2015 Volkswagen Tiguan first drive review

Volkswagen has given its Tiguan compact SUV a shot in the arm to help it defend against a raft of newer rivals.

As it has done with other refreshed variants in its range recently, the German brand has reduced the complexity of its facelifted Tiguan lineup to make it simpler for customers to pick the model that suits their needs best.

It has achieved that by maintaining the entry-level petrol models but upgrading the only diesel variant with a more powerful version and toughened up the range-topper to bring it in line with its new R-Line series of mild sports models.

All four Tiguan variants feature mildly revised exterior styling and now come fitted with Volkswagen's XDL electronic front diff to improve handling as well as a reverse parking camera, a larger multi function touch screen in the dash and a driver fatigue warning system.

The range still kicks off with the 118TSI, which is powered by a 1.4-litre twin charged petrol four cylinder and the only model available with front-wheel drive and a manual transmission, but arrives with a $500 premium over its predecessor at $28,990 plus on-road costs. A seven-speed automatic brings an additional $2500 to the sticker price.

Similarly, the 132TSI retains its 2.0-litre turbo petrol motor and all-wheel drive with DSG transmission layout and gets a marginal price increase of $600 to $36,990 plus on roads.

The biggest changes come in the 130TDI and 155TSI R-Line which have a manufacturer's list price of $39,990 and $44,990 respectively and incur increases of $1100 and $1500 over the models they replace.

In the case of the 130TDI, it uses the same 2.0-litre turbo diesel four cylinder as the previous 103TDI but it has been revised to produce an additional 27kW of power and 60Nm of torque, taking its maximum outputs to 130kW at 4200rpm and 380Nm between 1750-2500rpm.

The extra power comes without any penalties as a raft of new fuel-saving functions, such as a stop/start system and a coasting feature that disengages the gearbox when you lift off the throttle at highways speeds, drops its consumption to a claimed average to 6.2L/100km.

The 155TSI R-Line, on the other hand, has no more power from its 2.0-litre turbo petrol four cylinder - retaining its 155kW and 280Nm maximum outputs - but now better lives up to its status as a Golf GTI on stilts with the addition of a sportier body kit, 18-inch alloy wheels and three mode adaptive dampers.

The cabin ambience has also been lifted with the multi function steering wheel from the latest Golf, a leather interior with electric adjustments for the front seats and standard sat nav with a 30GB hard drive.

While the R-Line bits and bobs certainly make the Tiguan look more aggressive, the mechanical changes don't alter its driving dynamics by all that much. But then there wasn't much wrong with it before either as it already delivered a level of refinement that is still unmatched in the class.

The electronic front diff does offer a tangible improvement in traction out of corners and the adaptive dampers deliver better body control over bumps and through the bends, but only at the absolute limits of adhesion.

Even though the R-Line is positioned as the sportiest model, the upgraded diesel offers more flexibility in its character and feels just as quick thanks to its stronger surge of mid range pulling power. It is also reasonably quiet and has a willingness to rev quickly that few diesel engines possess, making it the pick of the updated range.

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 155 TSI R-Line

Price: $44,990 plus on road costs

On-sale: Now

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 155kW at 5300rpm

Torque: 280Nm at 1700rpm

Transmission: 6-spd dual-clutch auto, AWD

Consumption: 8.8L/100km

2015 Volkswagen Tiguan 130TDI

Price: $38,990 plus on road costs

On-sale: Now

Engine: 2.0-litre four cylinder turbo diesel

Power: 130kW at 4200rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 1750-2500rpm

Transmission: 6-spd dual-clutch automatic, AWD

Consumption: 6.2L/100km