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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Review By Larry Nutson


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2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

By Larry Nutson
Senior Editor and Bureau Chief
Chicago Bureau
The Auto Channel

Have you heard? Volkswagen is the number one, largest seller of new vehicles in the whole world for 2016. They’ve knocked off Toyota.

Yes, Numero Uno in spite of the diesel mess. It’s fair to conclude that many people like VW’s brand of vehicles. Many of the many are the buyers in China that helped make this happen.

Volkswagen Group sells passenger cars under the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, SEAT, Škoda and Volkswagen marques; motorcycles under the Ducati brand; and commercial vehicles under the marques MAN, Scania, Neoplan and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

VW’s Tiguan (pronounced TEE-gwan) compact SUV is sold across the globe. Here in the U.S. it’s been around since 2009 and is a bit dated when it comes to the rest of the class. However, the Tiguan does have strengths.


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And, when it comes right down to it, money talks. In recent Chicago area ads I see the 2017 Tiguan offered for lease at $199 a month for 36 months with $999 down. That’s a good deal on a nice reliable vehicle.

My millennial daughter #1 had a 2013 Tiguan and it worked well for her and her husband. They out grew it when daughter/grandchild #1 came along requiring more space for all that toddler-stuff you have to haul around.

I recently spent a week with a 2017 Tiguan Wolfsburg Edition model equipped with VW’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system. Its sticker price was $31,970 plus the $865 destination charge. For 2017 Tiguan is offered in S, Wolfsburg, Sport, and SEL trims. Prices start at $24,995 and run up to $36,475.


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A 200 HP turbocharged 2.0-L TSI four cylinder is mated to a six-speed automatic on all Tiguan models. There’s a choice of front-wheel or 4Motion all-wheel drive, for $1,975 additional.

The Tiguan is quite versatile. Seating is for five and there’s 23.8 cu.ft. of cargo room behind the rear seat. That’s a bit small compared to others but when the seat is folded it grows to 56.1 cu.ft. Roof rails are standard on all trims and accommodate an array of bike racks or kayak and surfboard carriers. The optional towing hitch accepts an attachment to carry up to four bikes, or can be used to pull up to a 2,200 lb. braked trailer for toys such as jet skis, dirt bikes or ATVs.


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EPA test-cycle rating estimates are 21 mpg combined, or 4.8 gallons per 100 miles, with 20 city mpg and 24 highway mpg. Fuel consumption is not quite up to par with other compact SUVs as many have highway estimates around 30 mpg or better.

That said, engine performance is quite good on the Tiguan, which is a bit of redemption. Overall the Tiguan has VW’s fun-to-drive characteristic. Acceleration is quick and the suspension is tuned for confident and precise handling. There’s good balance that delivers comfortable everyday driving while the occasional chance for back-road twisty turn carving is well manged.

It’s very maneuverable and sized nicely for urban living. A standard rear view camera helps in tight parking jobs.


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VW has kept the Tiguan up to date when it comes to infotainment and connectivity with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto features and a standard 6.3-inchg touch screen. The Tiguan misses the boat on the latest in safety technology and driver assistance safety features. There’s no forward collision warning nor automatic braking, or blind spot monitor, or lane departure or keep assist.

I would expect we’ll see all this on the next-gen Tiguan. VW revealed the all-new 2018 long-wheelbase Tiguan at the recent 2017 North American International Auto Show in Detroit. Compared with the current model, the new Tiguan has more interior space. It’s 185.2 inches long which is10.7 inches longer than the current version and has up to 57 percent more cargo capacity. The 109.9-inch wheelbase—4.4 inches longer, provides both sliding second-row seats and an optional third row.


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More information and specs on the 2017 Tiguan can be found at www.vw.com. Look around right here on The Auto Channel for details on other makes of compact SUVs.

This current 2017 Tiguan can work well for a single person or a young couple, although a bit pricey compared to others in the segment. When child number one comes along more space will be in demand.

In the extremely popular compact SUV segment there’s about a dozen or more entries. There’s something for everyone’s taste and bank account. Happy shopping.

© 2017 Larry Nutson, the Chicago Car Guy

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