The sedan you know – the three box car (bonnet, body, boot) like the Jetta – has all but died. Killed by the crossover and SUV, like the Volkswagen Tiguan, which killed its sibling Jetta and almost killed the Golf.
It is almost only the smaller hatchbacks that have survived or even flourished, such as VW’s own Polo and Vivo, and Suzuki’s Swift and Baleno.
The Tiguan is a medium-sized SUV or family car competing with, among others, Haval’s Jolion and Chery’s Tiggo 8 Pro, Jaecoo and Omoda, Mazda CX-5, Toyota Rav4, Ford Territory, Kia Sportage and Peugeot 3008. That is quite a list.
To a large degree the Tiguan is the car that led the charge in South Africa, decimating the much-loved sedan since 2007. Now in its third iteration (2023), Tiguan clearly demonstrates why. With sales of over six million over its life, it became the best selling VW model in 2019.
The model I drove is the 1.4 TSI 110 kW DSG R-line. It was fitted with several extras, including 18-inch Bologna wheels, a sunroof, fancy leather seats and sound system.
The front is better looking than most family-sized SUVs. The LED light strip at the rear is quite imposing and rounds the car off nicely.
There are seven colour choices. The lines and design are not as sharp as previously, but it is still a handsome car.
The Tiguan has the usual lovely VW multi-function steering wheel and a cabin that is a cut above the rest. The seats of the car I had were the extra-cost Veranna leather seats with ventilation, massaging and heating functions, as well as power and memory adjustment and Smart Comfort entry aid, which means they slide backwards when you get out and forward after you sit down.
The Driving Experience Dial between the seats controls volume, driving modes and climate control. There is also an integrated tablet holder and many cup and bottle holders. There is a fancy ambient mood lighting system for those who deem it necessary.
The 10″ Digital Cockpit and 12.9″ MIB 4 Infotainment Radio is sharp, quick and easy to use. Fit, materials and finish in the cabin is excellent. To boot, the 652 litre boot is a decent size.
This car is easy to live with, especially if you like button-free driving. It feels well put together and planted.
Most of the nice to haves like adaptive cruise control, auto-dimming rearview mirror and lights, lane control, ABS, ESC and so forth are included.
I got about 11 ℓitres/100 km the week I had the car, in mostly town driving. VW claims 7,6 ℓitres/100 km and Cars.co.za got 8,4 ℓitres/100 km during the month they had the car. So 9 litres/100 km will be a safe estimate.
So what’s good about the Tiguan? It is a very stylish and sorted automobile. The interior is excellent, except for the lack of buttons, the exterior is very smart, handling is good and the performance fine. It will make a good family car.
Issues for me include the long list of extras to bring it to the same level as many competitors, which comes at a cost and it is more compact than much of the competition.
Pricing is as follows: R664 500, Life R716 900, R-line R781 600 to R852 600.
The slightly bigger Allspace has a third row and costs between R701 600 and R934 700 for the 4M DSG R-line.
The Tiguan R-line as tested is R881 900, includes Harnan Kardon Sound System at R20 000, Life Plus Package at R20 700, HD IQ.Lights R16 800, Panoramic sunroof at R18 000 and Varenna leather seats at R24 800, bringing the total to R100 300.
It has a five-year or 90 000 km service plan and 120 000 km distance warranty.
