We test the new Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 eTSI MHEV 150PS DSG
Volkswagen has once again shuffled its way in the family SUV category, coming up with a trump card. New Tiguan!
As always, manufacturers make announcements when changing models, and in some cases these announcements borderline on exaggerating the progress that has been made. However, we would like to emphasize that this is not the case with the new Tiguan, and Volkswagen makes no secret of its enthusiasm for the results of its upgrades, since in fact the German SUV is not only a very complete proposition in this segment, but it can even look directly at premium competitors.
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The career of the third-generation Tiguan not only inherited the successful business route of its predecessors, but also the indisputable fact that it was a model that offered the results of high-class automotive technology, as Volkswagen liked, "democratization of technology" was said at the time. We remind you that back in 2007, the first generation of the Tiguan used leading active and passive safety technologies, powerful low-displacement engines (1.4T 125 and 150PS), electronically controlled 4MOTION all-wheel drive system, DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission, etc.
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The result is an SUV that can drive comfortably in asphalt and mud, but also has the space and practicality to meet the needs of the modern family. Since then, the German SUV has sold more than 7.6 million units worldwide (17,500 registered in the Greek market), achieving great commercial success, making it one of the most popular SUVs on the market.
New look frame, leading technology
The third-generation Tiguan is based on the advanced MQB Evo platform, which means it can support both 2WD and 4WD drive systems and take advantage of all of the group's electrification applications. The design of the body is not surprising, and against the background of the Volkswagen "image" to which we are accustomed, its tone is mild. The goal here is not to impress, but to create an aerodynamic body that favors the vehicle's environmental footprint.
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The front features a new flat LED IQ. The LIGHT HD matrix headlights and the horizontal bar behind the glass surface, a direct reference to the ID.4, as is the closed upper part of the grille. The edge of the bumper is the air duct, while the air curtain ensures optimal air flow. As a result, Tiguan's design philosophy reduced the drag coefficient from 0.33 to 0.28. From the side, you can feel its true volume, essentially a sporty large C-SUV, highlighted by the relatively pronounced wheel arches. At the back, major design changes are highlighted by new horizontal LED strips.
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In terms of external dimensions, we have lengthened the body to 4.539 m (plus a 3 cm increase in the rear overhang, which favors the trunk capacity now reaching 652 L, i.e. an additional 37 L), with a slight reduction in width to 1,842 m while the height is closer to 1,660 m. The wheelbase has not changed (2,676 m), but the new platform, specially designed for the PHEV version, has lower seats, which improves headroom for the front and rear passengers (1.1 and 1.2 cm, respectively). The space and amenities are top-notch, as is the practicality (the rear seats slide) as there are many storage pockets for small items.
Luxury and comfort
The most noticeable difference compared to the current model is the quality of the materials, with the new Tiguan exuding luxury. In addition, the seat (depending on the version) has a massage function and lumbar adjustment, along with a programming function that automatically activates heating or ventilation at a specific outdoor temperature. The upgrade to the interior image lies not only in the new design, but also in the all-new digital cockpit, including a large screen (maximum) of 15 inches with an anti-glare coating for digital instruments and an infotainment system with brand new features. Menu layouts and graphics, while being supported by new software.
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Of course, the dashboard is digital, with a diameter of 10.25 inches, providing the driver with all the necessary information, and menu changes are relatively straightforward. In terms of physical switches in the cockpit, they have been reduced to a minimum, while the multifunction steering wheel provides access to all the individual systems of the car for settings or information extraction. The new Tiguan comes with a new head-up display for better information, as well as a new rotary switch for the driving experience control configuration system with its own mini OLED screen. The switch is used to control the driving mode (economy, comfort, sport, personal), radio volume or cab lighting color.
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The car is equipped with a full suite of advanced safety assistance systems, which are more complete than the base version, with 9 airbags (main driver, passenger seat, side airbags, air curtains, additional front center airbags, rear side airbags), side assist and rear cross-traffic alert (blind spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic monitoring and parking assist), forward assist with city emergency braking and pedestrian and cyclist monitoring (pedestrian and cyclist detection), forward cross-traffic assist (intersection driver warning with automatic braking), Lane Assist (Active Lane Keeping System), Rearview Mirrors (Reversing Camera, Advanced Driver Fatigue Recognition System) and Dynamic Road Sign Display (Traffic Sign Recognition System), among others. In addition, the new Tiguan is equipped with electronically controlled suspension that integrates a dynamic control system that debuts for the new generation Golf GTI, which controls the electric locking of the differential and the damping of the shock absorbers by setting. (Comfort, Sport, etc.), etc.) and optional upgraded DCC Pro chassis control system.
On the way
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The Tiguan 1.5 eTSI MHEV 150 PS DSG version we tested is a balanced option that ensures flexibility, comfort and economy in everyday life (urban environment) while it can successfully cope with longer journeys. The motor delivers 150 hp and 250 Nm of torque at just 1,500 rpm, and accelerates (100 km/h from standstill) in just 9.1 km/h (top speed: 210 km/h). The performance is decent, taking into account the character and the weight of the car (1,660 kg). As for the average fuel consumption when driving slowly on the highway is 6.2 liters / 100 km, but even acceleration does not exceed 7.8 liters. In the city, a mild hybrid powertrain ensures an average fuel consumption of around 8.5 l/100 km. 100 km.
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On the highway, the Tiguan is very quiet, the engine works almost silently (both cylinders are turned off when maximum power is not needed), and it has a coasting function that closes completely without the need for a throttle. Admittedly, the Tiguan exhibits a slight lag in low gears and forced downshifts due to weight and volume, but the 7-speed dual-clutch transmission always locks in the right "ratio" to provide an instant response, and even more so in S mode passengers also get the comfort of a limousine, top-of-the-line ride quality, and the feel of a luxury sedan while they also enjoy all the information or entertainment options offered by the infotainment system.
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On mountain roads, the new frame will do a good job of hiding most of the Tiguan, both in terms of driver handling and in terms of comfort for passengers. The new shock absorbers with dual-valve oil flow technology (optimal bounce/rebound) also play an important role here. The new Tiguan is a state-of-the-art SUV that offers a sense of security with a perfect balance between comfort and grip (the denominator is defined by the driver, depending on the configuration he chooses). The suspension is set more on grip (s.s. German school), which means that it has moderate damping on strong buoyancy or country roads, and of course, this is the result of large-diameter wheels and low-profile tires on test cars (Hankook Ventus Prime 3 X size 235/55-R18). The steering feels very good, the visibility in all directions is perfect, the braking system is efficient, and in general, you have the feeling of driving a modern, well-made, and pleasantly premium SUV.
Sum up
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At a time when software is trending as a trend in the automotive industry, so-called "traditional" companies like Volkswagen can and still use years of automotive knowledge to build high-quality cars...... Hardware, which provides passengers and drivers with driving satisfaction, (active) safety, comfort and a sense of superiority, enabling them to take advantage of the latest technologies, such as "digital assistants" with artificial intelligence capabilities. The entry-level 1.5 eTSI version of the German model (130 PS and the most complete equipment mentioned above) starts at €34,300, while the richer Life version of the 150 PS as a test car rises to €37,900 and is considered to be backed by a 4-year warranty (limited to 80,000 km) on the Tiguan's mechanical components compared to new market figures.
specification
型号大众 Tiguan 1.5 eTSI MHEV 150PS DSG 2024
Engine 1.498, turbocharged, hybrid, 4-cylinder, in-line fuel unleaded petrol
功率kW(PS)/rpm 110(150) 扭矩Nm/rpm 250/1,500-3,500
Transmission automatic, 7-speed, front-wheel drive
Performance 0-100 in 9 seconds and final speed 210 km/h
CO2 consumption2 6.2 l/100 km, 140 g/km