2017 VW Tiguan (2nd Generation)

[Craig_]

Scary story that.

What's the alternative? My wife wants a little crossover. We checked out everything in that category and the Tig came out tops. Now you've got me worried.

Go test drive the Tiguan. That test drive will convince you more then anything else. I'm sure the tiguans are reliable, if it wasn't it would have been all over social media considering how well they seem to be selling.

 

[TheChamp]

Go test drive the Tiguan. That test drive will convince you more then anything else. I'm sure the tiguans are reliable, if it wasn't it would have been all over social media considering how well they seem to be selling.

Somewhere amongst the millions of new cars being produced from all the manufacturers there are a couple of duds, sometimes you just unfortunate enough to be the one buying the dud. It can happen with any brand, the aftersales service is what makes the difference.

 

[FiestaST]

 

[Foxhound5366]

Scary story that.

What's the alternative? My wife wants a little crossover. We checked out everything in that category and the Tig came out tops. Now you've got me worried.

If it were me, I'd wait two months for the new Peugeot 3008 to launch and then go do a side-by-side. A lot of side-by-side reviews I've seen end up favouring the 3008, and it comes fully-loaded compared to the Tiguan.

 

[Arthur]

Thanks for the tip.

I've already smacked down a deposit on the Volksie so would be ashamed and embarrassed to subsequently withdraw my offer.

Ah well. Am soon off to the the States until mid-May and will let it simmer while in Trumpland and see what percolates up.

If the Volksie isn't here by my return I might well persuade Sue to look at something else...

 

[Foxhound5366]

Thanks for the tip.

I've already smacked down a deposit on the Volksie so would be ashamed and embarrassed to subsequently withdraw my offer.

Ah well. Am soon off to the the States until mid-May and will let it simmer while in Trumpland and see what percolates up.

If the Volksie isn't here by my return I might well persuade Sue to look at something else...

The dealer will trade on your embarassment, but it's just business, not personal. Rather take a small embarassment hit if it means you get a better car. A lot comes down to personal taste, but if you read up on the new 3008 I think all its innovation speaks for itself (personally that all-digital dash as standard takes the cake for me).

 

[PhireSide]

But this is SA, where a badge trumps everything else, be it features, price, standard spec level or running costs

 

[Foxhound5366]

But this is SA, where a badge trumps everything else, be it features, price, standard spec level or running costs

And here's to being part of the change, rather than reinforcing it Volkswagen really has to get a wake-up call that you can't sell stripped out models and keep getting away with it. The average South African buyer doesn't even invest in speccing the vehicle the way its original creators conceptualised it ... just look at the pitiful bare-bones VWs (and BMWs for that matter) that flood the used car websites. At the end of the day, a badge on the hood isn't going to warm your ass in winter if your car doesn't have seat warmers, or sync your phone with the car's multimedia system if it only has the entry-level radio-tastic version.

 

[Arthur]

Ja, the badge isn't really relevant to me ... other than not wanting anything pretentious or obviously brand/image-driven. Like BMW, though if pushed, I'll admit to preferring bigger Mercs. Personally I'm not in the least enthused by Volksie. But the Tiguan is meant to be a solid, reliable car mit Deutsche engineering, fine for grocery runs and the occasional 90km trip to George or slightly longer trips around the little Karoo, or for my wife to visit her sister in the Eastern Cape. Reliability and dependability is important.

 

[MandM]

Scary story that.

What's the alternative? My wife wants a little crossover. We checked out everything in that category and the Tig came out tops. Now you've got me worried.

I think there are duds among all new cars. Don't get me wrong, your wife will love the car. Luckily all this is covered by the warranty. See if you can get the dealership to commit to a full maintenance plan? At least if something like this happens within 5 years, you will be covered.

 

[MandM]

That's scary. Crappy service. I would also be livid. Break downs can happen to any car, but the dealership should at least provide a car for them to use

I agree. If the dealership acted correctly, we would not even know about this.

 

[MandM]

Somewhere amongst the millions of new cars being produced from all the manufacturers there are a couple of duds, sometimes you just unfortunate enough to be the one buying the dud. It can happen with any brand, the aftersales service is what makes the difference.

Definitely. This is something that VWSA should work on. Instead of a very upset client who posted an angry rant on Facebook, they could have had an unhappy client who at least felt that their business was valued.

 

[FiestaST]

Volkswagen adds #VrrPhaa and TDI power to Tiguan range

Seven months after Volkswagen launched the second generation Tiguan in South Africa, the automaker has added four new derivatives to its line-up including two new engines and all-wheel drive.

It has also added the Golf GTI's engine to the SUV.

Sean Parker drove the new derivatives in VW's South African home province of the Eastern Cape, here's all you need to know about the SUV's engines.

Diesel-powered Tiguan?

What's the diesel like? In a word: brilliant. The 2.0-litre TDI is available in three outputs: 81kW/240Nm for the Comfortline model, a mid-spec model with 105kW/340Nm and 130kW/380Nm for the Highline model.

The latter two derivatives feature all-wheel drive, though you’ll have to change your own gears in the 81kW model; the 105Kw and 130Kw models use the superb seven-speed DSG ‘box.

Pottering around Port Elizabeth in a 130kW version, it becomes apparent just how smooth the engine is.

It covers a 0-100 km/h sprint in 8.3 seconds runs out of puff at 207km/h. It’s remarkable how swift the modern diesels feel and they’ll happily run at 120km/h while the rev counter sits at 1750r/min.

Claimed fuel consumption is rated at 6.4l/100km for the higher output derivative.

Is it a Tiguan GTI then?

Not quite, the 2.0-litre engine from the Golf GTI produces the same amount of power 162Kw/ 350Nm and even has launch control (which I tried out a few times). It is only available with all-wheel drive and power is transferred via a standard seven-speed DSG gearbox.

*Note: The #VrrPhaa 'sound' relates to the Golf GTI's engine note at around 6000 r/min. South African Transport Minister Dipuo Peters famously made the sound during a TV interview about road safety.

The automaker says the Tiguan will gallop from 0-100km/h in 6.5 seconds reach a top speed of 220km/h. It feels rapid when swapping cogs via the steering-wheel mounted paddles and while the four-pot burble and failed to excite my senses.

The ride on the Tiguan is excellent and a special mention must be made of the exceptional bump absorption over most surfaces.

But it still feels like an SUV, and the steering doesn’t come close to the directness of the Golf’s. That being said if you’re keen on a GTI but need the bigger boot and higher ground clearance then the 162Kw version is an excellent alternative. Spec it with the R-Line pack for even more street cred and some VrrPhaa.

Anything else you should know?

While my test drive of the Tiguan was limited to tarred roads, Volkswagen says the new all-wheel drive system, also known as 4MOTION, constantly monitors driving conditions and reacts to the slightest wheel slip, delivering extra traction to the wheels with the most grip.

At the heart of the system is an inter-axle differential - a fifth generation Haldex coupling - which shares power between the front and rear axle, sending it where it's most needed.

All 4MOTION versions offer 10mm higher ground clearance (201mm instead of 191mm). In addition, the Tiguan can be ordered with an 'Off-road' package with a special off-road front end that provides an approach angle of 25.6 degrees instead of the usual 18.3 degrees.

Another nifty feature I didn’t get to test is the new 4MOTION Active Control. A rotary/push-button switch located on the centre console allows the driver to activate one of four driving modes: two road profiles: 'Onroad' or 'Snow' and two off-road profiles: 'Offroad' (automatic setting of off-road parameters) or 'Offroad Individual' (variable settings).

Standout optional extras include LED-mid Headlights package, R-Line exterior package with 19" Sebring and 20" Suzuka alloy wheels (which 80% of buyers spec their cars with), head-up display and a parallel parking assistance with rear view camera.

Prices

1.4 TSI 92kW Trendline Manual - R384 100
1.4 TSI 92kW Comfortline Manual - R425 300
1.4 TSI 110kW Comfortline DSG - R465 000
2.0 TDI 81kW Comfortline Manual - R469 500
2.0 TDI 105kW Comfortline 4MOTION DSG - R523 800
2.0 TSI 162kW Highline 4MOTION DSG - R542 200
2.0 TDI 130kW Highline 4MOTION DSG - R549 500

A 5-year or 90 000km service plan, 3-year or 120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty are standard across the range and a service is scheduled for every 15 000km.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/NewModels/volkswagen-adds-vrrphaa-and-tdi-power-to-tiguan-range-20170313

 

[FiestaST]

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI (2017) First Drive

Volkswagen adds more derivatives to the Tiguan range... and these are the ones you’re really going to want!

Remember the show Extreme Makeover? The plot was usually thus: a not-so-appealing person is transformed into a bombshell in under half an hour, which instantly gives them a boost of confidence that they’d never had before. The previous Volkswagen Tiguan was the not-that-appealing person, in this case. This may seem harsh, but the first version was rather soft in design/bland-looking. This one, however, has emerged as one of the most desirable vehicles in its segment; it bagged the Best Family Car award at our Cars.co.za Consumer Awards.

Volkswagen has indeed found the confidence it never quite had in this car, but some could argue the new Tiguan's launch line-up wasn't that all that great: there were only 3 derivatives of a small-capacity turbopetrol model to choose from. The 1.4 TSI manual was adequate, but that DSG felt underwhelming and laggy with slightly odd over-revving tendencies. Thankfully, there is now a 2.0 TSI (powered by the Golf GTI engine), but what you really should want is a turbodiesel derivative... and Volkswagen offers not 1, not 2, but 3 of those powerplants.

Transformed range
In typical Volkswagen fashion, there is a Comfortline as well as a Highline derivative, each producing different power and torque figures. All derivatives utilise a 2.0-litre TDI engine, with the Comfortline available in manual and DSG. The manual Comfortline offers 81 kW/280 Nm, while the DSG (dual-clutch automatic) produces peak outputs of 105 kW and 340 Nm. The Highline, meanwhile, tops the performance charts with a healthy 130 kW/380 Nm and it’s only available with the DSG transmission. Can you feel the difference between Comfortline and Highline's performance? With only DSG models available to drive on launch, the answer is yes, ever so slightly, but you’re not going to be left wanting if you opt for the Comfortline.

The engine and transmission combine well in the Tiguan package. This is evidenced by the fact that there is ample torque when you need it – something the 1.4 TSI engine lacked. The DSG variants are fitted with 4Motion, which is basically a front wheel drive system that can transfer power to the rear wheels if there’s a loss of grip at the front. The system has obvious advantages when traversing dirt roads or wet grass embankments, for example, but it also makes the Volkswagen feel more planted and stable at speed.

Besides that, the turbodiesel's driving experience remains similar to that of the 1.4-litre model. The only major difference was the optional sports suspension in the Highline, which made things firmer, especially on the optional 20-inch wheels. As important as kerb appeal is to any product, I’d suggest sacrificing “bling” for the sake of a suppler ride on smaller wheels.

Which DSG makes the most sense?
The determining factor for consumers will be price, of course. If you’re adamant about having a turbodiesel Tiguan, the 81 kW manual starts at R469 500, which is reasonable considering its specification. Where things start to get tricky is if you want an automatic, as there is only approximately R26 000 between the two DSG models. At R523 800, the Comfortline DSG is not cheap, but some may reason that it represents better value for money than the Highline, which has a R549 500 asking price – although the only difference is the higher engine output.

The Tiguan is now positioned as a premium product and the introduction of these engines has solidified that impression. After spending time behind the tillers of the Tiguan turbodiesels, let alone the potent 2.0 TSI, one no longer wonders whether the Volkswagen is better than its traditional Japanese and Korean rivals. Such is the superiority of its arresting design, the quality of its hewn-from-solid interior and overall refinement, that it begs the question: Why wouldn’t you buy it over a premium compact SUV? That’s how far this car has come... If you then consider what the aforementioned premium-marque products (produced by Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz) cost, the Tiguan starts to look like a veritable bargain.

Summary
To sum it all up, the new Volkswagen Tiguan has been elevated one notch higher now that there is a greater variety of derivatives on offer. "If you want an SUV it is best to buy one with a turbodiesel engine and an automatic gearbox"... That notion, which originated in the days when most petrol motors were naturally aspirated, might be hackneyed, but for long distance driving, something you’re quite likely to do in your Tiguan while on holiday, claimed figures of 6.1 L/100 km (Comfortline DSG) and 6.5 L/100 km (Highline) certainly appeal.

Added to the projected fuel savings is the ease of driving a well-calibrated automatic transmission, such as Volkswagen’s DSG, delivers. The turbodiesel route is certainly the best-recommended one with the Tiguan, because as fleet-of-foot as the 2.0 TSI is, its added performance is largely surplus to requirements and when driven to its potential, fuel consumption won't be frugal. What you need to consider with the turbodiesels is which model suits you best. Do you need the Highline's extra power at R26 000 more or will the Comfortline suffice?

http://www.cars.co.za/motoring_news/volkswagen-tiguan-20-tdi-2017-first-drive/43133/#.WMaljlV96Hs

 

[FiestaST]

Readers vote for their 2017 SA Car of the Year

The 2017 South African Car of the Year (COTY) has been announced and the Opel Astra came out tops.

The Astra has trounced the nine other finalists in this year's competition and solidified itself as the #1 car as voted by the South African Guild of Motoring Journalists.

The announcement was made at a gala event on March 15 in Johannesburg, Gauteng.

Readers' choice

Wheels24 asked readers to vote for the vehicle they believe deserve the 2017 SA title. The results are in...

The Volkswagen Tiguan received the vast majority of the votes to claim the 2017 Readers choice (22%, 1957 votes). The Opel Astra (16%, 1436) and the Toyota Fortuner (13%, 1110) finished in second and third place.

Hyundai's Tucson (875 votes) and Audi's A4 (857 votes) both received 10% of the votes, followed by the Jaguar F-Pace (8%, 697 votes).

The Honda Civic received 6% (528 votes) of the votes, followed by the VW Passat (4%, 338) and Renault Kadjar (3%, 247).

Mazda South Africa withdrew its CX-3 from the competition earlier this year.

http://www.wheels24.co.za/AutoTrader/readers-vote-for-their-2017-sa-car-of-the-year-20170315

 

[Foxhound5366]

Well, at least it's not a Porsche.

 

[FiestaST]

Well, at least it's not a Porsche.

Post in the Special K thread...lol...

That's the car that actually won

 

[FiestaST]

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI & TDI – First Drive

Introduced in 2007, the Volkswagen Tiguan was an instant success and as many had anticipated, VW’s foray into the crossover segment most certainly paid off with nearly a million units having been sold globally in its first 3 years of production. There was no reason for the Tiguan to do anything but excel, especially in the South African market where Volkswagens are so highly regarded and crossovers outnumber station wagons 9 to 1, but despite all this the Tiguan wasn’t all smiling toddlers and glitter, or was it…

For many, the biggest issue with the first generation Tiguan was that it may have been envisioned as a more rugged and capable Golf, but you’d sooner find a man named Terece pulling into a Sorbet Man than the great outdoors. It was great, but more likely than not a mum’s car thanks, in most part, to its looks.

In 2016 the Second Generation Tiguan was launched in South Africa and as it’s based on VW Group’s MQB Platform, we already knew that it was going to be a meticulously engineered vehicle. Having been on sale for a couple of months now, demand is higher than supply which is a good thing and everyone is clambering for a Tiguan from rugged execs to chic fashionistas, and this comes as no surprise. It’s also a finalist in the Wesbank SAGMJ South African Car of The Year 2017. Whether in R Line, Highline or Comfortline trim, the Tiguan is a handsome and sophisticated thing and adds some character to an otherwise bland and predictable segment. For Francisco’s long-term review of the Tiguan at launch, click here.

At launch, the only derivatives available were the 1.4 TSI motors in 90 kW and 110 kW guises. The rest of the range has now made its way here and along with the 2.0 TDI and 2.0 TSI motors, 4Motion AWD is now available. From launch, the Tiguan has offered an impressive package and that’s no different here with LED Headlights and Taillights, Sport-comfort seats, 3-zone Climatronic Climate Control, Ambient Lighting, 6.5” Composition Media, Silver anodised roof rails and 18” alloy wheels all featuring as standard fitment on 4Motion models. In terms of off-roading equipment, hill-descent control accompanies the usual ensemble of driving modes, namely ECO, Sport, Comfort and Individual. 4Motion Live has three 2 modes, Snow and Off-road mode, as well as an automatic setting which will select the most appropriate of the two depending on road conditions.

The R Line Package adds a sport suspension system, 20” alloy wheels, R-Line bumpers, side sills and wheel housing flaring, a body coloured rear spoiler and black headlining.

We were afforded the opportunity to sample both diesel and petrol models, each of which have a differing appeals and are all welcome additions to the Tiguan range.

With 162 kW and 350 N.m on tap, the 2.0 TSI model really is a wolf in wolfs clothing and unlike the previous generation Tiguan’s 2.0 TSI derivative now has the looks to go with the performance. Sprinting from 0-100 km/h in 6.5 seconds, this model exhibits impressive straight line speed, but where we were most surprised was in the bends where minimal body-roll and spot-on damping make for a truly thrilling and engaging driver’s car, something which we didn’t quite imagine from the Tiguan when we initially tested the 1.4 TSI models. Claimed combined average fuel consumption is 7.8 l/100km and pricing for the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI 162 kW starts at R542 200.

The two diesels on offer are the more sensible options, both displacing 2.0-litres with outputs of 105 kW / 340 N.m and 130 kW / 380 N.m. with claimed consumption figures of 6.1 l/100km and 6.4 l/100km respectively. While you might not be surprising any GTI’s at the lights in the 2.0 TDI’s as you would in the 2.0 TSI, you will be impressed by how little engine noise enters the cabin, NVH is an area where VW has always excelled and the Tiguan benefits from this. In both states of tune, the 2.0 TDI motor offers maximum torque from just 1750 RPM which is useful for those who have large things to tow such as caravans, if you’re into that, and boats. Prices for the 2.0 TDI 105 kW Comfortline start at R523 800 and R549 500 for the 2.0 TDI 130 kW Highline.

The cabin is impeccably put together and is difficult to find fault with, and the same can be said for the 7-speed DSG to which all of these motors are matched. In fact, it is difficult to find fault with most of the vehicle, not even pricing as it is slightly cheaper and significantly nicer than all of its competitors.

A job well done to VW, then. Not only is the Tiguan the capable car that it always was, it is now one of the most desirable on the road.

http://www.themotorist.co.za/volkswagen-tiguan-2-0-tsi-tdi-first-drive/

 

[FiestaST]

 

[FiestaST]