The Volkswagen Tiguan is the public's favorite among Volkswagens and you don't have to think long about why. It was always spacious, practical, beautiful, reliable and also drove well. All these points have been further improved in the new Tiguan (2024).
For the number freaks we have some statistics: the new Tiguan is 30 millimeters longer than its predecessor and the wheelbase remained the same. Because of the battery pack, the luggage compartment of the plug-in hybrid is somewhat smaller: 490 instead of 652 liters. In return, it has a generous range of 900 kilometers, with a maximum range of 120 kilometers purely on the electric motor.
What stands out about the Volkswagen Tiguan?
The Tiguan has been the most popular worldwide for years Volkswagen. Since its debut at the end of 2007, 7.5 million copies have been sold. 45,000 of these found a Dutch owner. It is remarkably inconspicuous and that is actually what stands out most about the Tiguan. It's also exactly what its buyers want.
There will be four versions: the 1.5 eTSI is a mild hybrid and produces 130 or 150 hp, but we tested the cheapest of the two plug-in hybrids, which has 204 hp. The more powerful Tiguan eHybrid with plug delivers 272 hp. In all cases you get a DSG dual-clutch transmission. In the eHybrid it has six gears, in the eTSI one more.
What is good about the Volkswagen Tiguan (2024)?
The Tiguan eHybrid's biggest achievement is its new 19.7 kWh battery pack; much more than the 10.4 kWh of the old Tiguan eHybrid.
This larger electric range of 120 kilometers is beneficial because of a new measurement method for plug-in hybrids, which will come into effect on January 1, 2025. The tests that determine the bpm are becoming stricter, but Volkswagen expects that the Tiguan will not have to become much more expensive due to the increased electric range. This means that the PHEV remains interesting for many buyers.
The new Tiguan charges faster than its predecessor and it supports fast charging (50 kW) for the first time. The Tiguan charges with 11 kW on a regular AC charger. Most people can do their daily traffic electrically, while the petrol engine, as if it were PSV hero Romario, does little and waits for his opportunity.
Behind the wheel everything is typical Tiguan. Entry, seating position, controls, all-round view, seats: everything is right. You just have to look for the selector lever for the automatic transmission, which is now on the steering column. This means there is room in the center tunnel for two smartphones, which you can charge wirelessly.
In the back seat, two adults can stretch their legs and can also wear their headgear, from a straw hat to Peaky Blinders-cap. The ErgoActive front seats with massage and ventilation and the adaptive suspension (optional or standard depending on the version) complete the perfect picture of a comfortable travel vehicle.
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What could be improved about the Volkswagen Tiguan?
It is critical in the margins, but we miss a raw edge. The Tiguan stays within the lines, like all Volkswagen all-rounders. You may have to get used to the design, with an (optional) glass 'grille' in the form of a continuous light stripe between the headlights. The real grille is in the bumper and is large. The rear light units are part of a gigantic light bar. It seems like this time the car has been designed a little more with the tastes of the Asian car buyer in mind.
Although the wind tunnel also had an influence on the design; the Cd value fell from 0.33 to 0.28, which is favorable for consumption. And so our complaints list is very short. If you're looking for excitement, don't buy a Tiguan. But anyone who just wants a good, solid car will be happy every day in their ErgoAcive seat.
When will the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid be available at the dealer and what is the price?
The new Tiguan will be available at Dutch Volkswagen dealers from the end of March. The base price is 46,990 euros (1.5 eTSI, 130 hp). The Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid with 204 hp that we drive costs 50,990 euros. The top model is the 272 hp eHybrid R-Line Business, with a price of 55,990 euros. Diesels are not for sale in the Netherlands, in Belgium the 2.0 TDI with 150 hp is still in the price list.
What do I think of the Volkswagen Tiguan eHybrid?
The Tiguan is both spectacular and unspectacular. The fact that Volkswagen has improved a spacious, comfortable and reliable all-rounder in all areas is a fine example of craftsmanship. So much impeccability also makes us long for a very small blemish. Fortunately, not all cars are that good, otherwise our work would be a lot more boring.
You can read the full driving impression in Auto Review 4, which will be available in stores on March 19. Look for our affordable offers in the shop van Auto Review.