2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI Review

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By Matt Brogan | December 23rd, 2008

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI Review & Road Test

It’s turbo time for Tiguan

Model Tested:

2009 Volkswagen Tiguan 147TSI, 2.0-litre turbo petrol, six-speed automatic, 4MOTION wagon – $42,990 (RRP)

Options:

Metallic Paint $790; Bi-Xenon Headlamps $1990; RNS510 Satellite Navigation with RVC Plus & Dynaudio $4,280; CD Changer $790; 18-inch Alloy Wheels $,490; Alarm System $590; Sunroof $1990; Park Assistance $890 (Fitted); Off-Road Technology $290 (Fitted); Leather Upholstery $3690; Dynaudio Premium Sound $1290; Satellite Navigation & RVC Plus $2990;

Powerful engine, spirited performance, very quiet ride
Option pricing, trim design, awkward driving position

CarAdvice Rating:

- by Matt Brogan

Now before you start with “not another Tiguan review” please allow me to clarify – this is the petrol model, and it has only just been released in Australia. So while indeed it may be another review of the same badge, it’s a very different car, much different to its diesel brother – and here’s why.

The petrol Tiguan is available in two guises, a low-output 125kW model (which at $33,990 is a steal) and this, the top shelf 147TSI model. As the name suggests, this Tiguan has 147kW of power, just like the GTI Golf from where the power plant is derived.

It’s a strong little engine with ample power for most situations you could ever hope to find yourself in driving what’s essentially a soft-roader. However, extra power aside the petrol model is some 40Nm down on torque from the diesel model, and it’s this pulling power that is noticeable when you have a 1700kg wagon fully laden with life’s needs.

Tiguan 147TSI shown in ‘Candy White’

Now sure, the difference is negligible in most situations, and when you’re on your lonesome the petrol Tiguan is actually a bit of fun, even managing the 0-100km/h sprint in 8.2 seconds. When it’s loaded with kids, bags and dog the added weight does effect the open highway performance seeing a busy gearbox on tight, hilly country roads.

Not that this is an issue, for the Tiguan also features Volkswagen’s six-speed automatic gearbox, which makes short work of changes in ratio, reacting almost instantaneously to variations in incline.

All up the 2.0-litre, turbocharged, four-cylinder, petrol offers 147kW at 5100rpm and an acceptable 280Nm of torque from just 1700rpm. There is a touch of turbo lag, as you might well expect, but by no means does it detract from the driving experience and flexibility a petrol unit affords. Fuel economy is claimed at 10.1 litres per 100km combined, though realistically mid-11s can be expected.

Handling is well beyond what’s considered acceptable for an SUV. In fact, it’s terrific. MacPherson strut front and multi-link rear, both fitted with stabilisers, manage the Tiguan’s bulk wonderfully with cornering and ride both exceptional. Steering is thoughtful and gives a well connected feeling though the turning circle is a little wide at 12 metres.

Strong braking, and silicone chip assisted stability ensure safety is paramount. The 147TSI also comes standard with front, side and curtain airbags that in addition to ABS, EBA, EBD, ESP and Traction Control afford Tiguan a five-star EuroNCAP rating.

Inside not a lot is different to the 103TDI we’ve already tested, though the new touch-screen head unit for the CD Tuner is rather attractive, unlike the new trim pattern. To me at least, the appearance of the upholstery is a little cheap, not nearly as nice as it should look for this kind of money, bring back the old trim I say.

The lay-out and ergonomics for the most part are very good and practical, however the driving position is compromised by a lack of adjustment in the steering column.

It seems the wheel cannot be positioned low or aft enough to allow shorter drivers a comfortable (and safe) seating position. You’re either reaching for the wheel with comfortable leg space, or holding the wheel right with your knees around your ears.

The remainder of the cabin is however very comfortable. Proportionally the car is more than adequate for a small family or couple and though some people think the boot space is a touch limited at 395-litres, the majority of the time this is not an issue and some owners may even appreciate the slightly smaller exterior dimensions Tiguan offers over its ever growing competitors.

If however you do need that extra space, Tiguan can 60:40 split fold the rear seats to allow 1510-litres of space and also comes fitted standard with roof rails which are just the right size to accommodate a luggage pod.

I will say however that I feel the option pricing on Tiguan is getting up there a little, and although the extra bells and whistles are not without their merit, some of the additions are a little pricey.

If for example you were to option this model completely, you’d soon find yourself out of pocket to the tune of $59,490, which is in the LCT zone, plus you have all the on road costs.

So while I am indeed a fan of the latest addition to the Tiguan range I’ve got to say that the TDI model seems to offer almost as much heart for much less money and although the costs very nearly cancel each other out with the current price of diesel, it’s worth noting that the petrol Tiguan does prefer to sip on 98RON premium petrol.

It’s a fine car and offers a level of enthusiasm and refinement lost in many of the competitors – just be sure to control your urges when it comes time to ticking option boxes.

CarAdvice Overall Rating:
How does it Drive:
How does it Look:
How does it Go:

Specifications:

Engine: 1984cc DOHC four cylinder (16 valve)
Power: 147kW @ 5100rpm
Torque: 280Nm @ 1700rpm
Induction: Turbocharged & Direct Injection
Transmission: Six-speed automatic gearbox
Driven Wheels: All (4MOTION)
Brakes: Discs with ABS, EBA & EBD
Top Speed: 191km/h
0-100km/h: 8.2 seconds
0-400m: Not Tested
CO2 Emissions: 240g/km
Fuel Consumption: 10.1 litres/100km (Combined)
Fuel Tank Capacity: 64 litres
Fuel Type: 98RON petrol
EuroNCAP Rating: Five star
Airbags: Front, side & curtain
Safety: ESP with Traction Control
Spare Wheel: Space saver
Tow Capacity: 2000kg (Braked)
Turning Circle: 12.0 metres
Warranty: Three Year/100,000km
Weight: 1700kg (Tare)
Wheels: Alloy 17 x 7.0-inch

Road Test the Rivals:

Dodge Nitro (from $38,990)
Ford Escape (from $31,990)
Holden Captiva (from $34,490)
Honda CR-V (from $31,990)
Hyundai Tucson (from $25,490)
Jeep Compass (from $29,990)
KIA Sportage (from $24,990)
Land Rover Freelander 2 (from $49,990)
Mazda CX-7 (from $40,610)
Mitsubishi Outlander (from $31,890)
Nissan X-Trail (from $31,990)
Renault Koleos (from $29,990)
Skoda Octavia Scout (from $39,990)
SsangYong Actyon (from $29,990)
Subaru Forester (from $30,490)
Suzuki Grand Vitara (from $24,990)
Toyota RAV4 (from $31,990)

Baji

Nice review. The tiguan looks quite good in that colour. But those options are quite expensive.

Matt, what was the real world fuel consumption in the tiguan? 1700kgs isn’t light, and is about almost the same weight as the Mazda CX-7 – which suffers from quite poor fuel economy.

If you have driven the CX-7, how does the tiguan compare?

ryan

the tiguan i way better

ryan

is way better

VW Freak

Matt Brogan says:

“Not that this is an issue, for the Tiguan also features Volkswagen’s much-loved DSG six-speed gearbox”

Matt, this is incorrect. The DSG box is not available in the Tiguan (any variant, that is). The gearbox in the 147TSI is a conventional 6 speed automatic (i.e. with torque converter, valve body etc.). Surely you would’ve noticed the more slower auto shifts?!?
riceboy

DSG i find on my GTI Golf, does have it’s limitations, like when applying light throttle trying to 3 point turn or parallel park on incline…bit jerky…but general driving or when really pushing, it’s fantastic! Full auto mode in peak hour is a godsend!
t39

I’ve had my Tiguan TDi 6sp manual for 5 months now, and am really happy with it. (if you live in town, get an auto tdi or petrol manual though). Consumption has been 6.6 litres, 50/50 mix of rural and town. (interestingly, does not grow that much in town). Consumption on Freeway is 6.0 l at 120km/h or 5.0 l at 90km/h. Dynamically Tiguan is MUCH better than CX-7. Also, quieter on freeway. I value dy

CX-7 consumes so much petrol because it downshifts its auto prior to turbo starting to spin, once you take your foot off the accelerator a little bit, CX-7 upshifts and turbo stops spinning, car stops accelerating.
http://www.caradvice.com.au David Twomey

Ooops, DSG reference was supposed to be deleted and the gearbox identified as an automatic. We’ve now corrected our sin as the Tiguan definitely has an auto ‘box.
Tim

This thing is overpriced and that options list is just ridiculous. I would MUCH rather a top spec XT Forester with sat-nav, leather, moon roof etc… Not only the price difference, but the top spec Forester looks more stylish on the standard 18′s, larger interior, better off road, unbeatable reliability and one of the best drives in the compact segment.

Saying that, the Tiguan is a great compact SUV – VW’s range is full of outstanding models!
http://www.caradvice.com.au Matt

Hi Baji,

The fuel consumption was mid 11s as an average. With a lot of city driving the worst I managed was mid 13s but on country trips the average comes down pretty quick.

I did 50:50 city/highway driving in this and I have to say it is MUCH better on fuel than the CX-7. I don’t recall the exact figures, but do recall them being in the mid to high teens.

Hope this helps and have a great Christmas,

Matt.

henryhoepker

I totally agree with the comments of the others. The advertised consumption by vw is criminal. My consumption on the open road not exceeding 130km/hr is 11.5 l/100km
In town my consumption easily exceeds 13 l/100km

Dlr1

Nearly 60K for a fully optioned model. id rather pocket 20K and live without some of those options.
http://caradvice.com.au OSU811

I agree with Tim, I would save my money and buy the better equiped cheaper, more powerful xt-p forester and spend the savings on a decent set of 18′wheels and exhaust. Plus you have the option of a proper manual transmission, and its better on fuel and probably hold its value better too..As an added bonus you get the boxer engine note with the aftermarket exhaust..
realcars

Forrester doesn’t compare to these!

Forrester is ugly for starters although thankgoodness better looking than earlier models.LOL.
BiG Dog

As predicted.
Casey

Hey good review, seems to be a nice ride though I’d probably take a Japanese variant such as an X-Trail or Forester myself, just for the sake of cheaper parts and servicing. Anyway, keep up the good work, and Happy Christmas!
Tim

So Realcars, care to elaborate on your comment of “for starters…”, what else is wrong with the Forester (apart from sub par dash materials)?

Oh, and this thing isnt a looker anyway – its Koala front end and droopy rear wont win any awards! Smart people don’t buy cars on their looks either way…
observer

Great review….would love to see a VW Tiguan 147tsi comparison with the market leader Subaru XT.
Ray Campagnolo

Is it just me, or does the Tiguan look ugly?
Harley Stone

why waste your money for a Volkswagen when i can get a Toyota ?
Need something reliable…..
AAA

Turbocharger .. 1 more thing to go wrong.

Turbocharger + Supercharger .. 2 more things to go wrong.

Larger 2.4L/2.5L/3.5L N/A engines are more reliable .. less things to go wrong and less stress on the larger engines.
The Advocate

I agree with Big Dog.
Kirium

I like the Tig (but then, I would as MkV Golf GTI owner), however, it’s off-road appeal is limited here in Oz due to VW Aus again assuming they know what everyone in Australia does and doesn’t want. Why are they refusing to offer the bumper available overseas on “Track and Field” spec vehicles that has a 28 degree angle of approach? This should be available as a no cost option with the off-road pack if they’re not going to make available a more off-road oriented model like the rest of the world get (including NZ).

Does CarAdvice have any insight as to when VW Aus might begin to offer the option of that more off-road oriented bumper?
Peter

Ya, know, the Tiguan isn’t expensive compared to the RAV4; both can run away with your wallet if you get keen on the options list. Given the ‘family car’ nature of this class, safety rating is important. My wife requires 5 star safety rating. Strike Toyota. Also environmental consideration (as distinct from low running costs)was important. Strike 2, RAV. And it drives like a Toyota, which is to say; easy, light, characterless…you’re out!

The Forester isn’t a good drive, either. Even the XL turbo. It feels heavy and floaty – underdamped in typical Subi fashion, same for the Outback (could have had a new one for $37k on the road) which is what I thought I’d be buying. The interior feels cheap; too much hard plastic and too soft seat fabric notably. Sack the sytlists, inside, and out too. I have had 3 Subie’s and will keep my 03 WRX hatch (APS tuning enginge upgrade – turbo lag gone plus Whiteline Handeling kit – understeer and float gone, ~$7k gone): So be sure I’m not prejudiced against Subaru.

The Tiguan came as a genuine suprise, nice driver feel, well damped, not too soft! Responsive and torquie and will rev enough to overcome the truck preconception of diesels, mostly. Really, really good occupant accomondation, seats (wheel fine adjust seat backs not notch index lever), space especially for baby seats. The german shepard hound might suffer, but he doesn’t hold a grudge.

We ordered a manual diesel in white with comfort pack and towbar. I hope the small ‘boot’ will not be a real problem, but nothing is ever going to satisfy the family needs, read roof boot or bike trailer…and that space saver spare? It’s comming any day now and I can’t wait.
renaldo

VW must be red faced after the embarrasing catastrophic mechanical failure that occured when the driveshaft failed and collapsed due to poor assembly during Wheels car of the year 2009 standard testing procedures.

This is serious….it’s not a bit of loose trim or a minor rattle were talking about.

I had read about dubious quality control standards and the decline of owner satisfactions on various other posts with a hint of sceptisism, but after this major breakdown I now believe the posts people say about the problems they have on their new VW.

This is an assembly quality control problem and one which wont be picked up at the expensive $2,500 pre-delivery.

Not only does the Tiguan suffer from no space saver, small boot and interior dimensions compared to class, overfirm ride, poorly calabrated abs/traction control (see offroad Tiguan test on this site) expensive pre-delivery, metallic paint and options, lardy kerb weight, poor turning circle, mandatory 98 RON on petrol variants…..here comes the cherry on the cake and POOR BUILD QUALITY…
FrugalOne

Renaldo^^

Your TRUTHFUL post will be deleted…..

Here at C/A t they are biased and never a bad word about VW Group.

Agree about the POOR QUALITY, they have increased volumes and yet the already poor quality has not kept pace.

I will NEVER buy a VW product, dont need my head screwed with!

Check this out:

w w w . myvwlemon . c o m

LOL!!

Cheers,

F-0
Golfschwein

The mechanical failure can’t be glossed over. You gotta take the tumble, just as Toyota adherents had to with the Kluger roll-over.

I didn’t gloss over the catastrophic head gasket failure and 3rd gear synchro failure of my old Toyota Camry that both occurred at 45,000 km, either.

Few cars are truly fault-free, not even my Golf. Its few faults (faulty flap in the intake manifold and dimming display lights) have not left me stranded, nor tarnished its status as the most enjoyable car I’ve owned in 26 years.
renaldo

Golfschwein-

Your honesty and transparency about the faults that you have experienced of your Golf should be respected, few others would say it as it is. If you are happy and enjoy your Golf then good on you. I’m sure their are many others who would feel the same way.

FrugalOne-

I am pleased that my post has not been deletd…What I said is factual and unfortunately for VW occured in the presence of Australias most prestigious motoring award (Wheels) but something that serious will stick in buyers minds for some time.

I checked out that website you posted http://www.myvwlemon.com and I am truly astonished….I suspect these VW were assembled in Mexico or somewhere in trhe USA?
AndrewL

I also checked out the myvwlemon website and noticed that there are no complaints about Tiguans on there. So I think that it is a bit misleading to mention it in a Tiguan review article!
observer

Probably still early days before any Tiguans pop up on myvwlemon, but the North Amaerican market did issue a recall for them last year.
disco

Hmmm – im on the market for a 4wd/awd crossover type. Does anyone know how this compares with the Nissan Murano?
Carl Mc, Taree

I wish reviewers stop treating readers as imbeciles for not knowing all the sub-titles of capitals: ABS, EBA,EBD,ESP, and now this new beaut, LCT Zone.

How about an index, what the hell is an LCT Zone? The reviewers private personel dictionary. Why not just speak plain English, so if any interested ppl may read your review, they can at least understand what your talking about.
Chewbacca

LCT stands for Luxury Car Tax which is what you would pay for say a Lexus RX350 which is what I have.

ryan

buy a tiguan so fun offroad

sambuca

Does anyone have any comments on the Sunroof?
In Queensland – Oz, summer can reach 40deg C with a skin ripping sunlight.
Thank you
Shaun H

Sambucca I have a second hand 320d that came with a sunroof and a diesel manual Tiguan from new. The sunroof is rarely used in summer as it’s too hot in summer to have open and at present it’s used in flip up or tilt mode with no AC on. The Tiguan has a huge sunroof and in my opinion is a waste of money and would be better spent on leather seats etc or an auto box PS iI live in Mackay

ryan

most do have leather seats the sunroof comes in handyon warm days.

leonardo santos

Poderia para 2010 ter a Tiguan r 2.5 turbo (muito linda). É um espaço que ficou em aberto no mercado automobilistico mundial a ser preenchido pela VW. Creio que o Srocco e o new beetle tambem poderiam ter o mesmo tipo de motorização 2.5 turbo, ampliando o leque opcionais de GTI e R no mercado europeu, americano, sul americano e até nos paises orientais, porem subestimando os concorrentes, teria velocidade final de 270 km/h, varrendo pra sempre os competidores do mercado automobilistico do mundo. A WV vai vender muito seus carros e dominar o mundo.
leonardo santos

Poderia para 2010 ter a Tiguan r 2.5 turbo (muito linda). É um espaço que ficou em aberto no mercado automobilistico mundial a ser preenchido pela VW. Creio que o Srocco e o new beetle tambem poderiam ter o mesmo tipo de motorização, ampliando o leque opcionais de GTI e R no mercado europeu, americano, sul americano e até nos paises orientais, porem substimando os concorrentes, teria velocidade final de 270 km/h, varrendo pra sempre os competidores do mercado automobilistico do mundo. A Vw vai vender muito seus carros e dominar o mundo.
Adi

Hi I own a TDI Tiguan 2009 with a panoramic sunroof.Rattles on the left hand side in the tilted position.Rattle is worse with higher ambient temp.Dealer says nothing can be done.Surely VW have data base of similar issues should be easy to solve??
Adi
Sambucca

Thanks for the comment on sunroof.
Shaun and Adi.
Those are my main concerns.
Stuart

I have owned lots of cars, the latest one a Golf R32 DSG that I’ve had for nearly 3 years without any problems at all… unlike other cars I have had, namely an Alfa 147 Selespeed.

I have driven the Tiguan 147 (*shudder* that name!) and compared it to other “soft roaders” and it is a great car… only negatives seem to be boot space. It stacks up excellently against similar class cars like Freelander 2 and Q5. Sure, there are cheaper options, like the CRV I also drove, but this is a great middle of the road car with good value for money and great performance. I will likely be getting one for the wife. Yes, this is not a serious off-roader – but I will be happily driving it on the odd camping trip no worries and with 5 star NCAP and car like handling, I won’t be worried when the wife hits the busy city streets!

Agree with Shaun H – I would not pay for the sunroof extra… waste of money. Barely use the one in my current car. Tiguan only has a net to close out sun – perhaps you would need to tint very dark?? Probably fine for Europe, but not OZ.

FrugalOne – On that VW Lemon website… had a quick look, and the majority of issues are with older cars (looked at Golf). “I just got a new Golf… ” second hand, 6 years old etc. “Let the buyer beware”. Before you buy ANY second hand car, get it checked properly. Also, if you are going to be selling one of the most popular cars brands in the world, of course there will be some problems when humans are involved in design, engineering, production, servicing and yes, driving! To say that VW’s are now all unreliable is laughable!!

Case in point – Just check out these buyers of the last Wheels COTY – Honda Accord:
http://www.wheelsmag.com.au/wheels/site/articleIDs/95E4BCB0DB0AEBC5CA257544001C6397

Are all Honda’s unreliable now??
Rob

You must keep in mind that a volkswagen will last a life time but only if you look after it and service it when required, alot of munters seem to think they are “unreliable” but often the case is they have no mechanical sympathy and wouldn’t know where to find a sump plug. I myself have a vw and its ticked well over 200,000 miles without to much trouble. it all comes down to a prefrence thing i guess. I would rather have a tiguan than an subaru but thats just me.
spud

I have recently bought a second hand 125 tiguan with auto box,leather,comfort pack and sat nav with rvc. Very impressed to date. Its quick enough, accelerates briskly and will get you past trucks easily. Fuel economys decent…8.6 on a run..will run equally well on 95 ron. Its a very stylish car and gets lots of admirers (wild cherry mettalic paint.Great to drive and have a bit of fun with. I did test drive honda crv, x-trail, outlander and subaru….tig better than them all. Quality car. Understand you can chip them for a reasonable $1500 and unleash extra power too !