2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen's First Compact SUV: The New 2008 Model Tiguan
VW has entered the thriving Compact SUV segment in Australia for the first time with the all new Tiguan - offering the versatility and spaciousness of an SUV and the quality, style and technology of a VW.The Petrol and diesel engines are combined with 6 speed manual and automatic transmissions, and Volkswagen's latest generation 4MOTION all wheel drive system.

The recent awarding of the prized five star EuroNCAP safety rating highlights the safety credentials of the Tiguan, which includes 6 airbags and Electronic Stabilisation Program (ESP) as standard. Safety is complemented by a number of the most desired styling and convenience features such as alloy wheels, roof rails, cruise control and multi-function steering wheel, also standard across the entire model range.

The Tiguan also introduces a number of innovative new options such as Park Assist technology, an electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof and Volkswagen's new RNS510 satellite navigation system with Rear View Camera (RVCPlus). With recommended retail pricing from $33,990, the Tiguan offers a very competitive European alternative to a familiar field of Japanese and Korean branded vehicles.

Three engine specifications are available, two petrol with TSI technology (125kW & 147kW) and one TDI (103kW). All are charged without exception, delivering thrust just above the engines idling speed. Today, the new and remarkably quiet common rail TDI combined with Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) already satisfies the Euro-5 standards that do not go into effect in Europe until 2009.

The rear bench seat is split with a 60:40 ratio, it can be adjusted 16 centimetres in the longitudinal direction, and the rear seatback has multiple tilt adjustment settings. This provides either more legroom in the rear or additional space in the cargo area. Even with five persons on board the cargo area can stows 395 litres. Up to 1,510 litres and 650 kilograms payload can be stowed in the Tiguan when the rear seats are folded down. This moves it right next to genuine mid-class station wagons.

The 103kW 2.0TDI and 125kW TSI are delivered with six-speed manual transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the Tiguan may be ordered with a six-speed tiptronic automatic, which is standard in the 147kW TSI model. The manual transmission can be driven at an engine speed of 1,000 rpm or vehicle speed of just 6.69 km/h, for example; this practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox. The automatic transmission has gear level pre-select; in off-road use, it prevents shifting to the next higher gear.

Source: TheyReviewed

Photos: 2008 Australian Volkswagen Tiguan Pictures