MANY people are aware that Volkswagen is back and has brought in several models, including its SUVs with exotic-sounding names. One of them has a moniker that is unfamiliar to many motorists and, when encountering it for the first time, people ask: “What’s a Tiguan?”
All they know is that it’s a sport utility vehicle, or SUV, but very few know how the vehicle got its name. As a backgrounder, Volkswagen partnered with the publishers of German auto magazine AutoBild to sponsor a naming contest in which 350,000 readers cast their votes. According to a Dutch fan site, the names were developed by Volkswagen’s internal marketing group, which included Namib, Rockton, Samun and Nanuk, but the name Tiguan won. It is a combination of the words “tiger” and “iguana.” Pronounced as “tee-gwan,” this model was introduced in 2009 with a tagline, “The people want to play, but they want to play nice.”
This writer was recently given a chance to drive the six-speed automatic SUV Tiguan 2.0 TDI around Metro Manila and Subic. The Tiguan performs and handles like a car, and has design parallels to its larger sibling, the Touareg. I really appreciated the engine, which is powerful and, at the same time, very fuel-efficient. Talking about fuel economy, this one is a winner, as it did about 24 kilometers per liter on the highway and 20 km/l on city driving.
Although the Tiguan may not look as flamboyant as the Touareg, it still looks very sporty. The Tiguan has a very basic exterior design and no cladding or body panels. The front headlights have the side lights that activate when the vehicle is turning. It’s so smart that the headlights dim automatically when it senses another approaching car. It has roof rails that are designed to support cross members, a rear wiper, dual-chrome exhaust tips and the distinctive “2.0 TDI 4Motion” badge.
This SUV is an ideal vehicle for the Philippine roads given its versatility, excellent all-round characteristics and great practicality. The Tiguan has 1,510 liters of cargo space and can haul up to a 2,500-kg trailer load (with 4Motion all-wheel drive) and many cleverly designed features.
The interior of the Tiguan is not very high-end but it’s roomy and comfortable. It has a power driver’s seat that is height adjustable and a telescoping steering column. The 60/40 rear seat (with folding arm rest with cup holders) is useful and convenient for passengers. Another cool feature is the airliner-style flip-up trays mounted on the back of the front driver and passenger seats. There is also ample foot room, which is a boon on long trips. Its infotainment system includes an RCD 310, AUX-IN port, radio, CD, MP3, with USB port.
As can be expected from any vehicle from Volkswagen, the Tiguan has high-tech safety systems and driver aids, such as the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) with driver steering recommendation, electric parking brake with auto-hold function, extended pedestrian protection measures, and hill-hold control.
The diesel engine (TDI) has a power rating of 103 kW (140 Ps) and comes with a six-speed automatic transmission with 4Motion (four-wheel drive).
A veritable best seller, the Tiguan has become the SUV market leader in its segment after its launch in 2007. It has long been one of the most sought-after Volkswagens, registering exceptional sales in the highest volume markets in Europe, Russia, the USA, China, Brazil and Australia. The smaller brother of the Touareg is now poised to continue this success with a new look and further advanced technologies. In the Philippines the Tiguan is doing exceptionally well and is the best-selling model in the company’s current product lineup.
Priced at P2.109 million, the Tiguan 2.0 TDI is available in Toffee Brown Metallic, Silver Leaf Metallic, Candy White and Deep Black Pearl Effect.