Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TSI DSG Elegance Review: More Formal, Less Power, Still Brilliant

What we like:

Honest to goodness to drive

great packaging means plenty of space all round. Build quality is excellent too

as is refinement.

What we dislike:

Engine feels a little bland despite being effective. Ride could get a little unsettled

no hybrid tech.

The updated Tiguan you see in this review, launched in October last year, features a redesigned front end which, to my eyes, looks less aggressive than before. It’s like the car ditched its leather jacket for a suit and tie. Overall, it’s still a very handsome SUV, but some of the chunky, hunkered down stance has been lost.

Dig a little deeper into the spec sheet and the updated 2.0 TSI now produces 30 PS and 30 Nm less than before, due to emissions regulations not just in Singapore but worldwide. Honestly, the power deficit isn’t really that noticeable for everyday driving, but it definitely feels more like a workhorse motor than the GTI powerhouse that it was. The exhaust note is also far more subdued which no doubt creates that impression further.

It’s a pity then that even with the detune, fuel consumption remains average rather than good. In this day and age when we are far more conscious about fuel prices, the 2.0 TSI seems to sip a little too much, yielding an average of 12.1 L/100km during the test drive. There is no mild hybrid technology available, too.

At least some of it is attributed to the 4Motion AWD system, which incorporates Electronic Differential Lock (XDS), ASR (Traction Control), and EDTC (Engine Drag Torque Control). A central control unit monitors conditions real-time. Certainly, there is no lack of grip on the tarmac, and we would be curious to see how the car performs off-road. There are driving modes for just about every road condition one would face, so the Tiguan isn’t just a softie SUV.

The interior gets an uplift this time, and an enhanced MIB3 looks sharper to use. It’s a great system that manages to escape a lot of the ergonomic missteps of the Mk8 Golf, so no complaints here. The climate control functions have gone touch sensitive though, and while some may not like it, it worked perfectly fine for me.

The panoramic roof remains a huge selling point for families, as is the tremendous space for all passengers and a large boot. For Singapore, the Tiguan is just about perfectly sized.

It’s also wieldly enough to drive quickly without feeling like a boat as some SUVs do. The suspension is mostly comfortable with occasional firmness over high frequency bumps.

Overall it’s a remarkably appealing car for the family and every member of mine could attest how perfect it was over the LNY holidays. Looks like I’m destined to buy an SUV next, perhaps even a Tiguan…

Credits: Text by James Wong; Photos by Horizon Drivers' Club