Tiguan or Passat?

[sporran]

Hi all,
I'm new to this so bear with me. Like some of you out there I am waiting the imminent arrival of the Tiguan. I expect that because of strong local demand and limited supply from OS that there will be little discounting, if any. Therefore buyers can expect to pay full RRP complete with Dealer and Govt charges. This would take the 103TDI 6 Sp Auto to over $40,000! VW are currently offering a Drive Away Deal with the Passat. This means the 103TDI 6Sp DSG Wagon comes in at $44,490 making it a compelling alternative. Your thoughts would be appreciated? My only reservation with the Passat is it's inferior towing capacity compared to the Tiguan.

Regards
Sporran.

[DaveMack]

Welcome to the forum, Sporran. I guess, with the alternatives you are contemplating, you have to look at the basic design theme for each vehicle: Tiguan = 'Soft-roader' so may be appropriate if you are planning numerous 'out-of-town' excursions where camping / fishing/ etc. are the order of play. While the Passat is less of an off-roader (more an urban vehicle).

Not sure if this helps ... but once again, welcome.

Cheers,
Dave

[syncro91]

You may not be able to tow as much but the cargo capacity may be quite a bit greater than the Tiguan, and the Passat enjoys DSG compared to the Tiptronic Auto in the Tiguan.

Tiguan already has a long waiting list. I also understand the 103TDI in Passat (which is not the common rail version as found in the Tiguan) is to be shortly phased out, making the entry the 125TDI. The non-common rail is not Euro V compliant either, which would also accelerate it's exit, as EuroV comes into effect in 2009.

[jayjay]

but the euroV emmisions compliancy is only in europe.. aren't we only at euroIII at the moment..? apparently the new common rail is already euro6..

i'd say the passat is a better choice if off-road ability isn't essential. the dsg and less weight in the passat will also mean it's more fuel efficient ... a lot more fuel efficient. you could probably also fit a fridge in the back.

wont they be phasing in the new CR engines in replacement of PD? the passat 103kw tdi in germany is currently sold with the common rail motor already..

[QldTigga]

If your planning to do any towing you will have a problem with the Tiguan as they don't have any towbars for them yet and not expected much before October, they have the wiring harness though, that's handy to know.
We signed a contract on a Tiguan on Monday, went in today to order some accessories, and found the only thing they have is Cross Bars for the roof racks, and Rear luggage compartment mats, nothing else is available till later in the year.
Not even Headlight protectors. Not bad, seeing they are only bring in 750 units for the year.

[idaho]

If your planning to do any towing you will have a problem with the Tiguan as they don't have any towbars for them yet and not expected much before October, they have the wiring harness though, that's handy to know.

What about the towball load limit, the brochure says 100kg, which is 5% of the max weight rather than 10% that most other non-euro vehicles have. That might also cause a few problems with weight distribution.

[QldTigga]

There claiming a Class Leading capacity of 2.5Tonns for the Deisel, and 2.2 for the petrol. I suppose it depends on how the trailer/camper is setup, that's where it gets tricky. The vechicle comes in at about 1700Kgs. It sits well on the road so should be a good platform, All you need is to wait for them to come up with a Towbar to test it.

[idaho]

There claiming a Class Leading capacity of 2.5Tonns for the Deisel, and 2.2 for the petrol. I suppose it depends on how the trailer/camper is setup, that's where it gets tricky. The vechicle comes in at about 1700Kgs. It sits well on the road so should be a good platform, All you need is to wait for them to come up with a Towbar to test it.

Page 7 of the Tech Specs states all the braked towing limits as 2000kg. http://www.volkswagen.com.au/vwcms_p....0079.File.pdf

Did you sign up for a diesel or a petrol?