Used Volkswagen Tiguan review: 2008-2009

Volkswagen has come a long way from the one-car company that produced Beetles by the millions; it's now a vast multi-brand conglomerate producing a wide range of models competing in all segments of the market.

The Tiguan was the first model the company produced for the compact SUV market, one of the fastest growing segments over the past few years. Like everything the company does, the German-built Tiguan was an understated, quality product that was aimed at being the best in the class.

MODEL WATCH

There is no disputing that the SUV segment has been the boom segment in the market in recent years, and within that it's the medium-sized, more compact models that have done the real business. That's where the Tiguan entered the fray.

While it was VW's first venture into the compact SUV market it was an understated entry, there were no bells and whistles, marching bands or hoopla to announce it. It simply slipped into the market with little fuss and looked like it had been there forever.

It was typical of the segment with a simple, boxy shape that shouted practicality.

The Tiguan's high riding stance made is easy to get in and out of the cabin, and once inside it was obvious the VW designers had made good use of the available space. Space in the rear is generous for two, but a bit of a squeeze for three.

The rear seat can be adjusted fore and aft, and they also recline, so passengers have a good amount of room to find a comfortable position that suits them. Out back of the rear seat the luggage space is down on most of the Tiguan's rivals, but when the rear seat is not being used it can be folded flat to make a useful space for carrying larger items.

VW offered a choice of one diesel engine or two petrol engines. The common rail diesel was a 2.0-litre double overhead camshaft four- cylinder engine with turbocharging that put out 103 kW at 4200 revs and 320 Nm from 1750 to 2500 revs.

The TSi petrol engines were also 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbocharged double overhead camshaft units, one put out 147 kW at 1500 revs and 280 Nm at 1700-5000 revs, the other 125 kW at 4300 revs and 280 Nm at 1700-4200 revs.

With the diesel and the lesser petrol engines there was a choice of a six-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed auto, but when the more powerful petrol engine was chosen the only option was the six-speed auto.

Final drive was via VW's 4Motion all-wheel drive system, which sent 90 percent of drive to the front wheels and engaged the rear wheels as required using a Haldex clutch in the rear differential.

VW also offered an extra-cost option that altered the electronics of the 4Motion system at the touch of a button for more off-road capability. There was quite a comprehensive line-up of standard features on the diesel and lesser-powered petrol models, including semi-auto air, cruise, trip computer, power windows and remote central locking.

The more powerful petrol model also had larger wheels, chrome roof rails, tinted rear windows, sports seats and a low tyre pressure indicator.

IN THE SHOP

We received few, if any, complaints about the Tiguan, which is probably due to its high level of build quality and VW's overall reliability. Being relatively new to the market few would have racked up many kays, but to date the compact VW SUV is performing well in service.

Before laying out any serious folding stuff check for a service record, and in the unlikely event a potential purchase appears to have been driven offroad carefully inspect underneath for possible damage to underbody, driveline, suspension and exhaust.

IN A CRASH

The Tiguan had a full suite of safety features with front, side and curtain airbags that combined with the strong body to provide protection in a crash. At the same time it also had ABS antilock braking and electronic stability control. With all of that it was no surprise when ANCAP awarded the Tiguan five stars out of five for safety.

UNDER THE PUMP

The 2.0-litre turbo diesel is the fuel miser in the range with claimed averages of 7.9 L/100 km for the auto and 7.4 L/100 km for the manual. Contemporary road tests reported fuel consumption between 7.0 and 9.5 L/100 km depending on the driving circumstances, with overall averages of around 8.5 L/100 km.

VW claimed its petrol engines, which both required 98 octane fuel, were good for 9.1-10.1 for the 125 kW version and 10.1 for the 147 kW version.

LOOK FOR

• Understated looks
• Flexible, practical cabin
• Diesel/petrol options
• Economical
• Good fit and finish
• Five-star safety.

THE BOTTOM LINE

With a high level of fit and finish, economical engines and five-star safety the Tiguan is the class act.

RATING

85/100

Have you owned a Tiguan before? Tell us your experience in the comments below.