In the midst of complicated range decisions between thermal and electric, Volkswagen has taken care to refine the renewal of the Tiguan, the standard bearer of the brand’s SUVs. Upgrade successful?
Updating a flagship product is always a delicate exercise for a major automobile manufacturer, especially in the current context. Because if the majors of the sector are in the middle of complex short and long term arbitrations to finance the transition to electricity, with very irregular dynamics these days, we must ensure the cash flow… And this one is mainly ensured by sales of good old thermal cars, flow vehicles with a global vocation.
And the issue is particularly sensitive for Volkswagen, which is going through a difficult time. Drop of more than 20% in net profit in the 1st quarter, a real downturn in the outlook for the electrical segment after several quarters of strong growth… And ID models which are struggling to establish themselves in an increasingly competitive market. And just like Ford or others, the temptation is great these days to take note of this, to strengthen ourselves in particular on hybrids and continue to develop thermal engines that are less and less polluting, while waiting for new dynamics to emerge. almost reliable appear on the 100% electric, the real valuation of which remains decidedly too complex to evaluate at the moment.
This is why Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car seller by volume, needed to upgrade its successful models. And clearly the Tiguan was a priority. A true bestseller for the brand, the only real competitor to the Toyota Rav4, 500,000 copies were sold around the world last year, and Volkswagen has sold almost 8 million since its release in 2007. This shows its upgrade was eagerly awaited.
The good point: a good large traditional SUV
And now Volkswagen is playing the safe bet card. If Peugeot, Toyota or even Renault seek innovation, lean towards crossovers and SUV coupes, the Tiguan 2024 is ultimately the most… “Tiguan” of all generations combined. A real good big classic SUV, with a massive look and generous interior space. So much so that even if the dimensions remain similar to those of the previous generation, at 4.54 meters long, it seems visually more imposing. Despite everything, the shapes are a little more aerodynamic (the CX goes from 0.33 to 0.28), a little softer, and the new Tiguan incorporates visual and optical signatures reminiscent of the electric ID models. In summary, a large classic SUV, which also does not forget to be in tune with the times.
The interior has been redesigned both in terms of organization and ergonomics, resulting in a real impression of space, brightness and improved comfort compared to the previous generation. The interior is very sober, very well finished with quality plastics and leather, precise displays, ambient lights and successful visual signatures.
A large central screen, very fashionable, brings together infotainment and the main on-board functions, and manages to be visually attractive and rather practical to use, without necessarily being intrusive. A good balance and a real feat as this type of displays tends to invade more and more modern interiors.
The seats, with firm comfort, are spacious, pleasant and well finished. And even if the middle rear passenger will be the worst off of the lot, the place reserved for him is already a little more passable than on previous vintages, definitely an equation difficult to solve for many manufacturers, despite the strictly family vocation. of this type of machine. As for the trunk, its volume is a clear improvement compared to the previous generation, +40 liters to 652.
We also like: pleasant and sober driving
On the engine side, the version tested is equipped with a 4-cylinder turbo 1500 cm3 eTSI, that is to say supported by a micro-hybridization with battery and alternator-starter on 48 volts. With 150 horsepower on the bench and a 7-speed DSG gearbox, there is no problem moving this SUV with flexibility and dynamism, which remains relatively light at 1.6 tonnes.
Single-wheel drive, the Tiguan can count on a comfortable torque of 250Nm (of which 56 are to be credited to electrification), and delivers quiet performance, very appropriate for such a machine. Little noise in normal and eco modes, it runs most of the time at low revs, and even deactivates two of its cylinders during certain driving phases in the interest of economy. The steering, geared down just enough, is precise and ensures good maneuverability, and the suspensions are not too soft, which ensures a truly smooth driving experience.
Very enriched in technologies, this Tiguan 2024 has the classic range of driving aids (lane crossing alerts, steering assistance, reading signs, etc.), some of which are very pleasant to use, in particular the assistance connected to the front telemeter, which allows anticipation of braking, while also contributing to recharging the battery.
In the end, consumption is reasonable without being exceptional, a little below 7l/100 in the city, and around 8 on the motorway depending on the driving modes chosen (WLTP standards given at 6.3 to 6.8 ). Whether for rather short urban trips or for road trips, the Tiguan 2024 is quite impeccable.
The downside: not simple ergonomics
A few details will still make one cringe. In particular the brand new ergonomics which will perhaps confuse those accustomed to previous Volkswagen models, with the grouping of many functions at once on a single comodo…
As well as annoying on-board systems, including sign reading and lane keeping alert and assist, which require somewhat forbidding deactivation via the central screen. Finally, the DSG box remains abrupt, particularly in the start-up phase, as we observed in particular during the test of the Taigo SUV coupe.
But at what cost? The bill is steep
Finally, unsurprisingly, the final score is steep, especially in the face of competition. It has always been, but the prices are increasing again with this 2024 version. Our 150 horsepower eTSI test version is only available in the R-Line and Elegance versions, both of which cost around 50,000 euros. Certainly, the basic version of 130 horsepower is billed at 39,450 euros, but clearly the bill goes up depending on the finishes, engines and options.
So yes the rating is not really given. But honestly, we are clearly dealing with the best European SUV overall, with a best-seller status that is anything but usurped.
Whether you love or hate SUVs, the Tiguan is undoubtedly the best in the field at this level of the range, in terms of skills, driving experience and build quality. The King of Europe of SUVs remains the King, and for a long time without a doubt.
Our model on test: Volkswagen Tiguan eTSI 150 Elegance, priced at 49,900 euros, with a penalty of 1,276 euros (143g CO2/km)
