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Preview: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

vw_tiguan_2.jpg

Volkswagen just announced the 'official' public launch of their upcoming CUV, the VW Tiguan. This soft-roader will make its debut at the 2007 Frankfurt Auto Show in mid-September.

The Tiguan is the latest entry into a fast-growing CUV market segment. We previously touched on another new entrant, the Nissan Rogue which is expected to hit showrooms later this year. This is a natural evolutionary step for Volkswagen given they have been extremely successful with their smaller, more compact GTI and Rabbit models. The Tiguan is really an extension of those models, just in a bigger package and footprint.

The North American Tiguan will sport a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, and there will be no other engine choices available on this continent. However, Volkswagen saw fit to offer up a plethora of off-roading options and accessories including a bunch of skidplates and different approach angles for the car to give better off-road ground clearance. My question is, why bother? Most Tiguans won't go anywhere near anything that resembles an 'off road', unless you include taking side-streets and back-alleys to get to the grocery store. I think they would've been far better served offering a 6-cylinder uptown engine option rather than a bunch of accessories that look nice in a catalog but have little relevance or practical value to their would-be buyers.

I can't help but feel that this entire CUV market is lacklustre with no true leader or innovator. I do not think the VW Tiguan brings anything new to the table in this regard. However, there are no shortage of die-hard VW fanatics out there, presumably some will grow out of their Rabbits and GTIs and the Tiguan is the logical next step up. Volkswagen wants to be a player in the CUV market and the Tiguan looks like a decent offering that should help them gain some traction in this growing, albeit dull market segment.

vw_tiguan_1.jpg

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[ READER COMMENTS ]

  1. 1

    Tim Matthews said:

    It has been rumored that this will be released in a 2.0l diesel. I think that this vehicle does add something substantially new to the North American auto market, a more fuel efficient CUV/SUV. We are not all looking for a speedy, gas-guzzling vehicle. Many of us are looking for a slightly larger, diesel option in the auto market.

    Posted at 09:29 AM, on September 5 2007
  1. 2

    Charlie Geary said:

    I'd consider this as my next vehicle if I could get a 2 litre diesel. If not....why bother.

    Posted at 05:36 PM, on September 28 2007
  1. 3

    EJ said:

    Just in case, Volkswagen Canada is reading this blog, I agree with Tim and Charlie. If it's not coming out in diesel, I'm not interested. I would quickly make up my mind to buy if there was a diesel option. So VW,make that 3 potential buyers.

    Posted at 09:53 AM, on December 8 2007
  1. 4

    James said:

    I would buy one tomorrow, but a diesel would have to be part of the package!

    Posted at 07:49 AM, on December 30 2007
  1. 5

    Graham said:

    Canadians loved the TDIs in all there forms. My company currently has a Mazda CX7 and a Jetta TDI. We need AWD and the ground clearance the CX7 offers so I would jump at the chance for a Tiguan. If the Tiguan comes with the diesel it's a slam dunk, but I think the turbo four puts it in stiff competition with the CX7, Rav4, RDX and the like. VW Canada would be very foolish not to offer the diesel. Perhaps a better question is why would they bother offering it with anything but the diesel!!!

    Posted at 06:33 PM, on January 20 2008
  1. 6

    Terry said:

    I would definitely buy if a diesel option was available here in Canada. I don't understand why VW does not bring out the diesel right away and capture better market share. Who makes the decisions about the diesel, VW Canada or VW Wolfsburg?

    Posted at 11:23 AM, on February 10 2008
  1. 7

    Dave said:

    If VW spent so much effort into their new shiny BLUETEC engine, why not offer it here? It isn't like there is a shortage of diesel on this continent. Competitive fuel economy that is comparable to hybrids on a proven diesel engine foundation, I'm sold.. assuming it comes with the engine we all want!

    Posted at 02:23 PM, on February 12 2008
  1. 8

    Paul said:

    I currently drive an 06 Jetta TDI SE and love it. However, if I could get a compact SUV style vehicle with the diesel option it would be an easy decision. I would trade the Jetta in and get this one for sure.....simple. No diesel = NO SALE. I hope VW Canada considers all our comments in their decision to add the diesel as an option instead of all those goofy off road accessories that are ridiculous!! This is NOT an off road vehicle so why make it look like one.....cheers!

    Posted at 10:09 AM, on February 19 2008
  1. 9

    John said:

    If this vehicle becomes available with a turbo diesel(more power and tourque than 1.8 and 1.9 that have been used in various models)I would buy one immediately.I have been waiting for some time to be able to purchase a smaller cuv/suv in turbo diesel. I previously owned a Jetta TDI which was super-economical on fuel but was lacking in power and refinemet.

    Posted at 09:28 AM, on February 23 2008
  1. 10

    Vince said:

    I own an old Jetta '92 diesel with 495 000 km on it, and it's still running strong.
    I also own a Ford Escape V6 4WD. I changed the transmission at around 75 000 km. I bought the Escape used, but only 4 years old (2002 bought in 2006). After my 3rd monthly payment, the tranny broke, it cost me 3600$ to rebuild. One year later, oil leakage under the vehicle, after 2 trips to the garage they finally found the trouble, a 2$ clamp was loose on the power steering pump. It cost me 225$ for that f*****g clamp to be changed.

    Now I only want to get rid of that piece of s***. I want a Tiguan!!

    But if the Tiguan does not come in diesel, what's the point? I prefer putting my money on a less expensive, and well proven vehicle like the Toyota Rav4. The Rav4 V6 have the more horsepower of it's class, and also the best fuel economy (compared with other V6).

    So if Volkswagen can put the Tiguan on the market in Canada with the diesel engine, AND be competitive in pricing, I am a buyer for sure. But since they always tend to charge a couple of 1000$ more for the diesel model, the competitive pricing with the Rav4 is compromised.

    I'll wait and see. I'm a big Volks fan, but damn, they could be a little cheaper.

    Posted at 12:10 AM, on February 24 2008
  1. 11

    Ray said:

    I would buy it with the diesel option. That's my first choice. My second choice would be the RAV4 if I couldn't get the diesel.

    Posted at 01:53 PM, on March 1 2008
  1. 12

    Ray said:

    I would buy it with the diesel option. That's my first choice. My second choice would be the RAV4 if I couldn't get the diesel.

    Posted at 01:54 PM, on March 1 2008
  1. 13

    Barry said:

    I'm also looking at this as an option - diesel would be great. I'm not 100% sure but I think there is a problem with the refinement of Diesel fuel in North America? That's my understanding anyway as the 'New technology' diesel engines have been out in Europe for years now. If you have ever driven one in Europe you will know they are had to tell apart from the Petrol powered engine. They run so well.

    If it is a problem of fuel refinement then this also leads to issues with meeting new Canadian emmission standards due in 2012. I think this is why VW has not offered a Diesel option in any of their models for the past 2 years.

    Posted at 01:03 PM, on March 6 2008
  1. 14

    Paul said:

    The only reason to purchase the Tiguan is to get the Diesel option. The delay in making the Diesel engine available will hurt the initial sales. The sulphur is out of the diesel it is the emission in the 50 states that is slowing the entry of European diesels in Canada/USA....Come on VW pickup the pace.

    Posted at 08:29 PM, on March 16 2008
  1. 15

    JB said:

    Apparently the diesel market in Canada is too small to warrant the TDI Tiguan here. California does not want it and they are the bigger market. Crazy really. Who cares about California. I drive an '02 Jetta TDI and love the 900+km/tank. I agree, a Tiguan with the TDI would be a no brainer.

    Posted at 01:51 PM, on April 8 2008
  1. 16

    JR said:

    We are waiting for the diesel Tiguan but the TDI Jetta and TDI Beetle will keep going for years yet. For us - as others here - with 450km/week year-round to the cottage we will not buy without the diesel.

    Posted at 04:52 PM, on April 14 2008
  1. 17

    Guy said:

    If and when the Tiguan comes out with a diesel engine, then I'll buy one. The only way I'll be buying another Volks is if they offer me a diesel option. I already own a 2000 Jetta TDI and absolutely love it. We also have a 99 Passat and compared to other cars out there, we love it, but compared to the TDI: hate. We're test driving a Tiguan next week as they're finally arriving in Halifax. Quite excited about that. Not impressed that we have to wait another year or so to replace the old '99 Passat with a TDI Tiguan though. Patience may get us what we wish for.

    Posted at 06:55 PM, on May 3 2008
  1. 18

    Andrew said:

    I'll buy anything diesel. I need a larger vehicle for an expanding family. There is absolutely no back seat room in a Jetta. So, thought for sure a sienna AWD was the go, but if there is a Tig with a diesel.....I'll buy it.

    Posted at 03:04 PM, on May 22 2008
  1. 19

    Steve said:

    Again, to sum it up. I hope VW is watching this. WE WANT DIESEL!!!! Can you imagine how many customers you are losing if you do not bring in diesel??

    Posted at 03:55 PM, on May 28 2008
  1. 20

    Lorraine said:

    Another vote for diesel Tiguan here! My 1994 Diesel Golf is still strong and still looks decent but I can't say how much longer I can wait ...

    My VW tekkie says the problem is our poor grade of diesel in North America, not VW. Changing the fuel supply will, of course, be a much slower process than getting a few cars in from Europe, where they have tighter emissions controls. C'mon Big Oil Companies -- get with the program!

    Posted at 02:58 PM, on June 1 2008
  1. 21

    Evan said:

    It seems everyone has the same idea. Bring the Diesel to Canada. I wanted a Mercedes B Class diesel, but Mercedes Canada said they have no plans to bring them over here. I really don't know why VW and Mercedes aren't advertising their diesels as a better option to hybrids. No loss of trunk space and no costly battery to replace in 8 years. Seems like a no brainer to me. If it's a fuel issue, I wish they would come and and say so. I want a Tiguan TDI!!!!

    Posted at 12:05 AM, on June 5 2008
  1. 22

    Elly said:

    I thought I was the only one in Canada looking for a small, powerful SUV with decent fuel economy. This car would already be in my garage if it was available in diesel! Gas is almost $1.50/litre - wake up VW Canada! You will own this market if you get you act together.

    Posted at 01:02 AM, on June 6 2008
  1. 23

    Michael said:

    Waitin' 4 the Tiguan diesel...if there was one I'd buy it tomorrow...actually this summer...one commentator was correct..Tiguan is nothing new..CRV, RAV 4, Santa Fe, new Forester...BUT with a diesel...WOW...watch out CRV & RAV 4!

    Posted at 04:53 PM, on June 24 2008
  1. 24

    Rich said:

    Just test drove the Tiguan (2.0L gas, obviously), and I'm very impressed with the fit and function. But I told the dealer, in no uncertain terms, that I would not be buying one until the TDI was available here. Period.

    The internal combustion gas engine is close to the end of it's lifespan. It's time to demand an alternative!

    BRING US THE TDI!!

    Posted at 01:36 PM, on June 30 2008
  1. 25

    Jeff said:

    It would be a dream to have a mini SUV that got great gas mileage and could tow 5,500 pounds. The European diesel Tiguan is perfect, I hope it comes to Canada.

    Posted at 12:31 AM, on July 8 2008
  1. 26

    Nikhil said:

    No doubt about the Diesel engine urgency... Thats a must now. VW with its strong line of diesel engines should get it in Tiguan...

    Posted at 04:10 PM, on July 24 2008
  1. 27

    kevin said:

    Going to buy a Jetta Sport Wagon TDI, but give up because it's made in Mexico. Hope Tiguan TDI could come soon.

    Posted at 12:28 AM, on July 30 2008
  1. 28

    Twy said:

    TDI rocks! I hope one comes out soon. I will be one of first to buy one when it comes....

    Posted at 01:59 AM, on August 18 2008
  1. 29

    cg said:

    These days most people are staying away from SUV's because of the cost of fuel. A TDI version would solve this problem and give VW the greatest advantage. Its simple it would be the best of both worlds we get to keep our SUV and have a fuel efficient vehicle. It will be the deal breaker for many sitting on the fence.

    Posted at 02:00 PM, on September 11 2008
  1. 30

    Andrew said:

    Every VW dealership would sell 1000 Tiguan diesels the first weekend they were launched in Canada. VW wake up!

    Posted at 09:22 PM, on September 19 2008
  1. 31

    mickey said:

    Diesel Tiguan or bust ! I just don't understand it.
    I would buy one now ! Wake up VW !

    Posted at 10:56 PM, on September 23 2008
  1. 32

    R Bowers said:

    Hey VW Canada..

    We are all waiting..2010?

    Posted at 12:27 PM, on October 2 2008
  1. 33

    Simon Says said:

    I really really really don't understand VW Canada's marketing....unless of course it is done in the US.

    40% of VW Canada sales are diesels.

    In the UK, you can buy a diesel 4Motion Polo, Golf, Jetta, Passat, Tig, should I go on? It really is an amazing amount of combinations you can put together.

    But here in the land of ice and snow, only a Passat comes in a 4Motion but not diesel in combination.

    Who is making these absurd decisions?

    I am having a 3rd child. The 02 Jetta TDI doesn't have room in the back seat for a 3rd car seat. I am keeping it though, 50km commute to the city. I am going to ditch the subaru. I would jump at the chance to buy a TDI Tiguan. There wouldn't even be other cars to consider. However, if it's not going to be offered in a TDI, I'll go buy a Highlander. (I need AWD for my driveway in the winter)

    Posted at 11:08 AM, on October 22 2008
  1. 34

    said:

    I also drove the Tiguan and told the dealer, No sale until the TDI comes. I currently drive a 2000 TDI new beetle with 350,000 km on it. I haven't had any issues with it and I will keep driving this vehicle until Vw of Canada wakes up and gives me my Tiguan TDI.

    p.s. I have a Tiguan TDI fund growing bigger every week, but i'll never spend it if you don't get your TDI engine in there asap!

    Patiently waiting.

    Posted at 08:21 AM, on December 4 2008
  1. 35

    Vince said:

    I was looking to change my piece of c**p Ford Escape. I wanted the Tiguan TDI, but Volks don't seem to want to bring it in Canada anytime soon (shame!). So for the moment I decided to just lease a new Jetta TDI wagon. The Jetta wagon have a little more cubic foot room in the back than the Ford Escape. So the only thing I don't get is the 4 Motion (I liked the Ford Escape for that in the winter).

    I had already own a Volks Jetta diesel, so I knew what I was getting into. Very good mileage, great overall quality, strong engine. A couple of days ago, I even started my car at 5 in the morning... the external temp the computer shown was -34.5ÂșC. The car has no bloc heater installed at the moment (the dealership ordered 5 bloc heaters with their 5 TDI they ordered, but they have not received them yet). I was very impressed.

    Anyway, the bottom line is if the Tiguan TDI would have been available, I would have bought one, not lease a Jetta. And now that I have a Jetta TDI, the only thing that miss me is the 4 Motion. So if at least a Jetta TDI 4 Motion was available, it could be a very good car to own here.

    From a customer who is still waiting for the perfect car or SUV from Volks. But Volks Canada don't seem to care.

    Like everyone says, wake up Volks! Look at the snow here, the icy road etc. 4 Motion here makes perfect sense! TDI would be the cherry on top!

    Posted at 01:28 PM, on December 10 2008
  1. 36

    ken said:

    I heard from a very reliable source that a TDI version will be available in the USA for model year 2010...look for it around June/July of 2009

    Posted at 03:15 PM, on December 16 2008
  1. 37

    Bill said:

    Tiguan without diesel = no sale!

    Posted at 08:51 PM, on December 29 2008
  1. 38

    Oskar said:

    I am of German descent and would love to own a VW diesel Tiguan. I haven't owned a German car since I had a 56 Bug in the late 60s (68 to 72)and a 1957 DKW 175 motorcycle during the year I lived in Germany, both were excellent, dependable vehicles(Much more dependable than my ?58 Mini car and 66 Ducati motorcycle during the same time). Since then poor quality (obviously NOT Made in Germany!), high initial price, high maintenance cost, poor dealerships and the high quality of the Japanese brands and until now the lack of a small CUV has put me into the Japanese market for years. I await with abated breath.

    Ciao

    Posted at 12:09 AM, on February 23 2009
  1. 39

    Ron said:

    Just read this entire thread with approval and agreement. I am no car fanatic, nor into brands just for the sake of chic, but I have so appreciated my TDI Jetta that the thought of going back to a gas car is quite appalling.

    A TDI Tiguan sounds like an ideal upgrade.

    I just sent VW Canada a note via their website; we want your diesel Tiguans! Really, it is so obvious. It is VW's real asset, its best weapon against competition. Sure the fittings are very sleek, and the ride nice and firm, but those are relatively trifling issues for which one pays a great deal of money over the others. VW has pretty much perfected small diesels and the mileage and torque are superb.

    Posted at 01:43 AM, on March 19 2009
  1. 40

    Doreen said:

    My husband is looking to buy me a new car. We have a 2000 Jetta TDI and it's in pristine condition. We went and look at the Tiguan. Fell in love. Just too bad not a diesel. But I'm patient. I'll wait. Hope next year will come.

    Posted at 01:16 PM, on May 20 2009
  1. 41

    Robin Chetwynd said:

    If VW offered a diesel TDI option for the Tiguan model availble in Canada, I'd be at a dealer's door tomorrow.

    Posted at 02:12 PM, on June 5 2009
  1. 42

    Will Smith said:

    I agree with the comments here about a
    Tiguan tdi and I'll wait for the diesel
    before I would buy any other car. I have very steep driway and live on the
    side of a mountain so all-wheel drive is
    a must.

    Posted at 01:01 PM, on July 20 2009
  1. 43

    Robin Dang said:

    I would definitely buy two of these, one for myself and the second one for my wife but if only it comes in 2.0 lt diesel.
    I am ready to pay 50% advance deposit on both cars.

    Posted at 11:41 AM, on July 23 2009
  1. 44

    Bryce said:

    I agree guys, VW is absolutely crazy to not release the Tiguan diesel in Canada,
    wake up people at VW!!!
    ANyone want to go to Germany and bring one back?

    Posted at 09:01 PM, on September 11 2009
  1. 45

    Matt said:

    What is wrong with VW Canada? This is absolutely rediculous. Bring us a Tiguan TDI! I'm losing patience. My family and I can only hold out for so long. Must it be Honda, Toyota, Subaru? many tears....

    Posted at 11:20 PM, on October 5 2009
  1. 46

    al bustard said:

    I too would be at the dealer tomorrow to order my Tiguan tdi, I now drive a 2009 jetta TDI and wow the power over my 05 Jetta TDI is great but I want a Tiguan. Would only buy one if it was a TDI

    Posted at 02:14 PM, on October 18 2009
  1. 47

    Chantal said:

    Love the Tiguan BUT... wat is VW waitign for we need this in diesel :-)

    Posted at 07:46 AM, on December 11 2009

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