Unsung Hero: Volkswagen Tiguan

Every morning, I get ready for work with the headline news playing in the background; and each day the anchor announces that there has been yet another price increase with...yes, you guessed it, gasoline. It seems that the entire nation has fuel on their minds, and obviously we here at the Checkered Blog have been thinking about it too. We spent all week featuring several vehicles that not only deliver exceptional fuel efficiency, but also performance and quality. The Unsung Hero for today, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a perfect addition to the group.

The Tiguan is the first compact SUV from Volkswagen. If you are wondering about the unique name, just think a cross between a Tiger and Iguana. The Tiguan just made its appearance at Checkered Flag Volkswagen about a month ago. I spoke with Dmitry Goulik, a sales consultant there, and he says prior to receiving them, the Tiguan had generated a ton of interest. The Tiguan carries a strong family resemblance to its older and bigger brother the VW Touareg. Dmitry says people who love the Touareg, but are looking for something smaller, will not be disappointed by its miniature sibling.

There is a lot to talk about on the Tiguan, but let us begin with what most of you are probably curious to know...gas mileage. The Tiguan has a 2.0 liter, 4-cylinder turbocharged direct injection engine. Direct injection allows for less waste and lag time, giving you better fuel efficiency. With the Tiguan you are looking at 25 miles on the highway, and 18 city. It will get you about 425 miles to a tank of gas (the tank size is 17 gallons).

Three trim choices are available on the Tiguan: S, SE, and SEL. Dmitry introduced me to the SE and honestly, I was tempted to drive off in one of my own. But with delusions set aside, I took a closer look at the Tiguan, and Volkswagen designers have done themselves proud. The body features an attractive front grille. Designers also gave the Tiguan an extended lower door sill, making the vehicle easier for drivers and passengers to get in and out. For someone of my short stature this is a big plus! Equally-impressive is the interior. I first noticed the cleanly tailored seats, which are incredibly comfy. To indulge us further, the driver and front passenger seats have adjustable lumbar support that contour to the shape of your back. Talk about comfort. Dmitry says the rear seats can be folded down or slid forward, to increase the cargo area or create more leg room.

Volkswagen offers what they call the Prevent and Preserve Safety System on the Tiguan. This includes: dual front and side airbags; side curtain protection; Lower Anchors and Tethers for Children (LATCH); ASR and EBA (which helps improves handling and prevents skidding); and Electronic Stability Control (ESP). (FYI: The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration mandates electronic stability control on all vehicles by 2012; VW is ahead of the game on this one). 4MOTION® is an option on the Tiguan; it comes in handy with hazardous driving conditions by monitoring the traction of each individual wheel and adjusts when needed.

Several different accessories and options are available on the Tiguan including: Panoramic sunroof; electronic power steering system, LED Technology; Bi-Xenon headlamp system; Barracuda Bike Holder; ski/snowboard rack deluxe; and more. For a full list visit here. 

What a great way to end the week! The Tiguan has proven itself to be one of my favorite Unsung Heroes. Take some time this weekend to see the Tiguan in person at Checkered Flag Volkswagen, 3025 Virginia Beach Boulevard, Virginia Beach or call (757) 490-1111 to speak with the Volkswagen sales team. Have a wonderful weekend and to all the dads, the Checkered Blog would like to wish you all a very Happy Fathers Day!!!

Comments

[VW Informant]

Great post! I've been working with VW to spread the word on the Tiguan throughout the blogosphere so it's always good to hear what people think of the car.