsby (North of Sydney).

Positives:

Great vehicle to drive, even after a 14 1/2 hr marathon on 27th Dec from Sydney to Gold Coast via the goat track that is called Highway No.1 I was able to get out refreshed and comfortable!
Fuel economy is superb - bear in mind that mine is a diesel 6.4Ltrs / 100km average so far over 6850kms.
Transmission is smooth and refined, you would never opt for a standard auto after driving a DSG.
Quality and finish is top class. No squeaks, rattles or gaps, loose threads etc
It has consistently achieved top in class status in wheels magazine testing.

Negatives:

"A" pillars are quite bulky and can hinder vision.
Boot space is limited. However this is a personal viewpoint & bear in mind there is a decent degree of flexibility with back seats sliding forward / split folding etc
Its not a true 4WD so be aware of its limitations if you are going off road (something that approx 5% of Tiguan owners will ever do) - ground clearance, approach & departure angles, under body protection, low range gearbox etc

Vehicle choice is a personal thing, people on this forum will (rightly) tend to be pro Tiguan. I would still suggest that you arrange a day to do back to back testing of your 3 choices - consider your usage requirements and then make a decision based on fact and suitability to your requirements.

I know I am biased, but do yourself a favour and consider the diesel option when you make your purchase decision; great torque and even better fuel economy for no real noticable loss in outright performance makes a compelling argument..

Best wishes in your quest.