2011 Volkswagen Tiguan Review
Price
RM249,888
Installment
RM2,383/mth
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan at a glance
Enjoyable to drive, comfortable to be seated in, and solidly made in typical Volkswagen manner, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan oozes class and should win many hearts over—just try to look past the unflattering name.
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan quick specs
| Body Style | SUV |
| Class | Mid-size Luxury Utility |
| Assembled | - |
| Engine Range | - |
| Fuel Options | - |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
2011 Volkswagen Tiguan ratings (overall rating : 4/5.0)
| Styling | |
| Handling | |
| Comfort | |
| Quality + Reliability | |
| Performance |
| Roominess | |
| Running Costs | |
| Value for Money | |
| Equipment | |
| Environment |
Styling
Does the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan look familiar? No surprise if it does. Positioned as a mid-size SUV, the Volkswagen Tiguan takes after bigger brother Volkswagen Touareg. The scaled-down Touareg looks are not the most eye-catching or stylish, but are muscular and purposeful as SUVs should be.
Handling
Like many SUVs today, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is more at home on-road than off-road. Built on a chassis with suspension derived from the Volkswagen Golf and Volkswagen Passat respectively, the Volkswagen Tiguan drives very well. Controlled body movements, relatively high grip levels, and a nimble feel provide for an enjoyable drive around bends. Much credit has to go to the steering which is well-weighted and accurate. The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan's off-road repertoire includes the 4MOTION permanent all-wheel drive system and its 28° approach angle.
Comfort
Compliant over most road surfaces and quiet on the highways, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is as comfortable and refined as SUVs in this price range are. In typical Volkswagen manner, everything from the major controls to the buttons and switches are optimally placed. Seating and steering adjustments are comprehensive, too. The visibility out front is good, thanks to the SUV height, but the rear visibility is hindered by the small rear window and thick pillars.
Quality + Reliability
Like Toyota, Volkswagen produces quality cars consistently, and that holds true for one of their higher-end models. The fit-and-finish are impressive throughout and materials used are high-grade and mostly soft-to-the-touch. Overall, the cabin feels upmarket and classy. Given Volkswagen's reliability track record, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan's mechanicals should run without problems for years to come.
Performance
With an in-line four-cylinder turbocharged direct injection 2.0-litre TSI engine under the bonnet, mated to a six-speed automatic gearbox with Tiptronic, the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan performs strongly on the roads. Despite the Volkswagen Tiguan's substantial weight, the 197 bhp and 280 Nm translates into plenty of pace, as shown by the 8.5 seconds to complete the century sprint. Adding to the overall drivetrain refinement are the crisp and smooth gear-changes.
Roominess
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan, like many SUVs in its class, is spacious for four and only adequate for five. Both front and rear rows provide excellent head- and leg-room. The 395-litre boot is decent in size, and can be expanded via the split-folding rear seats, which can also slide fore and aft. Storage compartments and cubby holes are thoughtfully placed, too.
Running Costs
Considering the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan's heft and the performance available on tap, the fuel economy of 10.1 km/litre becomes very good. Servicing and repair costs are no higher than premium rivals'. Volkswagen models such as the Tiguan charge a premium when you buy them, but also hold on to values well when you sell them.
Value for Money
If you like bigger brother Volkswagen Touareg, there is a high chance you will feel the same way about the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan. Enjoyable to drive, comfortable to be seated in, and solidly made in typical Volkswagen manner, the Touareg-looking Tiguan should win many hearts over. Its closest rival in Malaysia, the Land Rover Freelander 2, has the edge in off-roading ability, but is less entertaining on-road and costs more.
Equipment
The 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan is packed with equipment, including 2-zone “Climatronic” air conditioning, cruise control, electronic parking brake, leather multi-function steering wheel, Parallel parking assistant and Park Pilot, 6-disc CD/MP3/radio player with 8 speakers, rain sensor, fog lights, roof rails, bi-xenon headlights, powered side mirrors, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, and electrically adjustable driver's seat. Safety features include a full set of airbags and Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) among other electronic aids.
Environment
Carbon dioxide emissions of 234 grams/km is not good news for the environment. But taking into account the 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan's heft and the performance available on tap, the emissions and fuel economy are commendable. That said, environmentalists should stick to small hatchbacks and sedans, which are “greener” by some distance.
Live Life Drive Verdict
Enjoyable to drive
Comfortable and refined
Classy cabin
Unflattering name
Hindered rear visibility
Expensive in the absolute sense
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