Vehicle: 2009 VW Tiguan Comfortline 4Motion
Price as tested: CDN$33975

Performance: There is only one single engine that is currently powered the Tiguan, albeit a great one. Its the 2.0 liter DOHC 16-valve 4-cylinder turbocharged, with direct fuel injection and variable valve timing technologies. It has 200 horses and 206 lb/ft of torque for driver’s disposal. As we have said before, this powertrain is the benchmark for small turbocharged motor when its comes to refinement and NVH. It got the performance of a larger 6-cylinder with the economy of a 4-cylinder. The throttle response is quick and smooth, while the low end responses of the engine is peppy. It doesn’t have the annoying trait that we used to in turbo engine, which is turbo lag. Married to this turbo 4 is the 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox. With the new software, this Tiptronic finally have much better responses to throttle input. Both the up and downshifts are quick, especially when set it into sport mode. The gear ratios for first 3 gears are low enough for eager acceleration, while the 5th and 6th are tall enough for comfortable cruising. We only wish Tiguan would come standard with VW’s astounishing DSG dual-clutch sequential gearbox, which would match its sporty character perfectly. Even with the Tiptronic, our test average of 9L/100km is excellent for a mini-ute weights in at more than 3400 pounds.

Handling: The Tiguan is based on the same chassis as Golf and Jetta, so its a given for its excellent driving dynamics. The chassis is already stiff and stout without any signs of cracks and rattles. Its the same good old foundation we expect from a VW. The electric power steering is nicely weighted, with plenty of driver feedback and quick responses. Its weight increases gradually as the speed increases, even at low speed, the weight feels promising. The 4Motion on our Tiguan is the Haldex system, which is a front-drive until it detects slippage. While this is not the full-time system, it works exceptionally well even under the pouring weather. The body rolls are minimal, while the understeer is all under controlled. ESP in the Tiguan is an uninstrusive type. When we pushed the Tiguan hard and aggressive during this kind of weather, it doesn’t step in until the vehicle has rear its ugly heads. Its a very composed and entertaining package. It has to be considered as the sports car of a mini-ute. It all comes without sacificing the sublime ride comfort. It absorbs every bumps and nuts with ease, while providing a sense of suppleness from German-engineered suspension.

Brakes: With 4-wheel discs and ABS, Tiguan’s braking feel has to be considered as the best-in-class. The stopping distance is short while pedal feel is simply outstanding. I have never driven a mini-ute can have such a composure after couple of hard stops even in this kind of weather. The bonus is the ABS doesn’t kick in until absolutely necessary.

Interior: Everything else have been logically layout in the Tiguan. The instrumentation gauges are clear and analog. Stereo has placed above the climate control for great ergonomics. Knobs for both of them are large enough with glove hands. Not to mention all the world-class dash materials one expects from a VW. The cloth seats are well-foamed and provide great support. If there is only minor drawback, however, its those mickey mouse buttons for the hatch release, ESP and clock adjustment. They placed down below the center console. With their small sizes, its hard to use with gloved hand in such location.

The rear passenger area has plenty of head and legrooms. It can seat 2 comfortably but 3 in a squeeze.

When it comes to cargo space, Tiguan scores another round. The liftover is low and lots of cubbyholes for storage. Before the rear seats fold down, you got 23.8 cubic feet of cargo space. With all the seats fold down, it can get as much as 56.1 cubic feet of nicely carpeted cargo space.

You would expect the glass to open seperately from the hatch, it isn’t on the Tiguan. It should for extra versatility.

Conclusion: The Tiguan is, indeed, the game changer in the mini-ute segment. It got a great engine, wonderful driving dynamics, decent AWD system, superb brakes and very versatile. Its attractive styling is just an added bonus to the already enticing package. It has set a new benchmark in its fiercely competitive segment.

OVERALL VERDICT FOR 2009 VW Tiguan
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Performance: 5/5
Handling and ride/fun-to-drive: 5/5
Interior/ergonomics/user-friendliness: 4/5
Fit-and-finish/build quality: 5/5
Cargo/accessibility/layout: 4/5
Value-for-money: 5/5

Overall rating: 4.75/5