Driving Volkswagen Tiguan MHEV 150PS eTSI DSG7 R Line: total upgrade

The third generation of Volkswagen Tiguan attempts very successfully to fill the gap between Mainstream and Premium market in the C-SUV segment, attempting a total upgrade, compared to the past, according to the impressions left us by the mild hybrid version MHEV, with its 150 hp and DSG automatic transmission, during our weekly symbiosis with it.

The bet

Volkswagen was quick to recognise the growth trends in the C-SUV segment and as early as 2007 brought the Tiguan to the forefront in order to lay the foundations for the future.

Being early in the category, it gained expertise, creating a prestigious name and in 2016 it creates the second generation, in line with the brand's philosophy and without wanting any identification with the Golf, investing in the distinct character of VW's "tiger".

2024 and having won the bet of public acceptance, it moves on to the next phase. The third generation of the model has even greater ambitions, which elevate it in quality and put the new model to fill the gap between Mainstream and Prenium market, moving to  next ambitious goal, to re-establish itself, and claiming sales from Premium manufacturers!

It changes everything

Stylistically it embraces a new design language that straddles the line between timeless tradition with elements from the all-electric ID model range. The once sharp edges have given way to curved surfaces, achieving an exuberant and modern style.

In particular, the front end adopts the new design elements, which for the first time in decades, lend a new design culture, reinventing Volkswagen. It all starts with the new Full LED headlamps that hug the side wings and extend towards the centre of the front fascia, where they are joined together by a thin Led strip. Just below, the subtle minimalist grille looks extremely sleek, replacing the corresponding large ones that characterised the Family Look until recently.

The air of renewal  continues on the side, with the designers opting for clean curved lines, with strong ribs accentuating the silhouette and giving life to the ensemble, the muscular surfaces completing a serious profile image.

The rear completes the new design philosophy. The vertical fifth door emphasises the practical character of the car and accommodates the new imposing horizontal lights with LED graphics, which extend towards the centre with a bold strip of light. The bumper combined with the black roof spoiler give it the necessary touch of dynamism.

We should note that this is the first time VW has chosen a new white paper design for a new generation of its models, as it used to follow the path of the current design evolution.

In particular, the R Line version of the test car is characterised by the more dynamic styling that is given by the more muscular bumpers, with nickel detailing on the underside, the beautiful 19-inch R Line wheels with 19-inch tyres and the letter R on the front doors and grille.

Digitized luxury

Volkswagen has carefully curated the car's interior in an attempt to fill the gap between Mainstream and Premium.

The assembly is excellent, as is the finish, while the choice of materials was made from the "top shelf", foreshadowing the turn to more difficult commercial paths with confidence.

The dashboard is characterised by simple and simple lines, looking robust. Centrally dominated by the large 15-inch tablet-like screen, it houses the advanced, 4th generation Modular Infotainment Matrix (MIB 4) infotainment system, compatible with Android Auto and Apple AirPlay. All functions pass through it, still featuring artificial intelligence via ChatGPT. The centre console is tilted towards the driver, emphasising the driver-centric nature, while the automatic transmission selector is located on the paddles behind the steering wheel.

Behind the handsome steering wheel, the 10.25-inch square digital instrument panel draws attention, while just above it, a projector displays speed, signalling and maps as a hologram on the windscreen at driver's eye level.

The multifunctional R bucket seats with Ergo Active technology provide ideal lateral and lumbar support and massage, increasing comfort levels.

Ergonomically, the driver is in control of the functions without having to distract himself from the road. The main feature is the rotary switch at the base of the console, which incorporates the volume, driving profile and night light selection functions.

On the practicality front, it excels with clever solutions and compartments in the spacious cabin, leaving plenty of room for 5 large adult passengers. The two-tiered compartment at the base of the console, featuring a wireless charging function at the bottom, is also ideal for mobile phones, from which they are not exposed to the sun.    

Luggage space is one of the largest in the class, reaching 652 litres, while with the seats folded it reaches 1,650 litres.

In the constellation of hybridism

Under the bonnet is the familiar 1.5-litre petrol engine with 150bhp and 250Nm of torque from the TSI Evo2 family, now boosted by a 14kW starter generator and mated to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox, giving it mild hybrid assistance.

Mansion

The upgraded appearance and improved quality also raise the bar for the car's performance in all conditions and on all roads. From theory to practice to get to know it better.

In the city is unfair by its increased volume and dimensions. The driver should limit traffic in narrow streets by choosing central arteries. However, the short turning circle compensates for this disadvantage with a relative flexibility. At the same time, it has good peripheral visibility, thanks to its high driving position and large glass surfaces.

In the mountain and rural network is well balanced, offering excellent grip and demonstrating a robustness worthy of the VW name. It becomes more exciting with the S option in the DSG transmission. The soft suspension focuses more on comfort and safety than pleasure, making it clear that this is an SUV for rides and family getaways, with safety as the common denominator.   

On the motorway Volkswagen has outdone itself, as the ride quality and sound insulation reaches levels of  Premium models, even at high speeds... At the same time the comfort on the road is exemplary for the passengers, offering a surprisingly pleasant journey.

General the car has 4 driving modes, ECO, ideal for city driving and low speeds, deactivating one cylinder from the eTSI, further contributing to economy. Comfort, which is more suited to the character of the car and we used it mainly on test days, as it focuses on comfort and balance. Sport, which brings out the more dynamic character of the car, as it stiffens the steering and suspension while changing the engine mapping, leaving all the power at the driver's discretion. In no way, however, does it feel like Sport given the car's focus on more family-oriented use and leisurely drives, but it does add a touch of dynamism to the drive for the more restless. The last program is about personalization, whereby the driver adapts the car to his or her own driving style.

Night-time LED ambient lighting with 5 different configurations creates a relaxed atmosphere, ideal for night-time driving.

The car showcases all the timeless features of VW cars, with top-notch handling and feel. At the same time, the hybrid eTSI is linear, feels good with a nice sound. The average combined fuel consumption reached 8.5 litres/100 km, which with the air conditioning on showed 9.5 litres/100 km.

Balance

Straddling the line between Mainstream and Premium, the third generation of the Tiguan fills the gap, offering a family car with plenty of space that loves distances and excursions, with quality, equipment and cutting-edge technology, but priced at the upper end of the Mainstream market. Undoubtedly the Tiguan is the ideal car for those seeking comfort and luxury who are not prepared to spend an exorbitant amount.

No exaggerations

The overall upgrade of the model also adjusted the price lists, which remained within reasonable limits, without excesses and with rich equipment. The new Tiguan in its import version costs 34.300€ exclusively with the 130 hp eTSI, the test engine with 150 hp is available in the Life version for 37.900€, while the R-Line test version costs 42.500€.

Technical characteristics

photo gallery

Conclusion

In the third generation of the Tiguan, Volkswagen abandons the saying "the winning team doesn't change" and brings to the fore a completely new car, whose only thing in common with its predecessor is the name. The total upgrade starts with the exterior design, which adopts the brand's new design philosophy. The higher quality interior that now treads timidly on the premium paths, while still maintaining its base in the mainstream market. It features cutting-edge technology and of course the feeling of ruggedness and grip on the road as a genuine Volkswagen, maintaining the legacy. The new VW Tiguan is keen to lead the C-SUV segment, putting its 'guns' to the test against stiff competition and enticing potential buyers.

Interior & practicality

8.1

Current expenditure

7.2

Road behaviour

7.9

Performance

7.3

Enjoyment factor

7.8

value for money

7.2

Comfort

8.7

What grade do you give him?5 Votes

9.4

SYN

Cramping and rolling

Ergonomics

Equipment

Places

Quality of construction

PLEEN

Consumption

Dimensions - Unnecessary volume

7.7