First Impression

[Sharkie]

Read today that VW is seriously considering a GTI version of the Tiguan, based on the fact the Golf GTI is the most popular model of the Golf range.

Please remember that the models available now are only the ones planned for the 08/09 model years and the from July 2009 more models may make it into the mix. Specifically the 125kw TDI and a manual 147kw 2.0 TSI.

My wife is happy with her 3 year old RAV4 and we will wait to see when a manual 2.0 147 kw becomes available. In GTI spec, I'd buy one for me.....

So, sorry VW until you get your product mix right I won't be buying one.

[RhysQ]

i'm sure its a nice car but really, what purpose does it serve? less space than a passat, more cumbersome than a golf, limited (if any) off road capabilities. is this just another house wives' car?

this is a true statement, but this car (unlike its competition), has the option of an off-road pack with some trick features.

just remember, this car is heading into the market against the Rav 4, Forester, CR-V, X-Trail etc. where (apart from the X-Trail) off road capabilities are also limited.

i personally love the look of them and will be seriously considering one in about 12 months or so....optioned 147TSI FTW (those 18" New York wheels look hot)

Does any know of chipping capabilities?? i'm assuming the 147TSI(what i am interested in) would be a similar program to that of the MKV Golf GTI

[Sharkie]

Ah yes, chipping ..... a bit of a problem there .....

The Tiguans all use new model ECUs and are as yet not able of being chipped.....

I have been bugging Guy for ages and the answer at the moment is no, cannot be done.....

He will have to see them all in the flesh 1st. The 125kw 2.0TSI apprently is not possible at all whilst the 147kw is only a maybe.

Are you converting to auto now Rhys? the 147kw is auto only ATM.

[Sharkie]

Also, the only small SUV actually capable of really going ofroad is the Suzuki Grand Vitara with proper low range. All the others, including the X-Trail is not.

[OilBurna]

ironic just got the vw aus email as I was reading this re Tiguans now in showrooms.

[Two Dogs]

Was looking at the Tiguan and waiting for the Octavia rs tdi. I liked the look of the Tiguan and the 4wd capability but the boot is to small.

When I mentioned this at the dealership the sales guys all agreed, they thought that would be the achilles heel. With the spare in the rear it chews up a large amount of space. I think this will be the main reason VW will loose sales of this car.

But then again they probably don't care. If you read most posts on here if they don't get one VAG product because it dosn't quite suit they seem to choose another.

Two Dogs

[AJD]

I have scored a test drive of the Tig and was happily surprised. Good visibility, acceptable road manners AWD and sharp pricing are all welcome. Obviously this is never going to be all things to all people but it does have a reasonably practical application around our cities....especially Sydney where speed humps are designed to tear out suspensions and exhaust systems and pot holes are not repaired until after the 3rd family sedan is lost without a trace.
VW claim this will be their 2nd biggest seller behind the Golf, but only if they can supply the stock...dealers are quoting delivery times from 6 to 12 months depending on spec levels?

[SPEEDCORE]

Please remember that the models available now are only the ones planned for the 08/09 model years and the from July 2009 more models may make it into the mix. Specifically the 125kw TDI and a manual 147kw 2.0 TSI.

How reliable is that source? Because I am wanting a diesel but also wondering if I should wait if there will be the 125kw version...... so frustrating.

[Sharkie]

2 things ...

1st .... The asst sales manager at my closest VW today told me that the current model mix is set for at least a year. Other models (125kw TDI and 147kw manual) may very possibly join the mix later .....

2nd ... I'm VERY dissapointed with the boot space. Had a good look today and to be honest is not any bigger than a Polo's .... May be longer but is much shallower..... This alone will make it impossible to convince my wife that she really needs one.

[DionM]

The boot space is a bit of a killer.

Then again, what is their target market? If it's DINKs (or even those with just 1 kid), it will probably suffice.

Our old Freelander V6 had a pretty small boot (wider than the Tiguans, but not as deep) and we managed okay. When it was just my wife and I it was fine - we could tumble the back seats and fit most stuff in. With 1 kid it was pushing it - a weekend away resulted in a wall of luggage in the boot (to the roof) and on the back seat. Had we kept it, I would've been thinking about a roofbox ...

Funnily enough, recently when heading over to Stradbroke Island we had our Jeep loaded to the brim (kid stuff, holiday stuff and 4WDing stuff) and a new Freelander was parked beside us. Even with just two people they had to have the back seats folded to fit their stuff in

[syncro91]

We have now had our Tiguan 103TDI Manual for a few weeks and put it to the first real 'boot space' test today.

Cargo = Husband, Wife, Child in Car Seat + Phil & Ted Pram + a large mix of boxes, large bags, new kids easel / chalkboard A-frame, small esky and large lowepro camera bag.

We 'knew' it wouldn't all fit just look at it. Then we put the Tiguan sliding split-fold rear seats to work and it safely soaked it all up without too much re-arranging (ie, everything pretty much stayed where it was put on the first load).

The backrest just folds down without removing headrest and can slide forward like front seats do - a small flap folds over to make the load space flat and without gap between the sliding seat and the rear load area.

Very Impressed!

If we had 2 children, 1 not requiring a separate pram, it would still work well. The rear seat has plenty of space.

Note - the comments about the lack of rear space should be carefully evaluated also when sliding the rear seats forward.

[hkogti]

how good does it handle?

It got 4 motion + turbo!!

[popeclement]

Hello Iain

Still waiting for a reply for my weekend trial request and yes I would give it a whirl at Lancelin.

Would also wonder why a supposed SUV does not have the electrically folding mirrors - on this score the Freelander 2 rates better as well as bigger mirror glass - its a pity the local importer dropped the manual option on both fuel types.

A question-is the rear suspension self levelling for loads?

John

[golfmeup]

Wife and I test drove a 103TDi on tuesday and I have to say I was quite impressed.

Space didnt seem to small
(ok we have a MK2 golf at the moment and I have managed to fit a bar fridge in the back seat!! not running of course / that would be too neat!! )

The little 2 Litre diesel is a winner!

Plenty of torque, i couldn't believe the power!
It really pulls along its 1 1/2 tonne weight with little difficulty.
I'd imagine even with a full car, it would still be pretty neat.

Fuel efficiency was great, sitting on 100 kms i hit the instant fuel read out and it hovered between 4.5 and 5 lt/100km.

The VW guy let us drive around for a bout 15 mins before we all realized it was about to bucket down and might be close to closing time!!
Ha cheers derek.

I'd wait the 12 months and fit it with xenons, panoramic sunroof, satnav, fog lights and maybe the off road kit.

[DJY]

I mad (possibly) the mistake of driving a 125TDI DSG Passat straight after I drove the 103TDI Auto Tiguan.

Tiguan engine was nice - but understandably I played more with the DSG in the Passat. Not sure which made the bigger difference though - either the extra Kw, the DSG, or even the car itself.

I'm keen to drive a TSI as well though - shame no one has any around to test drive!

Now I'm on the "adult" side of 40 I'm leaning towards the AUTO, as I don't do alot of long distance driving, and am mostly in cities.