Within the trendy period, automobiles maintain getting greater and greater between generations. Or a minimum of, they’re definitely not getting smaller. That is very true in America, the place greater is all the time higher and the automobiles within the present crop of “compact” crossovers are actually almost as giant as full-size SUVs from a decade in the past. Don’t ask about curb weights, both, as extra highly effective drivetrains, together with widespread adoption of hybrid-electric elements, add vital mass, as highlighted by the brand new BMW M5 “sport sedan.”
Inside that fray, nevertheless, the brand new Volkswagen Tiguan stands aside. VW purposefully refined the third-gen Tiguan to cater higher to American shopper wants, which meant dropping the third row to create extra inside quantity for the entrance and rear seats. The wheelbase nonetheless measures the identical size at 109.9 inches (2,791 mm), however shorter overhangs imply the general size really shrinks by almost two inches. But extra environment friendly packaging on the within additionally leads to a marginal passenger quantity improve of about two p.c.
To assist maintain pricing engaging at beneath $30,000 to start out, VW additionally determined to skip out on a hybrid variant, however the brand new EA888evo5 2.0 L turbocharged-four nonetheless delivers extra energy and improved gas economic system. And all the above really contributes to the Tiguan reducing weight whereas evolving from the second to 3rd era, shaving about 160 lbs (72.5 kg), relying on trim.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
There’s some ID.4 in right here, but additionally an enormous serving to of generic.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
Michael Teo Van Runkle
19-inch wheels and tallish sidewalls helped the trip and dealing with.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
Michael Teo Van Runkle
The venerable EA888 engine.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
19-inch wheels and tallish sidewalls helped the trip and dealing with.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
The venerable EA888 engine.
Michael Teo Van Runkle
Generic outdoors, nice inside
Volkswagen USA not too long ago invited Ars to hitch a wet check drive of the Tiguan’s SE and SEL R-Life trims in Bozeman, Montana. At first look, the brand new exterior positively hews extra carefully to present crossover traits, which the Tiguan arguably helped to inaugurate again within the late-2000s. There’s additionally a wholesome dose of Volkswagen ID.4 design language all through, particularly on the nostril. The inside really steps as much as a brand new stage, although. I began out in an almost-base Tiguan SE, which suggests front-wheel drive and minimal choices, not even onboard navigation.
Like most patrons, although, I related my iPhone by way of Wi-fi CarPlay, which successfully makes onboard nav out of date. And the SE’s 12.9-inch touchscreen atop the sprint gives all the required tech, as premium supplies all through clearly prioritize touchpoints to boost the impression of high quality.
