Test Car Specifications
Model: 2024 Volkswagen Tiguan eTSI 150 DSG Elegance
Price: Tiguan from £34,075 (£42,770 as tested)
Engine: 1.5-litre turbocharged four-cylinder mild-hybrid petrol
Transmission: seven-speed automatic, front-wheel drive
Power: 150hp
Torque: 250Nm
Emissions: 149g/km
Economy: 43.2mpg
0-62mph: 9.1 seconds
Top speed: 130mph
Boot space: 652 litres
Styling
There have been times in the Tiguan's history when the difference between a new generation car's design and that of its predecessor has been marginal, to say the least. But this new Tiguan actually looks significantly different, thanks to its ID.4-inspired nose that makes it feel softer and more rounded. Pretty, it isn't, but it's in keeping with the latest VW designs, and it's hardly an ugly mug. From the back, meanwhile, it's rather handsome. And we're big fans of the Nightshade Blue Metallic paint fitted to this Elegance-specification test car.
Interior
VW has completely overhauled the Tiguan's cabin, too, and the new model takes a lot of inspiration from the similarly sized ID.4 electric SUV. That means the dash is dominated by the huge touchscreen, which uses VW's latest-generation technology.
It's a mixed blessing, because VW's form on the infotainment front has been dismal of late. The newer systems are better than their predecessors, but they're still fiddly at times and despite VW's admirable decision to put configurable shortcuts in place, the Tiguan's screen leaves something to be desired. And, in our test car, it was a little unstable, occasionally failing to boot up and often dropping connection to the paired smartphone.
That said, the rest of the cabin is much better, with a clear and functional digital instrument display, and clever ambient lighting in the dashboard trim panel. It feels modern and well executed, while the quality is generally pretty good, even though some of the plastics feel a little on the cheap side in places. Some of the ergonomic decisions are questionable, too, such as the use of slider controls for the temperature and volume.
Practicality
An impractical family SUV is a bit of a chocolate teapot, so it’s a good job the new Tiguan has plenty of space. The 652-litre boot is impressive — you only get four more litres from the much larger Porsche Cayenne — and rear cabin space is also perfectly adequate. Four adults can occupy the Tiguan’s interior quite happily, with plenty of leg- and headroom for those in the back. It isn’t palatial, and cars such as the Skoda Kodiaq offer significantly more rear space, but it’s more than generous enough for most use cases.
Performance
The Tiguan is offered with a wide range of engines, but among the most intriguing is the 1.5-litre eTSI mild-hybrid petrol option tested here. Expected to be a popular choice with customers, it promises almost diesel-esque economy and adequate performance, both of which will doubtless be appealing to prospective buyers.
On both fronts, it scores pretty well. An ample 150hp heads to the front wheels via a seven-speed automatic gearbox, and the combination does indeed provide impressive efficiency. VW claims 43.2mpg on the official economy test, but on a long drive we returned more than 50mpg without really trying. And because 150hp is perfectly sufficient in a car of this size, the car has no trouble whatsoever keeping up with traffic, and it never feels gutless. It's quiet and smooth, too.
But that's where the compliments cease, because while the eTSI powertrain works well in some ways, it doesn't really hook it all up on the road. Yes, it's efficient, but the focus on economy is so laser-focussed that it forsakes drivability at times. That leaves you with some strange gear selections and a lack of directness that's a little disconcerting if you're not used to it, while engine braking is non-existent until you tap the brakes.
The gearbox is, in fairness, tried and tested. It's used in all manner of VW Group products, and it performs admirably in pretty much every one. But with the mild-hybrid system, the auto hold feature for the brakes and the petrol engine all competing for priority in the Tiguan, it sometimes gets tripped up around town, leaving the car feeling hesitant and reluctant. On a more open road, however, it's very accomplished.
Ride & Handling
And that accomplishment extends to the way the car drives, too. The focus is evidently on comfort rather than handling — not that there’s nothing wrong with that — so the car feels quite soft and supple on the motorway. The odd thud and thump makes its way to the seats, but on the whole it’s well damped and mature in the way it rides, a little like an overgrown T-Cross.
Of course, that means handling takes a bit of a hit, but we suspect that won’t bother customers too much. The steering is light, which makes sense in town, and grip is perfectly adequate, even if the suspension’s softness means the body rolls around a bit. Feel through the wheel is not that plentiful, but there’s enough precision to position the car where you want it, which is all it needs to do.
Value
The Tiguan comes in at just over £34,000, which pays for the basic 1.5-litre petrol model. That's the best part of £5,000 more than you'll pay for a Skoda Karoq and it's £4,000 more than the cheapest Mazda CX-5, but the Tiguan is well equipped. Alloy wheels, the 12.9-inch touchscreen and the digital instrument cluster are all standard, along with front and rear parking sensors and a rear-view camera. Which goes some way to explaining why there isn't that much of a gap between the cheapest and most expensive Tiguan trim levels, the latter of which is the R-Line that costs £39,695. That car gets sportier styling, heated seats and massage seats, as well as three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and wireless phone charging.
Verdict
If we’re honest, the eTSI engine doesn’t suit the Tiguan all that well. It may not be the biggest SUV in VW’s stable but nor is it the smallest, and it feels as though it’s crying out for a 2.0-litre diesel motor. With one of those on board, the Tiguan would feel like a strong (if less-than-exciting) contender in the semi-premium SUV market – especially for those who value comfort and technology – but this mild-hybrid engine is the Achilles heel that pushes other SUVs ahead in our reckoning.
