Volkswagen Tiguan: The Urban Jungle Conqueror

4.2 / 5
Volkswagen Tiguan Driving, Engines & Performance
Comfort
8.5
Performance
8.0
Value
7.5
Reliabiliy
8.0
Author
Oliver Jenkins
April 19th, 2023
City driving is a unique challenge. It's a test of a car's agility, efficiency, and convenience. The Volkswagen Tiguan, a compact SUV, promises to deliver on all fronts. But does it really live up to the hype? As someone who has spent years pushing cars to their limits on some of the world's most demanding tracks, I took the Tiguan for a spin in the urban jungle to see if it can handle the daily grind.

Design and Comfort

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the Tiguan comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine that produces 184 horsepower. While this might not sound like much, it's more than adequate for city driving. The engine is responsive, and the 8-speed automatic transmission shifts smoothly. The Tiguan's handling is where it truly shines. The steering is precise, and the suspension strikes a perfect balance between comfort and sportiness. Navigating through tight city streets and crowded parking lots is a breeze.

Fuel Efficiency

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Tiguan performs admirably. It offers an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in the city and 29 mpg on the highway. While these numbers are respectable, they're not class-leading. However, given the Tiguan's performance and comfort, it's a trade-off many will find acceptable.

Technology and Convenience

The Tiguan is packed with tech features designed to make your daily commute easier. The infotainment system is intuitive and comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The available digital cockpit is a nice touch, providing all the information you need at a glance. One area where the Tiguan falls short is in its parking assistance features. While it does offer a rearview camera and parking sensors, it lacks the advanced automated parking systems found in some of its competitors.

Safety

Safety is a priority for any city driver, and the Tiguan doesn't disappoint. It comes standard with a suite of driver-assistance features, including forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and blind-spot monitoring. These features provide an extra layer of confidence when navigating busy city streets.

Conclusion

Overall, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a solid choice for city driving. It offers a good balance of performance, comfort, and technology. While it may not be the most fuel-efficient or the most spacious in its class, it more than makes up for it with its driving dynamics and overall quality. If you're in the market for a compact SUV that can handle the demands of urban life, the Tiguan is definitely worth considering.

Specifications

SpecificationValue
Engine2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4
Horsepower184
Transmission8-speed automatic
Fuel typeGasoline
Mpg city22
Mpg highway29
Drive typeFront-wheel drive
Seating capacity5