No thanks to our sky-high COEs, the new Volkswagen Tiguan has gotten a little soft. But with MHEV tech, and an extensive list of features, we still think it is very good

Singapore – I still have fond memories of the previous Volkswagen Tiguan. The best of them had AWD, superb engine performance, and handling to match… it was in every sense a purpose-built softroader… or a softroader built for a purpose. I know that I am coining stuff as I go along, but whichever way, the second generation Tiguan was quite brilliant. A car which you could take to most places, on or off the beaten path. Not only did it sell the idea of adventure, it actually delivered.

But now that COEs have driven car prices to astronomical highs, it is not rocket science that car brands here have reacted. Volkswagen was fortunate the Tiguan qualified for the Category A COE bracket, since the available variant here, with its 1.5-litre turbocharged Mild-Hybrid (MHEV) engine, is tuned to produce 128hp and 220Nm.

In comparison to the car it replaces, the third-generation Tiguan boasts softened edges. Overall, it looks purposeful. But while it does not have that same wavy waistline as its rounder ID.5 GTX sibling, from the brand’s parallel EV universe, the Tiguan does ape these with fine creases over the fenders. I am however, not entirely a fan of that disgruntled “Wallace & Gromit” front end, which is the new design language Volkswagen has adopted; which you will see in the facelifted Golf.

The Interior is a mixed bag of mostly good. It is well-stacked when it comes to features, which include ventilated front seats with massage. The 15-inch ‘Discover Pro’ infotainment touchscreen, canted toward the driver, is generally easy to navigate, and boasts high resolution. The IDA voice assistant adds another layer of convenience, which helps by gaining access to some features which might seem buried, while you are driving. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are wirelessly supported, though there is one crucial feature which is missing from the car, and that is a wireless charging pad – something which has become quite common in the current spread of vehicles in the market (including in the smaller Golf). This would mean that you would cancel out the seamless convenience, if you were to want to connect your mobile device to the car, but still keep it “juiced-up”.

However, when the Tiguan was conceived, VW was on that controversial path of reducing the button count on their cars. As a consolation, the climate control buttons, together with the seat cooling, are conveniently placed at the base of the screen for easy access.

While the wheelbase is the same as its predecessor, the new Tiguan seems to be packaged a little better, as the interior does seem a tad more spacious. The new SUV’s overall length, though, has been increased by 53cm, which does translate to more cargo room. Speaking of which, the boot, at 557 litres, is 37 litres larger. The rear seats, which can slide forward (very much like its Audi Q3 cousin), add another dimension of versatility, by bringing cargo room up to 652 litres. Of-course you could still fold the 40:20:40 seats to accommodate up to 1,000 litres of cargo.

The earlier-mentioned powertrain, paired with a 7-speed DSG is by now, a very familiar sight within the group. The 1.5 MHEV engine is also found in cars like the Audi Q3, Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Škoda Octavia and in 150hp tune, the Škoda Kodiaq.

But while the powertrain is somewhat sufficient for smaller cars like the Golf, Octavia and A3, the story is a little different for the Tiguan. The SUV has a kerb weight upward of 1,600kg, so it does struggle to overtake. This can be verified by its mañana 10.6 second century sprint timing. In-fact, I have to say that the smaller B-Segment T-Cross, with its 3-cyl 1.0 litre engine; which delivers similar on-paper performance, and is actually more entertaining a drive.

However, I would believe that some of you would be unfazed by the lack of performance, since can almost hear that familiar phrase, “can tune one”.

Mediocre performance aside, where the mild-hybrid powertrain shines, is in its ability to coast with the engine off. Also, on lighter loads, it can run on just cylinders one and four, all-of-which contributes to its quite stellar fuel efficiency. As-long-as there is no heavy start-stop traffic, the engine does its best work.

I can vouch for this, as I managed 18km/L, followed by 19.2km/L. With sparse traffic, I even went as far as 20.1km/L.

But despite its lack of performance, the Tiguan does drive very well. The steering feels accurate, and well-weighted. The SUV attacks corners almost like how a Golf would… albeit being longer, softer and taller.

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If you do remember the “YES, BUT” meme, this Volkswagen Tiguan could be the automotive version of “it” –

YES, it has a new interior, with a new modern 15-inch infotainment system with voice control. 
BUT it lacks buttons, and a wireless mobile phone charger. 

YES, it has Volkswagen’s efficient 1.5-litre MHEV powertrain, with fuel-sipping tech.
BUT, it has CAT A power, and the car weighs about 1,600kg.

YES, it handles like a dream.
BUT, that engine!

So yes, it is very good in my books, but at the same time, somewhat frustrating.

Text & Photos: Clifford Chow

ProsCons
Fabulous handlingSluggish performance can be a deal breaker
Quality interiorLacks buttons
VersatileNo wireless charging pad

2024 Volkswagen Tiguan Mild Hybrid 1.5 eTSI Life Plus

DrivetrainPetrol-electric mild hybrid
Layout1,498cc, inline 4
Power / torque128hp / 220Nm
Transmission7-Speed Dual-Clutch
Efficiency14.9km/l
Fuel Capacity60 Litres
0-100km/h10.6 seconds
Top Speed198km/h
VES BandB
DealerVolkswagen Group Singapore
PriceS$219,900with COE and VES
VerdictThe Tiguan has got plenty going for it, pity the engine’s lack of power is its weakness