Why didn't they?

[Dartiguan]

As a new owner I find myself thinking about things that VW could have done or might have offered to owners in Oz (that I read about in the manual for example). This is probably simply a function of my noobie status until I am resigned to living with the car as it is. I am not complaining as I think the car is a better than average packahge but every car has shortcomings so I am thinking about when I trade the car in for another in 3 years and hoping VW might listen to a new owner. Of course, some of these things cost money and VW have a balancing act to perform, but their competitors offer these and some are offered OS but not here. So here goes ..

Why didn't they make a speedo that was accurate rather than within design specs (don't tell me tyre sizes change as my GPS unit at a fraction the price has an accurate speed measurement and my previous car had an accurate speedo) Calibration in a computer based system such as a GPS connected RNS510 should be achievable. My 6% error translates to incorrect fuel/distance measurements etc.

Why didn't they use tyre pressure monitoring systems (Tyre valve sender units) like it describes in the manual rather than a benchmarked difference in rotational speed in the Off Road option which I have in my model.

Why didn't they provide puddle lights like so many other new cars provide. The coming home function does not illuminate the side of the car, and the driver/passenger door does not have lights in them but reflectors, a bit basic in a 50K car.

Why hasn't the Tiguan got a deeper glovebox, to go with its SUV status and cooler function in the glovebox.

Why don't they give you an option for the aerial which I have to remove each time I enter my garage because it scrapes the garage door

Why hasn't the electric seat got a memory for more than one driver.

I have others but what would other owners like to see corrected in a new model (rather than a facelifted one)

[aussietig]

what would other owners like to see corrected in a new model (rather than a facelifted one)

But like you said ... for a $50K car I would've expected not to hold the bonnet up with a metal rod!

But my main gripe ... is not getting the same level of equipment and finishing on our top spec 147TSI as say a higher spec Golf (GTI).

Things like flappy paddle steering wheel, aluminium pedals & shark fin antenna to justify the higher premium paid.

Whilst addressed now with aftermarket mods, I definitely feel ripped off!

[Philbie]

For what it's worth, speedo is accurate with 17" wheels on it, should only be 3 k's out at 100. This is what they are calibrated for.

Puddle lights, great idea - my nissan navara had them and that was cheaper.

Why push the fuel filler cap? And why can't it be made of metal? So at least the paint colour is a perfect match.

I have chrome hooks in the boot in my 08 tiggy, why delete them? It's not like they cost much...

Why can't the front passenger have electric seat adjustment? Just cause I'm not driving, doesn't mean I want to be less comfortable.....

Just my 2 cents worth.

I still love the car......

[NZTiguan]

1: My speedo is within 3% at 100kph (GPS checked). I have been told by a VW trained tech (can't swear to this) that the variation built into the speedo (purposely) isn't necessarily also built into the distance/fuel usage equations. They're all just programs in the computers and so can have variables built in or out as required.

2:The in-valve system is available in the USA but costs more and is a pain in the backside if you want to change wheels etc. Personally I think the in-car system is superior (different strokes and all that)

3: Models with electric folding mirrors do have puddle lights. They may not be available in Ausi but they ARE available.

4: Deeper glove box ? It's not a darn Hummer

5: Many of us have changed the whip antenna. You can actually just pull the knob off the end, cut it to length and replace the knob, problem solved.

6: Memory seats have been available from day one ( 2008 ) in NA. Just a fact that different countries don't get all the goodies.

Cheers

[Transporter]

Maybe the others with the features you're missing don't have what the Tiguan has and their owners complain that the VW Tiguan has that and they don't.

No point of complaining here, you bought the car with the features that you could clearly see from the brochures and in the showroom. Maybe try to find the way of retrofitting the things you miss that so much. I'm sure that the paddle lights and many other gadgets could be fitted.

Be positive, the positive minds creates, the negative ones don't!

I'm still happy with the choice I made, love our Tig!

[jimbomort]

Why didn't they make a speedo that was accurate rather than within design specs (don't tell me tyre sizes change as my GPS unit at a fraction the price has an accurate speed measurement and my previous car had an accurate speedo) Calibration in a computer based system such as a GPS connected RNS510 should be achievable. My 6% error translates to incorrect fuel/distance measurements etc.

there is a minimum overestimation error built into speedos as legilisated! So VW have too.

This has no bearing on the accuracy of the distance measurement, that may be spot on. Strange I know but due to the leg there is no necessary correleation b/w speedometer accuracy and odometer. I know because I tested our odo against the 5k dist checks on some hwys and it was spot on, so I thought I needed to be careful with my speed but no so, speedo's are still over as they have been for a long time in most production cars and are now required to be by law.

Else per Transporters, we love our Tig and have no real complaints. Be careful of what you focus on.

[Dartiguan]

Couple of responses, some tongue in cheek ...

I now unscrew my knob each night before I put the Tiguan to bed rather than pull it off

NZTiguan that would be helpful to know if the odometer reading was accurate, however it still begs the question why could not the speedo also be accurate. An argument I was given after the first service was that tyre wear would make the speedo inaccurate in any case, not sure of the truth of that and if it is 6% inaccurate with brand new tyres then what will it be at 40,000km. In addition I thought that diameter of the wheel was the same with 16,17,18 inch wheels and it was simply the tyre profile that changed. Any tech comments? Is it possible to adjust in VICS

I understand your comment Transporter but my car was not in the showroom when it was bought but in Sydney and detail, aside from leather, colour and lights was vague. No RNS510 to test, salespeople who thought the tollcard holder was a heater vent etc. Remember there is no online manual for this car available for prospective purchasers and even if it were I am still finding out things (plastic fuel cover!!!??? let me check .... goes down to garage .... DAMN ITS TRUE) See what I mean, I keep discovering things (like the logic of auto hold) I had no idea about LAUNCH control and only the good people of VW Watercooled allowed me to go straight to p176 in the manual to confirm. BTW I am a positive person, that is why I am making such positive statements. The engine and DSG is brilliant. The lights are the best I have had on a car, second best Citroen DS23 or CX2400. In fact the only accessory you need pay for is Bi Zenon lights IMHO, they have been a standout surprise and I will have done over 2000km in this car by tomorrow 16 days after I picked it up.

I have another two why didn't theys...

Why didn't they put the cruise control information in the MFD in another spot rather than cover the car distance reading.

Why is the outside temp put in such a prominent place in the MFD? (if it is icing up outside you get a warning indicator in any case)

[Phil G]

We are impressed by our Tig as well, but constructive criticism is OK - I agree with most of the points.

But we intend on travelling over gravel roads and going to some remote places - two things I'd like is the different front skirt (available overseas) that improves the approach angle. Secondly a full size spare. We've just bought a spare set of used wheels and tyres, because we baulked at the $600 they wanted for an extra 16" wheel.

And our speedo overreads by 7% too - thats too much. At least bigger diameter tyres will correct it!

[Corey_R]

Why didn't they make a speedo that was accurate rather than within design specs (don't tell me tyre sizes change as my GPS unit at a fraction the price has an accurate speed measurement and my previous car had an accurate speedo) Calibration in a computer based system such as a GPS connected RNS510 should be achievable. My 6% error translates to incorrect fuel/distance measurements etc.

No it doesn't. The odometer is accurate. The car knows exactly fast it is going.

It is no longer legal for companies to make a car with a speedo which is 100% accurate. The reason is that tyre inflation or even the different wheel options would be enough to cause an under-read which would then cause the car to be illegal.

The ADR's used to state that a speed could have a tolerance of +/- 10%. Now it's just +10% with no under-read tolerance. (maybe someone else can tell you what the date was that this change came into effect)

In any case, your distance and fuel measurements are accurate (as long as you don't go changing your wheels or making changes etc). You can test this by setting your cruise control, then changing to the "average speed" display in the trip computer and then resetting the trip computer. The speed which then comes up with be the real speed and will match your GPS. i.e. If you set the cruise control to 100km/h, the GPS will say 93km/h and then the average speed after the reset will appear at 93km/h too...


As for the reset of your why didn't theys... money. Puddle lights, non-ABS tyre pressure monitoring all adds to the cost.

[Corey_R]

And our speedo overreads by 7% too - thats too much. At least bigger diameter tyres will correct it!

Changing to bigger diameter tyres might correct built-in speedo inaccuracy. But it WILL result in incorrect odometre and fuel milage. See my previous post.

Or look at the hundreds of posts on the forums about this. This isn't a VW issue, it's mandated by law in Australia and numerous other countries...

[jimbomort]

NZTiguan that would be helpful to know if the odometer reading was accurate, however it still begs the question why could not the speedo also be accurate.

hmmmm reading posts in the thread might help too, this issue was answered at post #6

[epilot]

i'll add to the list
1. auto dip on the passenger side mirror when you select reverse, like AussieTig if you buy essentially the top of the range Tig it should have the same fruit as say ToR Gti?
2. bonnet release in the passenger footwell- no that i'm under the hood often but i think its just cheap
minor gripes and we are very happy with the car and it is still $20k cheaper than a similarly spec'd Q5...

[NZTiguan]

i'll add to the list
1. auto dip on the passenger side mirror when you select reverse, like AussieTig if you buy essentially the top of the range Tig it should have the same fruit as say ToR Gti?

Once again this is available and standard in some markets, so don't blame VW blame VW Ausi for what they "allow" into the country !!