My Tiguan has arrived and this is my experience so far

[hcvo1]

After over 6 months of waiting we finally picked up our car from the dealer on Friday!
Haven't been able to drive it much over the weekend, but so far, everything is positive. The car is meant to be for my wife, but since she's on maternity leave, I'm going to use it to commute to work. I hope to be able to get it over the break in period within the next month so I can start to really push the motor.

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Also haven't had a chance to take many pictures yet, but will definitely look to take more.

Congratulations mate! can't wait to get behind the wheel of my one next week.

[Gladbach]

OK, here is a review so far - I've tried to cover everything but I know that there is so much I have missed. I'll add some more soon.

The car is amazing. To be completely honest, when I picked it up yesterday it took me a little while to acclimatise. It drives so differently to my 2012 Jetta so I was driving quite tentatively. I'm a lot more used it now, and the more I drive it, the more I love it.

-It was mentioned recently, but the progressive steering is possibly the best feature of the R-Line pack. It reaches full lock so quickly that navigating around abounds, performing U-turns and parking are absolute pleasures. The steering wheel itself is also superb.

-The interior lighting is really nice. Key areas being the buttons on the dash, the buttons on the ceiling, the foot well, the sides of the doors (LED strip), the bottom of the door sill (LED strip) and, in the case of a sunroof, the lovely LED strip that runs either side from front to back. The brightness is adjustable in the discover pro unit.

-I have enough head room, even with the sunroof. I'm 185cm. The sunroof is really nice, I know that sunroofs divide opinion, but the one in the Tiguan is lovely and large. Driving around the beach areas with the sunroof open is really nice, lovely fresh, coastal air entering the cabin without the "wind on your face" feeling that you get with the windows down. It’s a novelty for me having never had a sunroof, it was my wife that really wanted it, but I'm very impressed. Perhaps the novelty will wear off after a while but for now I'll enjoy it.

-The DSG is so much smoother and more sure of itself when compared with my 2012 Jetta (6 speed wet clutch). It's has taken me a little while to get used to as I've been overcompensating in anticipation of jerkiness. The more I've driven it, then more I've realised that I don't need to baby it as much as I do with the Jetta. In return, I'm getting more initial response in the low range, setting up for a quicker exit from corners and roundabouts etc.

-I've been trying to keep the revs down being a brand new car, but I have had a few sneaky bursts in sports mode. The power is there, and I'm looking forward to opening up the cylinders a bit once I've got around 1500km on the clock. It's not as raw as an older car (I find this every time I drive a new car), but I definitely got a good burst of acceleration. It's a different feeling though, more refined and smooth.

-I love the Active Info Display. I was driving home on Friday night and had one of those moments where you realize that you're in the future that you fantasised about when you were a kid. Even when there is no route programmed, I like having the nav screen (map) up, with the dials smaller and the gear and speed in the dials (I'm really used to having a digital speedo, so I always look for that rather than the speedo needle).

-Initially I was convinced that the sound is thin and lacks clarity. It's not as rich as the Jetta's system, but I'm starting to come around, and I don't think I'll bother with a speaker upgrade.

-I love the auto brake feature (can't remember what it's called) but it allows you to stop and then take your foot off the brake pedal. I tend to put my Jetta in neutral and pull up the handbrake when I'm at a long set of lights, so this feature in the Tiguan is very welcome. Also, I thought the engine off function would really annoy me, but in the short time I've had the car it hasn't been too much trouble.

-The driver's seat adjustment is very comprehensive. I've been slowly adjusting it to get more an more comfortable. The initial setting that I had it on yesterday afternoon was a lot less comfortable that what I've it set to now. The lumber support is magnificent (I hadn't really discovered that until this morning).

-I've got the driver profiles assigned to the keyfobs. It's awesome having he seat and mirrors change between drivers.

-The in built navigation is quite good, better than some I've experienced. Entering addresses is very easy as well, again, easier than some other cars I've driven. I do want to enable the traffic option though.

Overall, the car is really refined, and to be honest, it's hard to believe I'm not driving something with an Audi or BMW badge on it. I've also had a few heads turn! With all of the options, it's quite a pricey car, but considering that I was looking at a Tucson or CX-5 (and X1), the additional spend is well worth it. In my opinion, the level of refinement is miles ahead of the Korean and Japanese counterparts.

The dealer mentioned the complimentary 1500km check-up that's been discussed a bit. It does need to be done by the dealer and Penrith is about a 40 min drive from my work, but surprisingly (for a complimentary check-up) she said that they'd give me a courtesy car. I'll definitely take them up on the offer.

I will have pictures coming soon, I took a bunch today but I have a new phone (Google Pixel) which has a USB-C cable and left the USB-C to USB cable in my Jetta which is parked at work.

[Eyes24]

OK, here is a review so far - I've tried to cover everything but I know that there is so much I have missed. I'll add some more soon.

The car is amazing. To be completely honest, when I picked it up yesterday it took me a little while to acclimatise. It drives so differently to my 2012 Jetta so I was driving quite tentatively. I'm a lot more used it now, and the more I drive it, the more I love it.

-It was mentioned recently, but the progressive steering is possibly the best feature of the R-Line pack. It reaches full lock so quickly that navigating around abounds, performing U-turns and parking are absolute pleasures. The steering wheel itself is also superb.

-The interior lighting is really nice. Key areas being the buttons on the dash, the buttons on the ceiling, the foot well, the sides of the doors (LED strip), the bottom of the door sill (LED strip) and, in the case of a sunroof, the lovely LED strip that runs either side from front to back. The brightness is adjustable in the discover pro unit.

-I have enough head room, even with the sunroof. I'm 185cm. The sunroof is really nice, I know that sunroofs divide opinion, but the one in the Tiguan is lovely and large. Driving around the beach areas with the sunroof open is really nice, lovely fresh, coastal air entering the cabin without the "wind on your face" feeling that you get with the windows down. It’s a novelty for me having never had a sunroof, it was my wife that really wanted it, but I'm very impressed. Perhaps the novelty will wear off after a while but for now I'll enjoy it.

-The DSG is so much smoother and more sure of itself when compared with my 2012 Jetta (6 speed wet clutch). It's has taken me a little while to get used to as I've been overcompensating in anticipation of jerkiness. The more I've driven it, then more I've realised that I don't need to baby it as much as I do with the Jetta. In return, I'm getting more initial response in the low range, setting up for a quicker exit from corners and roundabouts etc.

-I've been trying to keep the revs down being a brand new car, but I have had a few sneaky bursts in sports mode. The power is there, and I'm looking forward to opening up the cylinders a bit once I've got around 1500km on the clock. It's not as raw as an older car (I find this every time I drive a new car), but I definitely got a good burst of acceleration. It's a different feeling though, more refined and smooth.

-I love the Active Info Display. I was driving home on Friday night and had one of those moments where you realize that you're in the future that you fantasised about when you were a kid. Even when there is no route programmed, I like having the nav screen (map) up, with the dials smaller and the gear and speed in the dials (I'm really used to having a digital speedo, so I always look for that rather than the speedo needle).

-Initially I was convinced that the sound is thin and lacks clarity. It's not as rich as the Jetta's system, but I'm starting to come around, and I don't think I'll bother with a speaker upgrade.

-I love the auto brake feature (can't remember what it's called) but it allows you to stop and then take your foot off the brake pedal. I tend to put my Jetta in neutral and pull up the handbrake when I'm at a long set of lights, so this feature in the Tiguan is very welcome. Also, I thought the engine off function would really annoy me, but in the short time I've had the car it hasn't been too much trouble.

-The driver's seat adjustment is very comprehensive. I've been slowly adjusting it to get more an more comfortable. The initial setting that I had it on yesterday afternoon was a lot less comfortable that what I've it set to now. The lumber support is magnificent (I hadn't really discovered that until this morning).

-I've got the driver profiles assigned to the keyfobs. It's awesome having he seat and mirrors change between drivers.

-The in built navigation is quite good, better than some I've experienced. Entering addresses is very easy as well, again, easier than some other cars I've driven. I do want to enable the traffic option though.

Overall, the car is really refined, and to be honest, it's hard to believe I'm not driving something with an Audi or BMW badge on it. I've also had a few heads turn! With all of the options, it's quite a pricey car, but considering that I was looking at a Tucson or CX-5 (and X1), the additional spend is well worth it. In my opinion, the level of refinement is miles ahead of the Korean and Japanese counterparts.

The dealer mentioned the complimentary 1500km check-up that's been discussed a bit. It does need to be done by the dealer and Penrith is about a 40 min drive from my work, but surprisingly (for a complimentary check-up) she said that they'd give me a courtesy car. I'll definitely take them up on the offer.

I will have pictures coming soon, I took a bunch today but I have a new phone (Google Pixel) which has a USB-C cable and left the USB-C to USB cable in my Jetta which is parked at work.

Thanks for the review, car sound like it's awesome!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chocolate_Bear]

OK, here is a review so far - I've tried to cover everything but I know that there is so much I have missed. I'll add some more soon.

The car is amazing. To be completely honest, when I picked it up yesterday it took me a little while to acclimatise. It drives so differently to my 2012 Jetta so I was driving quite tentatively. I'm a lot more used it now, and the more I drive it, the more I love it.

-It was mentioned recently, but the progressive steering is possibly the best feature of the R-Line pack. It reaches full lock so quickly that navigating around abounds, performing U-turns and parking are absolute pleasures. The steering wheel itself is also superb.

-The interior lighting is really nice. Key areas being the buttons on the dash, the buttons on the ceiling, the foot well, the sides of the doors (LED strip), the bottom of the door sill (LED strip) and, in the case of a sunroof, the lovely LED strip that runs either side from front to back. The brightness is adjustable in the discover pro unit.

-I have enough head room, even with the sunroof. I'm 185cm. The sunroof is really nice, I know that sunroofs divide opinion, but the one in the Tiguan is lovely and large. Driving around the beach areas with the sunroof open is really nice, lovely fresh, coastal air entering the cabin without the "wind on your face" feeling that you get with the windows down. It’s a novelty for me having never had a sunroof, it was my wife that really wanted it, but I'm very impressed. Perhaps the novelty will wear off after a while but for now I'll enjoy it.

-The DSG is so much smoother and more sure of itself when compared with my 2012 Jetta (6 speed wet clutch). It's has taken me a little while to get used to as I've been overcompensating in anticipation of jerkiness. The more I've driven it, then more I've realised that I don't need to baby it as much as I do with the Jetta. In return, I'm getting more initial response in the low range, setting up for a quicker exit from corners and roundabouts etc.

-I've been trying to keep the revs down being a brand new car, but I have had a few sneaky bursts in sports mode. The power is there, and I'm looking forward to opening up the cylinders a bit once I've got around 1500km on the clock. It's not as raw as an older car (I find this every time I drive a new car), but I definitely got a good burst of acceleration. It's a different feeling though, more refined and smooth.

-I love the Active Info Display. I was driving home on Friday night and had one of those moments where you realize that you're in the future that you fantasised about when you were a kid. Even when there is no route programmed, I like having the nav screen (map) up, with the dials smaller and the gear and speed in the dials (I'm really used to having a digital speedo, so I always look for that rather than the speedo needle).

-Initially I was convinced that the sound is thin and lacks clarity. It's not as rich as the Jetta's system, but I'm starting to come around, and I don't think I'll bother with a speaker upgrade.

-I love the auto brake feature (can't remember what it's called) but it allows you to stop and then take your foot off the brake pedal. I tend to put my Jetta in neutral and pull up the handbrake when I'm at a long set of lights, so this feature in the Tiguan is very welcome. Also, I thought the engine off function would really annoy me, but in the short time I've had the car it hasn't been too much trouble.

-The driver's seat adjustment is very comprehensive. I've been slowly adjusting it to get more an more comfortable. The initial setting that I had it on yesterday afternoon was a lot less comfortable that what I've it set to now. The lumber support is magnificent (I hadn't really discovered that until this morning).

-I've got the driver profiles assigned to the keyfobs. It's awesome having he seat and mirrors change between drivers.

-The in built navigation is quite good, better than some I've experienced. Entering addresses is very easy as well, again, easier than some other cars I've driven. I do want to enable the traffic option though.

Overall, the car is really refined, and to be honest, it's hard to believe I'm not driving something with an Audi or BMW badge on it. I've also had a few heads turn! With all of the options, it's quite a pricey car, but considering that I was looking at a Tucson or CX-5 (and X1), the additional spend is well worth it. In my opinion, the level of refinement is miles ahead of the Korean and Japanese counterparts.

The dealer mentioned the complimentary 1500km check-up that's been discussed a bit. It does need to be done by the dealer and Penrith is about a 40 min drive from my work, but surprisingly (for a complimentary check-up) she said that they'd give me a courtesy car. I'll definitely take them up on the offer.

I will have pictures coming soon, I took a bunch today but I have a new phone (Google Pixel) which has a USB-C cable and left the USB-C to USB cable in my Jetta which is parked at work.

Thanks for the update mate. Sure was a lovely day at the beaches to be cruising. Glad it all went well with inspection and pick up! Enjoy!


Tiguan 162tsi Rline fully loaded (June 2017) - NSW, Northern Beaches

[scotchy1951]

Took my 162 Rline on some dirt forest tracks in the Watagen Mountains (back of Newcastle) yesterday. They were in pretty rough condition after the rain, a few large holes and lots of ruts and muddy sections. Tiggy handled them very well especially after selecting off road mode. It walked easily through the roughest sections and never lost traction. After a quick hose down at home it looks as good as new.

[Gladbach]

I love this car. Had such a nice drive to work today. It really is a pleasure to drive!

[Chocolate_Bear]

I love this car. Had such a nice drive to work today. It really is a pleasure to drive!

How was the drive back?


Tiguan 162tsi Rline fully loaded (June 2017) - NSW, Northern Beaches

[Gladbach]

How was the drive back?

Tiguan 162tsi Rline fully loaded (June 2017) - NSW, Northern Beaches

Great! Its school holidays so the trip this morning was pretty cruisy, but tonight there was quite a bit more traffic so i used ACC to make it a bit easier. It does work pretty well, a bit better than i expected. It's a little unrefined sometimes, occasionally stopping a bit too abruptly, but still really good.

[NZ_GolfR]

Great! Its school holidays so the trip this morning was pretty cruisy, but tonight there was quite a bit more traffic so i used ACC to make it a bit easier. It does work pretty well, a bit better than i expected. It's a little unrefined sometimes, occasionally stopping a bit too abruptly, but still really good.

One thing I noticed is that if I'm driving in Eco mode the ACC breaking is rather harsh like it is trying to coast for the longest time possible then applying breaks at the last minute, I guess try to be more Eco. In Sport mode (but with DSG still in D rather than S) it seems to use the engine more to break along with the breaks so seemed to stop more gently.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gladbach]

One thing I noticed is that if I'm driving in Eco mode the ACC breaking is rather harsh like it is trying to coast for the longest time possible then applying breaks at the last minute, I guess try to be more Eco. In Sport mode (but with DSG still in D rather than S) it seems to use the engine more to break along with the breaks so seemed to stop more gently.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yeah, I think you're right. I also noticed in the individual profile, one of the options is ACC. Theoretically you could set the drive to eco and the ACC to sport. I might give it a try this afternoon.

[Gladbach]

Yeah, I think you're right. I also noticed in the individual profile, one of the options is ACC. Theoretically you could set the drive to eco and the ACC to sport. I might give it a try this afternoon.

I didn't get to do too much with ACC this afternoon (not as much traffic as usual) but it does appear to make a difference.

[Chocolate_Bear]

I didn't get to do too much with ACC this afternoon (not as much traffic as usual) but it does appear to make a difference.

Thanks for the update mate !


Tiguan 162tsi Rline fully loaded (June 2017) - NSW, Northern Beaches

[hcvo1]

I didn't get to do too much with ACC this afternoon (not as much traffic as usual) but it does appear to make a difference.

On a different note, as much as I love the Tiguan, the seats get uncomfortable after a while and don't hug me as much as the GTI bucket seats did.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Gladbach]

On a different note, as much as I love the Tiguan, the seats get uncomfortable after a while and don't hug me as much as the GTI bucket seats did.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Interesting. I actually find the seats really comfortable. It took a couple of days to get it right, but the drivers seat has a broad array of driving positions on offer, and I love the lumber support. Also, with the ability to store the seating position, I no longer have to screw around with it over and over again after my wife has driven the car.

[Gladbach]

This morning on my daily commute from Dee Why to Chatswood, I drove about 75% of the time using ACC. It honestly takes a lot of pain out of stop-start traffic.

Some tips/observations:

-Driving in Eco mode makes for a jerkier stop, so it's better to leave it in normal, or edit your individual profile to set the "drive" to Eco and the "ACC" to normal. I tried both these this morning again and there is no difference in the stopping behaviour between them. The majority of the time it comes to a smooth stop.
-I set it to the "closest" setting. This doesn't make it too aggressive, and is the closest to mimic normal driving behaviour. I found setting it to leave a greater gap leaves to much distance between my car and the car in front, which unnecessarily invites other drivers to pull front of you.
-The ACC will deactivate after a few seconds once you've completely stopped. I've read that it's 3 seconds, but sometimes if feels a bit shorter than that. When the traffic starts to move, you have to press the resume button; not a big deal, but if you wait until the car in front starts to pull away from you before pressing resume, then there will be a bit of a delay in starting to drive again, especially if the auto off feature is turned on. Instead, if you hit the resume button once you see the cars in front start to move (while the immediate car in front if you is still stationary) then it will show "ACC ready to start" and it will start to drive immediately and quite smoothly once the car in front starts to move.
-You obviously need to still pay attention to what's happening around you and be ready to intervene if you need to - it can be a little slow to acknowledge cars changing into your lane, and if you just let it do it's thing then you'll look like an a$$hole driver, instead, break manually and give the car a bit of space.

This feature is one of the main reasons why I settled for the Tiguan. In some of the other cars that have ACC, it often stops working below a certain speed (some are about 60km/h while others are about 30km/h) While I was able to test out the Tiguan's ACC during the test drive, it was still hard to get a proper feel for how it works. Overall, I'm happy with it and am glad I held out!