Since the Tiguan was first introduced in 2007, Volkswagen has sold more than 7.4 million units, making it the manufacturer’s top-selling model and SUV package globally. Locally, over 41,000 units have been sold since its launch in 2009.
The third-generation Volkswagen Tiguan was launched in South Africa in August 2024, and since then, nearly 1,200 units have been sold. The mid-size SUV was also chosen as a finalist in the 2025 Car of the Year (COTY) competition. Initially only available with a 1.4-litre petrol turbo engine, the Tiguan model line-up was recently expanded with the addition of a 2.0 TDI and a 2.0 TSI derivative.
The 2.0 TDI uses the optimised evo version of the trusty EA288 diesel mill found in the previous-generation Tiguan, and even though oil burners are now rare in European cars, this engine, with its abundance of low-down torque, makes all the difference.
Delivering 110 kW between 3,250 r/min and 4,000 r/min, it produces the same power as the 1.4-litre motor, but with 340 Nm of twisting force available between 1,750 and 3,000 rpm (compared to 250 Nm for the 1.4 TSI), the TDI makes it so much easier to overtake slower traffic, and provides a more relaxed and calmer overall driving experience.
Yes, with 4Motion AWD, the TDI is heavier than its front-wheel-drive petrol counterpart and thus marginally slower from zero to 100 km/h (9.4 seconds versus 9.2 seconds for the TSI). Still, that extra initial thrust from the turbodiesel and the added stability of the all-wheel-drive system are telling in real-world driving conditions.
SMOOTH RIDE
Interestingly, aside from a 4MOTION badge, the oil-burning model carries no TDI nomenclature (perhaps due to sensitivities around diesel fuel in Europe), and as such, it is indistinguishable from its petrol-driven counterparts. And besides a slightly more audible clatter from the engine, it can easily be mistaken for a petrol-driven derivative.
Like its petrol siblings, the TDI offers a truly smooth ride, and the handy coast function uses momentum to maintain speed and save fuel. The gearing of the supersmooth seven-speed DSG combines beautifully with the engine speed, ensuring seamless shifts and optimal drivetrain performance.
However, the (optional) 20-inch tyres on our test car, together with the AWD system, did not do the TDI any favours in terms of ride quality on anything but smooth surfaces, and it just felt too hard-sprung for our potholed roads.
With R-Line trim, the TDI is well equipped and the interior features Varenna leather ErgoActive massage sports seats in front, a leather-wrapped heated multi-function sports steering wheel with shifting paddles, air intakes with glossy black trim and chrome strips on the side windows.
The uncluttered cabin, with high-quality materials, digital instruments, and a large infotainment screen, also features 30-colour ambient lighting in the dashboard and doors, and illuminated decorative inserts in front. In my view, this is overkill (in a kitsch way) and somewhat dilutes the cabin ambience.
The Chinese market’s influence (it is a primary market for the Tiguan) and EV stimulus, are also discernible in the exterior design, with the latest range displaying IQ-inspired lines and lots of artificial lighting tricks, besides useful tech such as (optional) IQ.Light HD matrix headlights.
Perhaps I am oversensitive, but to me, the IQ.Drive system in the Tiguan, now including Park Assist Plus, interfered more than before – another trait it most likely inherited due to Chinese software used across the board. A pity, as in my view the driver-assist systems in European cars have been more sensibly tuned up to now.
LAST WORD
As with the previous-generation Tiguan, the proven diesel derivative remains the best model option in the range. However, with the R-Line retailing for a steep R851,500, it may be wise to consider the Life trim model (R770,800) if you can forego the leather seats, wider tyres and comprehensive IQ.Drive system.
The Tiguan TDI faces stiff competition from the Hyundai Tucson 2.0D N-Line AWD (R859,900, as of February), Mazda CX-5 2.2DE AWD Akera (R778,700), the Kia Sportage 1.6CRDi GT-Line Plus (R790, 995), and a slew of petrol-powered HEV models from China and Japan. Even so, it has pedigree and good back-up service on its side, as well as great value retention.
Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © VOLKSWAGEN GROUP AFRICA
