125TSI, anyone driven the auto version?

[Tigga1]

looking at buying the above, going from Golf 2.0TDI DSG.

I've only driven the auto Diesel, but they're hard to get in right spec.

would have preferred manual 125, but again, they're hard to get.

anyone done a back to back with 103TDI or just driven the auto 125?

any experience/feedback would be appreciated!

[DJY]

I would also be interested in hearing about the 103TDI vs 125TSI.

I have driven an auto 13TDI... but with new shipments of the 125 in the last few months - I'm very keen to hear of people's experiences! I've read some comments in here about the 125 manual, and a couple of positive 125 auto comments... but how did people find the different variants compared to each other?

[clip]

... but how did people find the different variants compared to each other?

I test drove the manual and auto TDI's - lots of times! I really did not like the TDI manual, felt like I was driving the land cruiser again, I just can't get used to all that short shifting in a car that you want to perform. I really enjoyed the TDI in the auto though.

I haven't driven the 125 auto so can't comment. Have driven a new 125 Jetta with the same auto (ie not the DSG) and it went OK.

Assuming you're not worried about economy, it might also depend on whether you're thinking of going for any performance upgrades. If you are, then the 125 auto would be awesome, and a remapped TDI would also be a great drive IMO. But if you're not interested in this, then you might prefer the bigger torque in the stock auto TDI over the stock 125.

[DJY]

Thanks mate!
You bought a 125TSI manual didn't you?
Have been reading of some of your experiences / observations btoh before and after your mods.

[clip]

You bought a 125TSI manual didn't you?

Yep, and loving it!

[Johnno]

I've driven both 125TSI and 103TDI cars. The transmission in both of them is very nice - the only issue I had with the TDI was (a) due to turbo lag and (b) due to me not being used to driving a turbo diesel in the first place.

That said, if the drive quality was the only thing deciding whether to buy a petrol or diesel, the TSI would win hands down. Its just that little bit more smooth and forgiving and the blast-off at the lights is a whole lot more

[DJY]

Thanks Johnno!

Did the 125 have enough power do you think? Was it Auto or Manual...
and are thinking of buying one - or was it with your brother when he was ordering his 125?

[Johnno]

Thanks Johnno!

Did the 125 have enough power do you think? Was it Auto or Manual...
and are thinking of buying one - or was it with your brother when he was ordering his 125?

Well, coming from a history of driving naturally aspirated, manual vehicles, the 125 had plenty of power. I'm not big in to V6's or anything like that. But the Tiguan certainly impressed me considering its size/weight. And it blows away the Holden Viva that I currently drive for work... The 125TSI I drove was an automatic. It has a tiptronic option.

I am thinking about buying one, but I'm waiting to see what happens with the market closer to July and the end of financial year. When I started shopping in January this year, I was turned off the car because of the price when it was optioned out. For example, a $34k vehicle with some fairly ordinary options (metallic paint, fog, auto etc.) would cost me an alleged $53k to put on the road. The dealer was selling me an '08 plated vehicle at the ticket price, no discounts/negotiation. And up-selling me the vehicle with wheels that I wasn't interested in, because "those are the wheels that are on the car and they can't be changed back to standard"...

I think the deal my brother got was fairly good, and I will be dealing with Fivedock rather than Waitara in the future.

[Greg Roles]

You guys have seen this review yeah?

http://www.caradvice.com.au/19663/20...swagen-tiguan/

[DJY]

You guys have seen this review yeah?

http://www.caradvice.com.au/19663/20...swagen-tiguan/

Looking forward to reading their petrol reviews - and it sounds like the 147 review will be out soon!

[Spook]

Review of the 147 TSI here:

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2009/small-4x4/volkswagen/tiguan/volkswagen-tiguan-147-tsi-14826

[DJY]

Well just thought I'd add to this thread...

as I drove an Auto 125 TSI today.
Much better than my experiences in the Auto 130TDI!

Much more responsive and "zippier"...
as well as it seemed quieter and didn't sound like it was chugging (like the diesel did). Might all be in my head...
but for me the 125 drove much more responsively than the 103TDI.

I now want to drive a 147!!!
Eck!!! It is a TRAP!
I want MORE!

grin
anyway just thought I'd add my comments in here for those other people still considering which engine / model.

[cubes]

Test drove all three and honestly apart from feeling a tad peekier in the rev range the 147 didn't feel all that more responsive than the 125 given that it has the same peak torque output albeit at a higher revs. I was acualy quite suprised with the 103 diesel quite torquey down low and felt more so than the 147 when accelerating, inside the cabin the 103 didn't feel like a diesel and the characteristic diesel chug which I find annoying again wasn't notcicable inside as it is outside.
Having said that I have decided on the 125 with the money saved been put to a leather interior and the DNS510 or satnav been an easy and redily available aftermarket upgrade at a third of the factory cost, and with a chip upgrade if you want to unlock the 125s potential at $1995 yor still ahead of the 147. The chrome window trim is nice but not for the extra premium asked for.

[Dilusi]

Review of the 147 TSI here:

http://www.carsales.com.au/reviews/2...-147-tsi-14826

Interesting, although a shame they did not bother to put photos of the 147 in the review. I wonder why the reviewer scored 3.5 for safety? Anyone know what was the reviewer was looking for?

The review below states: Strong braking, and silicone chip assisted stability ensure safety is paramount. The 147TSI also comes standard with front, side and curtain airbags that in addition to ABS, EBA, EBD, ESP and Traction Control afford Tiguan a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

http://www.caradvice.com.au/19869/2009-volkswagen-tiguan-147tsi-review

[Dilusi]

Having said that I have decided on the 125 with the money saved been put to a leather interior and the DNS510 or satnav been an easy and redily available aftermarket upgrade at a third of the factory cost, and with a chip upgrade if you want to unlock the 125s potential at $1995 yor still ahead of the 147. The chrome window trim is nice but not for the extra premium asked for.

If you are thinking of a chip upgrade, the 125 plus leather plus comfort pack makes a lot of sense.

For anyone who can afford the extra outlay up front and is wanting petrol, automatic, not going to chip and is happy with the 147 wheels, the 147 "package" is a great way to go. (gee there are a lot of conditions here ). The other extras (tint, fogs, tire pressure indicator, chrome, upgraded seats) are a bonus.