Author Topic: Test Drive: 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan Highline (Read 2137 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** February 10, 2012, 03:05:24 am »

Though pricey for its class, the refreshed 2012 Tiguan has a certain appeal that distinguishes it from other compact SUVs.

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Juke1 · « **Reply #1 on:** February 10, 2012, 05:49:35 am »

I dig VW grills anymore, even if they are simple in design they look good.

sailor723 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 10, 2012, 06:05:26 am »

Seems like this vehicle is kind of awkwardly positioned in the market. Nice but,too small and too expensive for it's class.

Jaeger · « **Reply #3 on:** February 10, 2012, 07:09:39 am »

Very cramped inside, and next to zero cargo capacity.

Jaeger

lebowski · « **Reply #4 on:** February 10, 2012, 08:11:27 am »

I've always liked the idea of buying a used one of these and outfitting it with some big, gnarly off-road tires, to mitigate the cute-ute image.

aaronk · « **Reply #5 on:** February 10, 2012, 09:06:27 am »

We looked at a Tiguan before buying our Santa Fe, but the value equation just wasn't there for us. In base trim makes a little bit of sense, but even then it's a stretch. I guess for those wanting a tall(er) VW with AWD it may be the only option - I think an AWD Golf Wagon wold make more sense, as it actually has more cargo capacity than the Tiguan, but that doesn't exist. It must have to do with brand loyalty, because there are other vehicles that do it better for less.

OliverD · « **Reply #6 on:** February 10, 2012, 09:11:47 am »

The comparison to the Q5 is a bit unfair, considering you are comparing loaded vs base. The $41k Q5 doesn't have a sunroof, HIDs, navigation, rearview camera, etc. A comparably equipped Q5 is $52k or so.

JohnnyMac · « **Reply #7 on:** February 10, 2012, 09:59:04 am »

Quote from: aaronk on February 10, 2012, 09:06:27 am

We looked at a Tiguan before buying our Santa Fe, but the value equation just wasn't there for us. In base trim makes a little bit of sense, but even then it's a stretch. I guess for those wanting a tall(er) VW with AWD it may be the only option - I think an AWD Golf Wagon wold make more sense, as it actually has more cargo capacity than the Tiguan, but that doesn't exist. It must have to do with brand loyalty, because there are other vehicles that do it better for less.

Yeah we looked at the Tiguan before buying our Santa Fe as well. I really like VW's for their driving dynamics and simple/classy interior. The problem I found was that it was truly a compact SUV, the back seats didn't offer much room and the cargo capacity wasn't good at all. What really stood out to me was the handling was above par for an SUV, the nice interior, and the best panoramic sun roof I've ever seen. The price was too high for me to justify getting one and therefore got a fully loader Santa Fe instead. It will be interesting to see the next version as it will be americanized, which means it will be bigger and offer a cheaper trim with a small engine is my guess. I just think if you're considering this vehicle in the higher trim level I'd be looking at something like the BMW X1 or the Mini SUV. Both would offer the driving dynamics and similar space/size but a bit more precieved luxury and I'm guessing better resale value.

SaskSpecV · « **Reply #8 on:** February 10, 2012, 11:27:12 am »

"An argument could be made that the Tiguan is overpriced for what it is, but like the Touareg and GTI, it has a certain appeal that transcends price. It’s something to do with the design, the perception of quality, and the driving experience – qualities that Volkswagens have and other vehicles do not."

Wow, Greg, could you come up with a more crass generalization to end your article? VWs are fine-driving vehicles no doubt, I've quite enjoyed my (limited) time with them. But "other vehicles" do not have "design", "perception of quality" (notice you didn't say reliability...), and a positive "driving experience"? WTF? You can say the Tiguan is an appealing vehicle, fine. But "other vehicles" don't have these attributes as well?

BTW, I really like the look (style) of those wheels - but methinks 19" is just crazy on a cute-ute. For my tastes, 18" is max for a vehicle this size, and even 17" would fill in the wheel wells. But I guess if you want someone to drop 44K on this vehicle, it damn well better look "special"...

bombastic · « **Reply #9 on:** February 10, 2012, 11:41:54 am »

JohnyMac "I just think if you're considering this vehicle in the higher trim level I'd be looking at something like the BMW X1 or the Mini SUV. Both would offer the driving dynamics and similar space/size but a bit more precieved luxury and I'm guessing better resale value." - regarding resale value the highest trim levels in ANY car is the one that depreciates the most. And is not only VW that is plagued by this issue.

Jaeger
"Very cramped inside, and next to zero cargo capacity." - you are certainly wrong. I do own a 2009 Tiguan and the interior space is a marvel. Yes, it is smaller size wise than many other. But the layout makes it quite comfortable for passengers. I am easily fitting my 3 kids on the 2 row with a car seat and a booster seat. Cargo space is more than adequate 95% of time.

Fobroader · « **Reply #10 on:** February 10, 2012, 11:55:54 am »

I cant believe that this thing is $40K+....

For an oversized (slightly) golf, I dont know, I could see the smart money being spent somewhere else where you would get a decent sized cute-ute for the same price. I couldnt imagine dropping that much money on this when I know that Kia and Hyundai are making something better.

Jaeger · « **Reply #11 on:** February 10, 2012, 12:04:50 pm »

Quote from: bombastic on February 10, 2012, 11:41:54 am

Jaeger
"Very cramped inside, and next to zero cargo capacity." - you are certainly wrong. I do own a 2009 Tiguan and the interior space is a marvel. Yes, it is smaller size wise than many other. But the layout makes it quite comfortable for passengers. I am easily fitting my 3 kids on the 2 row with a car seat and a booster seat. Cargo space is more than adequate 95% of time.

Because I have a different perception than you, I'm "wrong"? Too funny. Almost as funny as describing the interior space of the Tiguan as a "marvel". I was shopping for one with a buddy of mine who wanted a small CUV and definitely wanted the Tiguan. He was pretty much in love with the thing. But he has two kids, and (correctly) concluded that it would be completely inadequate for his people and cargo needs. I remember when we looked at the cargo space with the rear seats up, and his comment was "Yougottebekiddingme". He bought a Rav4 and is very happy.

I sat "behind myself" in the Tiguan, and all I can say is I sure wouldn't want to ride there for very long. And I definitely wouldn't want to try to get my regular golfing threesome with clubs around in that thing - something that most compact sedans manage quite easily (one of our group has a previous gen Civic). I'd be surprised if the Tiguan has much if any more interior space as my wife's subcompact Fit.

Jaeger

Vmango · « **Reply #12 on:** February 10, 2012, 12:21:08 pm »

Yes, I took a brief look at this recently too. The thing I said at the time to my wife is that this would be a perfect car for her if we were never going to have kids. It really is very small.

Nice, but small. When you want to get your wife a golf but she wants to sit up high - this is the answer ;-)

JohnnyMac · « **Reply #13 on:** February 10, 2012, 12:25:22 pm »

Quote from: bombastic on February 10, 2012, 11:41:54 am

JohnyMac "I just think if you're considering this vehicle in the higher trim level I'd be looking at something like the BMW X1 or the Mini SUV. Both would offer the driving dynamics and similar space/size but a bit more precieved luxury and I'm guessing better resale value." - regarding resale value the highest trim levels in ANY car is the one that depreciates the most. And is not only VW that is plagued by this issue.

Jaeger
"Very cramped inside, and next to zero cargo capacity." - you are certainly wrong. I do own a 2009 Tiguan and the interior space is a marvel. Yes, it is smaller size wise than many other. But the layout makes it quite comfortable for passengers. I am easily fitting my 3 kids on the 2 row with a car seat and a booster seat. Cargo space is more than adequate 95% of time.

Sorry for the over the top negative comment. What I should have said is that the front passanger space is good and competitive, the second row is cramped compared to competition, and the cargo capacity is poor. In reality the vehicle would have worked for us too, with us not having kids and only one medium breed dog. But I couldn't justify the price, the few times we do have passangers would suffer a bit in the second row as both me and my wife sit far back, and the times I load up the vehicle for a trip I would be looking at what I didn't need to take. Then you add in the lack of power compared to the Santa Fe, Rav4/Venza V6 and it was a no brainer for us.

Jaeger · « **Reply #14 on:** February 10, 2012, 12:28:24 pm »

Quote from: Vmango on February 10, 2012, 12:21:08 pm

Yes, I took a brief look at this recently too. The thing I said at the time to my wife is that this would be a perfect car for her if we were never going to have kids. It really is very small.

Nice, but small. When you want to get your wife a golf but she wants to sit up high - this is the answer ;-)

Agreed.

Jaeger

aaronk · « **Reply #15 on:** February 10, 2012, 02:00:42 pm »

I would classify this as kind of a fashion SUV. The value equation really isn't there when compared to other vehicles, similar to designer clothing, but it costs a lot and looks great. I can see this being popular in a city environment, especially for professional young couples. The smaller size would be a big advantage, as would lower gas consumption, and it still looks good parked next to more expensive vehicles.

tortoise · « **Reply #16 on:** February 10, 2012, 02:12:52 pm »

Whenever I see a Tiguan I can't help but consider how much more fun a GTI would be, while offering more or less the same amount of space. For the same price (or cheaper).

Solstice2006 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 10, 2012, 02:24:42 pm »

It seems we pretty much all agree on this Tiguan, drives nice, nice interior, good front room, below average 2nd row room, and poor cargo room. I also agree having 19" tires is not right in this segment, the cost to change them is crazy, just like with the Venza! It is overpriced for its segment, which is proven why we don't see any. It has been around for over 4 years, and I see less than 1 a week in Burlington, I see more Touaregs!

I also think it's stupid that you can't get the TDI in the Tiguan, but you can get it in the Golf/Golf Wagon, but with the Golf you can't get the 4motion.

I would like to see a Mazda CX-5 (another company that offers driving dynamics besides VW) vs VW Tiguan, and would probably sell $3-4k cheaper, but offer similar performance, with better utility.

bombastic · « **Reply #18 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:09:32 pm »

Jaeger
"Very cramped inside, and next to zero cargo capacity." - you are certainly wrong. I do own a 2009 Tiguan and the interior space is a marvel. Yes, it is smaller size wise than many other. But the layout makes it quite comfortable for passengers. I am easily fitting my 3 kids on the 2 row with a car seat and a booster seat. Cargo space is more than adequate 95% of time.

Because I have a different perception than you, I'm "wrong"? Too funny. Almost as funny as describing the interior space of the Tiguan as a "marvel". I was shopping for one with a buddy of mine who wanted a small CUV and definitely wanted the Tiguan. He was pretty much in love with the thing. But he has two kids, and (correctly) concluded that it would be completely inadequate for his people and cargo needs. I remember when we looked at the cargo space with the rear seats up, and his comment was "Yougottebekiddingme". He bought a Rav4 and is very happy.
So you are OK when you describe the cargo space next to zero, however when you hear a different opinion you conder it funny. Since you don't own one your perception of the car is just that, perception. The reality is somewhere else. And I'm always against this funny stories "friend of mine wahted to buy A but bought B and is very happy". Just condifer how much happier he COULD be if he bought what he wanted in the first place. Perhaps hi didn't get the Tiguan because he went shoping with you?

Jaeger · « **Reply #19 on:** February 10, 2012, 03:20:41 pm »

Quote from: bombastic on February 10, 2012, 03:09:32 pm

So you are OK when you describe the cargo space next to zero, however when you hear a different opinion you conder it funny. Since you don't own one your perception of the car is just that, perception. The reality is somewhere else. And I'm always against this funny stories "friend of mine wahted to buy A but bought B and is very happy". Just condifer how much happier he COULD be if he bought what he wanted in the first place. Perhaps hi didn't get the Tiguan because he went shoping with you?

Right. So only owners can hold a "real" opinion on the relative spaciousness of the car? Ooooookay then. I'm sure you'll be confining your opinions to the Tiguan and no other cars going forward, right?

My friend did buy what he wanted, and that's why he is happy. He thought he wanted a Tiguan, because he thought that along with the nice interior, nice exterior and nice drive, he'd get interior space comparable to, say a Honda CR-V. When he found out that the interior space was closer to that of a Honda Fit, he decided it wasn't enough for space for him and his family as their primary vehicle. That is to say, when he found out the Tiguan wasn't what he thought it was, he didn't want it anymore. Follow?

BTW - why are you jumping down my throat - more than a few others have expressed the "wrong" opinion that this car is real small inside. I have yet to see anyone here or in any review of the Tiguan endorse your description of the interior space as a "marvel". And yes, I think that description, as measured against reality, is pretty funny.