New VW Tiguan Revealed at NAIAS 2017
Volkswagen’s CUV isn’t so compact anymore.
The 2018 VW Tiguan will see a drastic change from previous models in the US Market. It’s grown in overall size and interior space, making it roomier for us Americans. A combination of fresh styling and a new platform will hopefully translate into better sales for the Tiguan as those figures have slowly started to fade off in recent years.
From the outside, the Tiguan physically looks bigger. The car is now lower and wider, appearing stretched out when compared to the current example. It accredits this feature to its MQB architecture, a platform that is shared with other VW stablemates including the MK7 Golf and Audi A3. This will be the first year that Tiguan rides on this base, and if it follows suit with the Golf, it should make for a major improvement to the fundamentals of the vehicle. The MQB is versatile and structurally solid, promising a better handling and riding car.
On the inside, the Tiguan actually is bigger. What was once a tiny CUV with a bubble-shaped roof is now a long wheel-base only model, giving you the option for third row seating and a roomier interior. This ups the Tiguan’s convenience and comfort, allowing for drivers and passengers alike to breathe easy when loaded down with gear. Volkswagen says that there is up to 57% more cargo space in this model, showing you that it isn’t all just for looks.
The Tiguan receives a bump in luxury as well. Drivers can now opt for an 8-way power adjustable seat, giving some added comfort to the car’s increased room. VW’s Digital Cockpit Display will make its way into the Tiguan as well, allowing for reconfigurable menus and controls. All of this can be paired with the Fender Premium Audio System, making your Tiguan a bumping ride for not much money.
Engine choices remain the same for 2018. The 2.0L TSI will be the Tiguan’s sole powerplant, providing 184 HP and 221 lb. ft. of torque. This has become a familiar mainstay with the Tiguan as well as many other VWs. It’s a fuel efficient lump that fits in virtually everything, making it a catch-all for various models. 4Motion all wheel drive will also be available once more for the next generation.
VW hopes that this new recipe will result in improved sales figures and consumer reviews. They’ve resolved a majority of complaints by giving it more storage and passenger space while still offering the bits that made it good in the first place. By placing the Tiguan on the MQB architecture, we should see major improvements in a variety of areas that should round out the car’s feel nicely. We’ll see how it plays out for the manufacturer once it is released for the next model year.
