2021 Volkswagen Tiguan (facelift) review: Should you buy it?
What's the story
German automaker Volkswagen may have started its India journey with the Polo hatchback but today, it is focusing solely on its SUV portfolio.
Last year saw the launch of the Taigun compact SUV and recently, the company re-entered the premium mid-sized SUV segment with the Tiguan (facelift).
We drove the newest iteration of the Tiguan to find out what has changed.
Here's our review.
Context
Why does this story matter?
It is becoming increasingly common for various automakers to cater to the SUV segment in India considering that is where the sales volumes lie.
The SUV segment has seen tremendous growth over the past few years, including the premium or mid-sized SUV space.
With the Tiguan (facelift), Volkswagen hopes to attract the new-age SUV buyer with a raft of new features and sportier dynamics.
Exteriors
The car has a more muscular appearance
The Tiguan (facelift) is easily distinguishable from the front by its more muscular styling. We especially like the new Matrix LED headlamps alongside the re-profiled bumper and the wider grille.
Move to the side and there are new 18-inch alloy wheels and sharp lines, which give the Tiguan a premium stance.
The rear styling is also updated with new LED taillights.
Interiors
The interiors offer excellent build quality
The interiors offer extremely good build quality with an all-black theme which gives the cabin a sportier look.
While the dashboard design is similar to the pre-facelift model, the touchscreen is now bigger along with an overhauled infotainment system.
The climate control functions are touch operated now. Even the instrument cluster is fully digital with customizable views and a cleaner layout
Space
The rear seat is suited for being chauffeur-driven
The cabin of the Tiguan (facelift) exudes a sense of space with large windows giving an airy feeling.
The rear seat is suited for being chauffeur-driven with ample comfort and excellent legroom/headroom.
Due to the presence of a central tunnel, the car is more of a comfortable 4-seater but it will carry five passengers if needed. The boot capacity stands at 615 liters.
Features
From heated leather seats to connected car technology
The Tiguan (facelift) comes with a fairly long equipment list, including an 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment console with gesture control, a digital instrument cluster, a 3-zone climate control system, and connected car technology.
There is also a massive panoramic sunroof, leather seats with heating function, smartphone connectivity, and a rear-view camera.
That said, we would have liked it if seat ventilation was also on offer.
Performance
The petrol powertrain has an impressive power delivery
The Tiguan (facelift) is now solely powered by a petrol engine. That said, even ardent diesel fans would appreciate the 2.0-liter turbo-petrol powertrain that churns out 190hp/320Nm. Standard is a 7-speed dual clutch automatic gearbox.
Aside from the impressive power delivery, we also like the smooth nature of this motor. Paddle-shifters behind the steering wheel and drive modes further add to the driving experience.
Ride quality
The car has sharp handling for its size
The Tiguan (facelift) displays its inherent sporty character with the way it drives. The steering feedback is fluid and precise while the handling is very sharp for a fairly large SUV.
We also liked its excellent high-speed stability, allowing effortless cruising at triple-digit speeds. However, the low-speed ride quality is a bit firm.
Expect a real-world fuel efficiency of 9-10km/l.
Our verdict
Is it worth your money?
The Tiguan (facelift) is sold in India as a completely knocked down (CKD) unit and is priced at Rs. 31.99 lakh (ex-showroom).
For the price, it is undeniably value for money on the basis of its sporty design, premium interiors, as well as impressive driving experience.
Overall, we think the Tiguan is perfect for SUV buyers who prefer a petrol powertrain.
What works and what doesn't