SUV Comparison Volkswagen Tiguan vs. Honda CR-V vs. Subaru Forester
29 Jun, 2008
68 Comments 
2008 Honda CR-V - David Twomey:
Despite its polarising styling the Honda CR-V is enormously popular with those people at whom it is directly aimed – young families with active lifestyles. Why you may ask given that this is a market segment where buyers are spoiled for choice, well the answer we believe comes back to Honda’s solid reputation and reliability.
That and the fact that this little lugger can swallow a mountain of family orientated stuff, like strollers, sports gear and shopping.
And Honda isn’t confused about where the CR-V fits into our marketplace either, the company’s marketers will tell you “want to find the natural place for the CR-V, go to the parking lot of any childcare centre, you’ll find plenty of them and plenty of the people the car is aimed at.”
Despite falling away in the market a little this year it is currently selling at number three behind the Toyota RAV4 and Subaru’s new Forester, it still a strong value proposition for most buyers with the well equipped base model, tested here, costing just $31,990 , plus $2000 for the five-speed automatic in our test car.
It’s no secret that this current version of the CR-V is a better vehicle than the one it replaced, while adhering to the recipe that made it a success.
Coming from a factory in Thailand, so it’s pricing can exploit a Free Trade Agreement with that country, it’s well built, has tight tolerances and uses quality materials and production methods to ensure you’re getting value from every last cent of your purchase.
To us the appearance of the CR-V is a little polarising, but the marketplace doesn’t seem to agree and many people actually like the double split grille and the arched side windows that sweep rearward to an all new top hinged tailgate.
The tailgate provides excellent access to the voluminous rear load area, which was by far the largest of the three cars on test and certainly scores the Honda many brownie points with its buyers. We heard criticism of the Tiguan, particularly, from families who said it couldn’t take a baby-stroller in the rear, but no such problems with the CR-V.
The obligatory 12V outlet has not been forgotten, for those planning on taking the fridge, and as if all that cargo space isn’t enough, CR-V can tow up to 1500kg (braked).
Getting in and out of the CR-V is also made easier by a lower seat height than the previous model, and while none of these cars were a challenge to enter the Honda was certainly amongst the easiest. The seating is remarkably comfortable and supportive, and the driving position is easily adaptable thanks to an excellent range of adjustment, and a steering wheel that’s adjustable for reach and rake.
The leather wrapped wheel also has cruise and audio controls within a thumbs reach, and to grip feels both elegant and sporty at the same time.
The dashboard is clean, functional and upmarket, both texturally and aesthetically with a blue/white backlit instrument cluster lending even more sophistication to what’s already a purposeful and presentable cluster of stylish yet easily read displays.
Visibility is good, despite the slightly odd shaped third rear window, although we feel that all vehicles of this type should be fitted with rear park sensors and a reversing camera.
Another big plus with the CR-V is its excellent safety credentials with a five-star ANCAP rating, plus four airbags, anti-lock brakes and, commendably, VSC stability control in the base model.
Both ABS and ESP allow a reasonable margin for error and even driving on loose gravel bush tracks they are up to the job, while not being too intrusive. As a part-time 4WD the CR-V is a reasonable compromise for anyone who wants the added confidence of grip at all four corners when the conditions are less than ideal.
The CR-V defies the usual concept of four-wheel drive handling and ride with a well-judged compromise, lower centre of gravity and retention of hydraulic power steering that despite being a bit slow-reacting and light for keen drivers, delivers better weight and feel than most of its competitors.
Although it’s a dedicated understeerer through corners, the CR-V nevertheless grips surprisingly well, leans a lot less than you might imagine, and turns in with surprising eagerness.
The 2.4-litre, four-cylinder, petrol engine, is slightly more powerful at 125kW than its predecessor, and with a broader spread of torque, provides sufficient rather than exciting performance. Uphill or overtaking manoeuvres do require some careful thought, as the smooth-revving engine needs to build up power.
It’s satisfactorily frugal in theses fuel sensitive days and although Honda quotes an official combined ADR figure of 10.0L/100km we actually achieved slightly better, over a wide ranging driving from country and city to bush tracks, with an average consumption of 9.43L/100km.
After a week experience all three of these vehicles I was more convinced of the Honda’s competence at the end, than at the beginning. The Tiguan is the new kid on the block, has European glamour and has the added cache of diesel power, but the Honda wins hands down when it comes to doing the job –providing reliable performance with family sized space and load lugging.
- Engine: 2.4-litre, DOHC, i-VTEC, 4-cylinder
- Power: 125kW@5800rpm
- Torque: 218Nm@4200rpm
- Transmission: optional five-speed auto
- Brakes: Ventilated discs front/rear
- Driven Wheels: part-time four-wheel drive
- Final Drive: 4.500
- Top Speed:
- 0-100km/h:
- Fuel Type: 91RON ULP
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 58 litres
- Fuel Consumption: 9.43L/100km* actual
- NCAP Rating: 5 Star
- Safety: 4 airbags, ABS, EBD, VSA(stability control), active head restraints
- Spare Wheel: 17×6.5J steel
- Turning Circle: 11.8m
- Towing Capacity: 1500kg (braked)
- Weight: 1570kg
- Wheels: 17×6.5J steel
- Warranty: 3 years/100,000km
————
Location: Home / SUV, Comparisons, Volkswagen, Honda, Behind the Wheel, Subaru, Diesel / ...
Rate Post: 
(9 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading ...
-
Print it:
![Vehicle Semi Anechoic Chamber 2 [1024x768].jpg](http://www.caradvice.com.au/wp-content/gallery/2008fordfalconofficial/Vehicle Semi Anechoic Chamber 2 [1024x768].jpg "Vehicle Semi Anechoic Chamber 2 [1024x768].jpg")
June 29th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
Great story guys and good to hear a chick’s point of view for a change - nice work!
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 6:03 pm
Where’s the Rav4 CarAdvice?
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 7:02 pm
VW is diesel, mighty X Trail has a choice of 2 diesels, [unlike haonda and subaru]
WHERE WAS THE X TRAIL?
Cheers
f-0
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 7:09 pm
I agree, the X-Trail needed to be compared as well.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 7:35 pm
since when has the X Trail had a choice of 2 diesels Frugal One? It doesn’t even have one diesel. Maybe in europe, but we don’t live in europe, we live in australia, where there isn’t a diesel
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Richo -
OLD NEWS……
Days away from release, all the PR etc done months ago =
www nissan com au/xtrail/turbodiesel asp
Cheers
F-0
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I saw my first Tiguan on the streets about 2 weeks ago. Indeed it is a very nice looking thing. It’s definately got a lot of cool factor behind it. Not quite something like a BMW (think X3) image but definately a grade up from the competition as it gives you the refined feel of the German’s with the pricing of the Japenese.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 8:34 pm
Frugal, if it is days away from release, how could CarAdvice possibly road test it??
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
The X3 is a shocking looking vehicle. Did they just find the boot of it on the side of the road and hoped it would fit?
Love the forester, hate the new shape.
CRV, looks the best, pitty it is made in Thailand.
Tiguan - boring (seen a few on the road all ready) and the wheels look stupid.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 9:12 pm
“She says” the CRV is a good looker.
Perhaps at a cleft lip convention.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 9:37 pm
VW will not go the distance with its shoddy reliability and quality. Watch the electrics play up after the warranty. I’ll take the Subie thanks.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 10:53 pm
That was too good, Trackdaze. With your permission, I shall ensure to entwine that phrase into general conversation with friends in the near future.
And, yes, it’s pig ugly.
(Report)
June 29th, 2008 at 10:55 pm
What happens with the electrics, Robbo, specifically?
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 7:10 am
JBOT -
The media [inc. this fair website] get to test/review vehicles weeks if not months before they are released to JoePublic.
UNLESS its a MAZDA CX7! :-)
Cheeers
f-0
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 7:36 am
LOL…………..seriously funny and unreal!
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 9:22 am
Go the (s)tig.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 9:25 am
Yeah, robbo, what happens with the electrics?
Now that we all know (because you said so) that they are programmed to fail as soon as 3 yrs go by, or 100,000ks, whichever comes first.
But what exactly happens? Come on, tell us.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 11:39 am
All seem to have a few flaws to me, with no standout. Shall be interested to see the new diesel Ford Kuga when it arrives (have read October, but dealers seem to know nothing about it). 5.6l/100km. Several reviews in Europe have placed it higher than the Tiguan. But it has a big flaw too - it’s a Ford .. plus if the interior is anything like the Mondeo .. bleeurghh .. hate the big silver panel in the centre. Shame the new Audi Q5 and Volvo XC60 will be too exxy for me when they arrive ..
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 2:52 pm
Just to clarify, the Honda CR-V is only rated as a 4 star vehicle by ANCAP, not 5 as stated in the review.
http://www.ancap.com.au/results/220/
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 3:07 pm
Why would you wanna compare an orange with an apple. European car Vs Japanes car = No race. The finishing of the VW would’ve been heaps better than the other 2 SUV’s. This review would just make the 2 Jap’s SUV look as bad. Like the video on youtube “comparing a Toyota camry with the VW Passat” That’s hilarious.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 3:55 pm
How about we compare them over say….3-5 years….on maintanance, reliability, servicing and parts cost?
I think I know who would win that one.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 4:06 pm
Agree with the previous post.
Had a V6 Touareg, absolute lemon. Had it back at the dealer constantly. Eventually got fed up and left it at the dealer.
After a month, was replaced with a V8. About a year on now and had some major problem in it (im not technical AT ALL, so couldn’t tell you exactly what it was, or did, or meant)
Anyway I was informed that only 2 people in NSW were able to fix it. 2 people, what the hell? All good for the time being, still wish I had the old camry I sold. 9 years on and it is still running without a problem (sold it to a friend).
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Robbo, I think you are thinking of the 1970 VW Beetle having electrical problems… and Greg, you can’t decide the fate of an entire range of cars simply because you were unlucky enough to be given a “lemon”. I had a Camry wagon and got rid of it after its second head, so go figure!!!
The Tiguan is awesome to drive, but what is with the 12month waiting list for cars ordered now (and not tkaing into account the hail storm in Germany over the weekend which has now wiped out their stock).. I will wait for the x-trail which is due in the next week or two..
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 4:48 pm
In my hunt for an SUV I have driven both the Tiguan and the Forester and ended up buying the Forester. Tiguan had the better quality interior and felt a little more refined on the road but add to that the extra price premium (around 4 grand) and VW’s recent reliability issues and it was the Forester all the way. A little research would also show that the Forester in general is a stand out performer when it comes to safety and reliability. Maybe in 3 - 5 years when VW has proven itself highly I might consider one but until then I would definately go the Forester for now. CRV too ugly!
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Tiguan looks/dynamics/interior probably the pick but Euros always price themselves out of the market as in this case with higher entry price and more expensive options list.
It’s almost like they don’t want to sell them.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
What ?!
A VW winning a comparison on Caradvice.com.au !?
Now THERE’S* a suprise….
*(to be spoken with absolute sarcasm)
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
I was looking at buying a 147KW Tiguan with sunroof and leather. The on road cost for this vehicle is $53K. I also looked at a Subaru XT premium (manual) which is $49K (on road). They are both expensive and have good and bad features. I have a 04 Forester XS luxury at present which is a good car, but it has a cheap feel in some of its fit out. The new Forester has the same with hard plastic dash and components. I have had a Polo and a Golf in the past and they were both great quality products. The Tiguan has a high quality feel to it but has a high quality price to match. The big killer for the Tiguan is the boot space for a family vehicle. It would be alright around town but a family holiday would test its carrying capacity. With that sort of cost I could consider a CX7 luxury which is the right size for my family. The joys of buying a new car????
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 5:36 pm
Looking at the price of the vw the better featured forester xs and crv sport would have been a more fair comparison!!,, as they would of had more upmarket features and interiors to match the vw, then i believe the forester would win on features/price/safety/build quality/resale and interior space/quality..
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 6:04 pm
Watch out for the Kuga when in lands in Oz. It’s a great looking car, I’ve seen a few around London and it is a much better looker than the Tiguan. The big bonus is that it’s designed by Ford Europe, not the folks responsible for things like the Explorer or F-truck. Expect big things.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
a lesson that I have learned from the Tiguan: don’t judge a car looking by pictures. the new forester looks as ugly as the Tiguan. A CRV is never a choice, it’s a real pretender. the previous forester model was a clean winner, well, for some people at least.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 6:56 pm
“but it can also mean overtaking is a little more challenging than desirable with a lot of runway required when passing.”
Have to disagree with this, obviously, you guys haven’t driven the forester out its potential, either because you don’t how by not having the car long enough, or because you don’t care about it.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 7:01 pm
check out other reviews done by CARADICE for each of the three cars, the number of starts awarded is not consistent from what is given here, let alone the comments and conclusions.
Em…, “can’t remember who sponsor me now…”
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 8:51 pm
THE ADVOACTE -
Agree, C/A is on the payroll and a marketing arm of VW GmbH
Cheers
F-0
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
Golfschwein, permission granted.
but only in reverence to the partly formed front end of the CRV and maybe the entire Ssangyong range.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 10:23 pm
Firstly a message to Robbo and Lolcake:
Yes it has been quantifiably proven that brands like Subaru, Toyota and Honda are more reliable than Volkswagen. However, many people, and i mean many people out their in the world (not just Australia) prefer to purchase vehicles to suit there life styles and tastes, not just because they want a vehicle which is very reliable.
I think the Outback looks much better than the new Forester, it has a more refined appearance and is less awkward looking. I think the Tiguan’s appearance is quite good, similar level as the Honda’s. I think the smaller boot was an intentional design cue to attract the contemporary metro couples with one child, rather than to attract people with more than two children.
I think this test, like so many others i have read, shows that no matter what the type of person you are there is usually a particular brand and model to suit one’s (individual) personality. I think thats why there are more vehicle brands in Auz now, because people are more inclined to drive around in a ‘different’ car from the masses to make them feel different and to make the whole driving experience more enjoyable, especially as the traffic conditions worsen one would want to! (but ironically contributing to the traffic problem)
In all a pretty good test, no i don’t think CS are getting tips from VW, read Dogs and Lemons car guide and i still think those guys are getting tips from Toyota, but they have confirmed in their book they don’t have shares in the company. Just to educate people who are too myopic and see reliability as the wholly grail, the female reviewer in the end of her review stated that the Tiguan is the easiest to use, and thats what the majority of potential buyers are looking for in a small SUV for a (small) family.
(Report)
June 30th, 2008 at 11:04 pm
Post Script,
I think the Tiguan is slightly better looking than the CRV, however i think the Mazda CX7 maybe slightly better looking than the Tiguan, I think though I would still prefer the Tiguan though because it is the underdog amongst the pack and I don’t want to be one of the masses who buy small Japanese SUVs, even if some would have better reliability.
(Report)
July 1st, 2008 at 1:11 am
The RAV4 and X-Trail (diesel) should have joined the party.
(Report)
July 1st, 2008 at 2:11 pm
I see Wheels mag have just done a comparison of the top 5 selling compact 4×4s. Tiguan not included (too new to make the top 5 sellers). Verdict not on the site - will have to check the mag. All well and good to do such a comparison, but CA’s comparison is of too few vehicles and as Wheels failed to include new or soon to be released vehicles from major manufactuers (like the VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Volvo XC60 & Audi Q5), their review is already old news for people looking to buy in the next 6 months (though the last 2 vehicles I mentioned are probably too exxy for a fair class comparison). BTW, saw a BMW X3 at lunch time today .. agree with an ealrier poster .. freaking ugly backside. Looks like something off a 15yr old Lada. What were they thinking?
(Report)
July 1st, 2008 at 3:14 pm
All are good cars, taken each one for a test drive! CR-V does have sat-nav, but only in the lurury version.
(Report)
July 3rd, 2008 at 11:11 pm
Greg,
“Had a V6 Touareg, absolute lemon. Had it back at the dealer constantly. Eventually got fed up and left it at the dealer…”
Surprising as general consensus runs contrary to that.
I have one and absolutely love it.
(Report)
July 11th, 2008 at 10:14 pm
We went to have a look at a Forester XS luxury and a Tiguan today as we need a bigger car with a growing toddler.
After reading Caradvice and Miranda Simpsons sumation we had big expectations for the Tiguan. We get to the VW dealer and the first problem is when my wife wasnt able to fit my 3 year old sons pram into the boot flat on the floor, actually it only just squeezed in by rolling it to the side and then positioning it on a 45 degree angle across the boot.
We fit our Maxi-Rider booster seat in the centre rear position, strap our son in ready to go for a test drive position the front seats appropriately only to find that the rear seat space is appauling, in fact there was so little leg space left that my son could not even extend his legs out as they would have hit the back of the front seats. Miranda it’s not “all great” and you obviously do not have small children to commute. Also whats with the 12m turning circle.
It drove well and felt solid but seriously lacking in space in all directions.
We ended up purchasing the Forester it was spacious without being oversized like the Rav 4. Felt very stable and the security of the constant All Wheel Drive is what I expect from a vehicle that is meant to be designed for recreational and family use.
(Report)
July 17th, 2008 at 4:07 pm
There are just so many SUV’s around these days. A good quick comparison and n enjoyed the comments. If I recall Wheels rated the X-Trail marginally, followed by Outlander and then the Forester. RACV tells us that the CRV is the least expensive to run based on yearly figures. Diesels arent so cheap to run as you think, watch for that. I saw the VW the other day it looked cute. Maybe its too small esp in the luggage area. If you want to be different, have the $$ like the size, check it out. In the end its what suits your needs.
(Report)
July 18th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Just to let everybody know. I have had the forester XS about a month now and it is growing on me more and more each day that I drive it. Any review that claims there is a shortfall in pulling power just havnt given the boxer a chance to break in. Our other car is a Honda Accord Euro and the acceleration and pulling power of the non turbo Forester is well on par with the Euro (one of the better reviewed cars ever). Also I am averaging about 8 litres per hundred kms combined and not the 9.3 claimed so pretty good there too. I can highly recommend this car to anybody however its one shortfall is the lack or centre arm rest on the manual. Currently sourcing and arm rest extender from Subaru America originaly designed for the 2008 Impreza which will also fit the 2009 Forester, given they are the same interior.
(Report)
July 19th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
I drove the tiguan and the Forester ( have always been a fan of subaru- even though I am a deticated VW owner)
I have to say that i preferred the feel of the VW on the road.
While the subaru does have more space, but the VW’s better fuel economy, styling, extra features and kit and more responsive engine ( both cars were under 100kms run in) was a winner for me and my wife)
Tiguan- don’t mind the lack of space ( might look at rear door tire rack and revert the space back to storage in the car-as with Euro models). Won me on on road comfort, awesome torque, quiet ride, steering, sound system(with sat nav), all over package is great.
Forester- overall is a very nice package, but interior felt dated and engine sluggish.(might consider the XT turbo)
CRV- out of the question, dont like the Honda’s styling as much and used to own a lemon civic.
(Report)
July 21st, 2008 at 9:35 pm
I read all the comments and must say I am intrigued. Without doubt, there are a few comments here from various self interest opposition dealerships however; some appear to be quite genuine. Let’s put a few things into perspective but before we start, I’ll make it clear that I am not biased towards any makes nor am I employed by dealerships – I am an Engineer in the public infrastructure and one that does some research before investing my hard earned dollars into any product, tools, vehicles or otherwise. Let us begin and get some things into perspective:
1. I have researched the Volkswagen Tiguan on the internet (and there are a many – just go to goggle and type in Tiguan Road Test) and have been hard pressed to find a world wide motoring editor critic who had serious negative comments to make here, most give it a glowing report, 4.5 to 5 star ratings (including Top Gear).
2. The unquantifiable comments about quality, reliability (see lemons used) – started looking with the wife for a compact SUV, saw them all – X-trail, outlander, CRV, Forester, CX7, X3, Freelander, etc – must say, in my and the wife’s opinion, the Tiguan topped them all and I must say, our looking stopped here. It is in many ways on par with Audi and we all know that Audi has a reputation for build quality, attention to detail and rates in the worlds best.
3. Further to the above, Volkswagen has currently a Tiguan production/build capacity of approximately 150,000 vehicles per annum. As of a few months ago, the motoring editors advised that waiting list for this vehicle world wide was 80,000 – I know read that this (needs to be confirmed) has multiplied to 120, 000 and growing (even the Germans now have to wait for it). Now this is phenomenal – this is a waiting list that Honda, Subaru, Mazda, Toyota, etc can only dream off. In fact and to my knowledge, there has been one other car with such waiting list – the Golf GTI (and guess what, another Volkswagen).
4. Now when we talk about resale value – what sort of resale value would you expect from a vehicle with such a huge waiting list – expect it to be very high. By the way, has anyone tried to buy a second hand Golf V series lately (even with high Kilometers)?
5. One more thing to add. A friend of mine is now on his 4th Touareg (changes them every 2 years or so) and swears by them – just love his latest, the R50.
So there we go, personally I think that the Tiguan is now the benchmark for compact SUV’s however, only one problem for Volkswagen – it has been once again caught with it’s pants down with regards to production and this will give plenty time to the opposition manufacturers in playing catch up.
(Report)
July 24th, 2008 at 5:17 pm
A little experience for everybody. My husband and I recently bought a Tiguan, we were lucky to secure one. Yes we love the looks and love the interior however we are now struggling to fit anything in it. We tend to go camping a lot, thus the reason for going diesel, and as long as you keep the speed uround 90k’s you wont get the fuel economy rated. Also we have had to purchase a roof pod to make up for the tiny space of the boot. Please don’t get me wrong, I love our new Tiguan but if you are an outdoors person like us, keep in mind you will really be struggling to fit a weekends worth of gear in the back, even with the seat slid forward. My husband is already getting frustrated with the car so has decided to keep our older SUV, lol an 04 Forester.
(Report)
August 1st, 2008 at 5:09 am
There is a mistake in the review: it’s absolutely not true that the Tiguan has a part-time all-wheel drive. It has a full-time AWD which is similar to the one found in Subarus with automatic gearboxes (active AWD as they call it). It sends torque 50/50 when accelerating, 90/10 at constant speed for fuel efficiency, and when on bad terrain it can send up to 100/0 or 0/100 when needed. Watch videos on YouTube, it’s a very capable off-roader, quite possible that it will be on par with an automatic gearbox Subie.
(Report)
August 3rd, 2008 at 8:15 pm
Go to You Tube and watch “All Whhel Drives Are Not Created Equal”. Dyno testing of Subaru,VW,Honda and Toyota which will dispel any myths and dispertions on which AWD systems actually work on varied slip conditions.
The VW Passat 4motion Haldex AWD is basically the same as the system used in the Tiguan.
Again the Subaru Symetrical All Wheel Drive System shows why it really is the most capable On/Off road system.
(Report)
August 4th, 2008 at 7:49 pm
I have just bought a Tiguan, pick it up on Friday, and it will be interesting to see if i can put up with the itty bitty boot space long enough to see if the electrics play up after my warraty runs out?!?!?!?Lol.
I could of just bought a CRV and driven it with a paper bag over my head-but could’ve fit twice as much shopping in the back. At least now I will save money!
(Report)
August 6th, 2008 at 1:11 pm
Personally, the interior quality, feel and ride quality make the CRV a winner for the young family (as boring as this might be). While the front styling is akward, it does have a unique look to it. Honda seems to have this right in a number of their models. True, the engine is a bit gutless, but having driven both auto and manual Accord Euro’s, the manual offers a far more powerful and flexible option in relation to overtaking, so I’m not expecting an auto CRV to be an issue.
(Report)
August 9th, 2008 at 8:23 am
What a crap review!
Here are the facts (after shopping around in person and having driven the Forester and the Tiguan.
The Forester is a great $33,000 (on road) car.
The Tiguan is a great $43,000 (on road) car. Yes, an extra $10,000.
The Honda was too weird looking to give a try.
The Forester is packed full of features for its price and in my opinion cannot be beaten when considered for price.
The Tiguan is a damn fine car to drive, however the actual on-road price is a rip compared to the rivals and this review certainly doesn’t reflect that. Comparing the the Tiguan against the Forester XT would have been a fairer review.
All I can say is that after talking to 2 VW dealers i was left with a sour taste in my mouth. The above $35,990 RRP for the tiguan is only a lure to get you to look at the car. VW’s dealer delivery chargers are through the roof compared to Subaru’s.
I really think there is some responsibility on the reviewers part to compare apples with apples and give the manufacturers a fair review for their intended markets.
What next Golf GTI vs Hyundai Getz, who’s the winner?
(Report)
August 9th, 2008 at 9:48 am
Luc, can you even read?
The Tiguan is $4,000 more than the Forester and is about infinitely better.
(Report)
August 9th, 2008 at 7:58 pm
Benjie… do I really have to repeat myself?
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 11:03 am
No Luc, I think you have already proven your lack of intelligence.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 1:47 pm
Sorry Benjie, have to agree with Luc. I have gone through the same thing with VW. Some of our friends have actually purchased a Tiguan 103TDI, manual with a couple of small extras and I believe the final on road price was $45.000, well above the $35.000 ‘lure’ amount You can save a few grand if you are prepared to wait 11 months apparently. These amounts do put the Tiguan in a different league and price range and almost voids this UNFAIR review. Benjie, nobody is disputing that the Tiguan is a better car, I have driven one and yes, it is better to drive and the interior is better built being european. I guess I have to agree with Luc though, there is a responsibility on the reviewers part to compare apples with apples. I have no doubt that if Subaru put more dollars into their interior it would review better to those who are into European style interiors and higher budgets. Subaru have their market and VW have theirs. My personal feeling about VW is that they do lure potential buyers in with low RRP’s and then hit them with high delivery fees and excessive charges for extra’s.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
Well said Nat! Benjie I respect your VW enthusiasm. Let me know if it’s still there after you go buy your first $35.000 Tiguan for $43.000.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 2:38 pm
Luc, your partner Nat seems just as daft as you are!
Feel free to visit the Volkswagen website where you will find the exact equivalent to the Forester is $33,990 - the 125TSI.
But please, don’t let me get in the way of you two making up figures.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 3:30 pm
Benjie this is not a battle ego’s. It’s about the biased and unfair review and the actual on-road costs of the dealers. $31.990 ($33.000 I was quoted on road) for the Forester X vs $35.990 ($43.000 on-road I was quoted)for the Tiguan 103TDI. You accuse me of not being intelligent but you yourself find it impossible to understand what im trying to say, “THIS REVIEW IS CRAP”. If it were a battle of the $33.990 SUV’s then that would be different. Benjie your not wrong regarding there being a cheaper Tiguan, but you are wrong about it being an exact equivalent to the Forester X. Again the prices differ, $33.990 for the Tiguan 125TSI vs $31.990 for the Forester X . Oh, and there is the point that you have just unintelligently contradicted yourself by stating “exact equivalent”, I thought the Tiguan was “infinitely better”. I’m sure Nat is one of many people here who intelligently told VW to go shove their on road costs and is now using the $10,000 saved on having a life, like all other Subaru owners.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 3:50 pm
Actually Luc - I’m using about $7,500 on having a life. I ended up buying the $33,990 RRP Forester XS - LOL
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Well said Nat - Forester XS, LOL.
(Report)
August 10th, 2008 at 4:32 pm
Unintelligent answer from unintelligent Benjie. I bet your still trying to work out Luc’s point.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 5:38 am
I test drove the forester, rav4 V6, Xtrail and Tiguan today. While the base prices seem very similar I found that the Tiguan, on road, is about $7000-10000 more than the others, on road. The Tiguan is very nice. I have nothing against it (it would be our fourth VW: 71 Bus, 74 Beetle, 02 Golf) but for me, the Tiguan would mean needing car finance versus purchase outright. The reasons are that VW is charging a lot for options that might be standard on others (leather $4000, sunroof $2000 etc compared to say standard leather and sunroof on XTrail Ti. Even the off road pack with features standard on some of the others is an extra $290. The VW tiguan dealer delivery charge is $2499. The other issue is that the Tiguan drive is nice and supply so limited that VW do not need to negotiate whereas I found all the others the dealers would waive dealer delivery to make a sale, in fact, the others (rav, xtrail, forester) were willing to offer the car for, or very near, rrp as ‘on road’ (with the exception of the diesel XTrail). So I found today that there is a huge difference in cost like some others have reported. The VW dealer even admitted that their cars are more expensive than the competition and that there are no discounts. A diesel Tiguan optioned like a top spec Xtrail could easily hit >$50K versus a $40K for the similar spec’d Ti XTrail. The difference is less on the diesel XTrail. Both are quite noisy little engines by the way if you are used to petrol.
Also the cars are not directly comparable in room. The Tiguan is small on boot space. As we have one child only it would be OK for our 2nd monthly trip bush to visit the inlaws but I might have to include cost of a roof capsule in the purchase price which the others don’t need. However, I did really like the Tiguan despite the cost and its still on the short list.
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 10:17 am
Drive and TheAge done a test on these said diesel vehicles.
THE X TRAIL won by miles, killed the VW and all the others
Well done TeamNissan!
Cheers
F-0
(Report)
August 13th, 2008 at 10:31 am
The Age and Drive are the same publication Frugal One.
(Report)
September 12th, 2008 at 9:16 am
The on-road costs are ridiculous for this nice mini SUV.
I have a quote in my hand here, january delivery. I tried to keep the options down but was talked into leather (wears better with kids), sunroof, park assist and the integrated satnav RNS510. I declined a whole host of other options and accessories such as metallic, rims, off road pack, etc etc.
The total ON ROAD costs rose from the list of 34,890, to 57,889
The options total $15384 more
The dealer delivery fees $2722
The rego fees $819
The GST on all that $5019
The Stamp duty $1865
This is as near as dammit to a $60k car, and one that I have to wait for Jan+ to get..
(Report)
September 12th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Justin, a word of advice if you have kids, dont get leather. I have gone down this road before with the preconception that leather would be easier to clean. Leather is easier to clean however it scratches easily and you innevitably find yourself playing the proactive role of leather nazi. Also in summer it is hot, damn hot. I have recently given up leather and gone back to cloth and don’t think I will ever look back again. Hope this helps.
(Report)
September 12th, 2008 at 10:42 pm
Justin, we experienced the same outrageous VW overpriced pre-delivery and options when we test drove the auto diesel 2 months ago. We decided on the Subaru Forester Premium and couldnt be happier with the spacious interior, handling/ride and exeptional value for money.
The Total on Road Costs driveaway were for an Auto was $43,050. The salesperson reduced the price to $39,500 and we picked it up 3 days later. It has a generous list of features including,
Alloy Wheels
Climatic Contral Air/Cond
6 Airbags
Constant Symetrical All Wheel Drive
6 Stacker Cd
Fog Lights
Self Levelling Rear Suspension
Leather Seats/Steering Wheel
Electric Sunroof
8 Way Power drivers seat
Stability Control/ABS/Traction Control
5 Star Crash Safety rating
Cruise Control
Multi Information Display
FULL Size Spare Tyre (I cant tolorate a crappy spacesaver as we get away on country runs a fair bit)
The list goes on further so you may want to check it out.
Ooh also Subaru Dont charge any extra for Metallic Paint. Cheers.
(Report)
September 23rd, 2008 at 5:14 pm
I was very keen on the Tiguan initially, as it looked a great car. We are changing from a 2000 Forester which has been brilliant, but has done 260000kms, and were considering the new Forester and the Tiguan.
Sorry, but as a family car there is no comparison. Finally Subaru have sorted out the rear leg room in the Forester, making it great for teenage kids. The new Forester also has great boot space and a full sized spare tyre. It has excellent vision all around and is nice to drive. Also we can fit our bikes and canoes and lots of stuff in and on it!!
Tiguan is probably a better looking car, but it is way too small, and despite being diesel and more economic, the price of diesel at the moment means it’s not really cheaper to run.
So the Forester XS for me (and its cheaper too!)
(Report)