My 162tsi Rline was delivered 2 days ago. My experience so far has been exceptional. My previous SUV's include top of the range 2014 Hyundai IX35 and top of the range 2015 Xtrail ti.
In all fairness the Tiguan is around 10k more expensive than my previous SUV's but it really is worlds apart from both the aesthetics and also the driving experience. I have driven many 100k+ cars and the Tiguan's fit and finish is up there with them.
Im still getting used to the quirks of driving a VW for the first time but im a guy that likes a spirited drive and the 162tsi performs beautifully. The power delivery is great and the gearbox is smooth. I even tried the launch control and must say it put a big smile on my face.
Compared To the Xtrail, the slight lag on take off is noticeable but not to a point it is annoying. The Xtrail being 2.5lt non turbo had instant drive from a stand still, the Tiguan needs a good mash of the go pedal before it gets of the line.
All the tech in the Tiguan is a step above my previous cars as it should be, but there isn't much missing from the Tiguan that is in some cars that are asking double the price of Tiguan. The Digital dash is great, well laid out and has everything you need at your finger tips on the sexy steering wheel.
Kids love the rear swing out trays for their iPads, rear climate control for the rear passengers is something that wasn't in my previous cars also. Good size boot but feels a little smaller than the Xtrail with the rear seats in the furthest back position. I got a foam liner that is ok but probably better to go the rubber/plastic version.
I also got the rear window VW blinds for the kids. They love it with very little sun getting through no more complaints about sun in their eyes. I didn't know this option included a blind for the rear windscreen which was a bonus but not sure if it will stay as it's a little hard to see out the back, I may get used to it.
I got the genuine VW towbar and it is a very neat install. Hard to spot it with the tongue out which I like. VW roof racks also fitted which look very good quality and easy to remove. I also ordered a rear protection strip for the top of the rear bumper that the dealer messed up and didn't fit it. They fitted the door sill Rline covers as a mistake and they will fit the bumper protector at the first service.
I got standard NSW black and white number plates. I didn't like the large stick on foam that was designed to go under the larger euro plates on the rear door so I trimmed the foam so it now stops under the plate. The foam looks to have the cut already in it from the factory so I dare say the dealers are supposed to trim this depending on the size of the plates. Anyway was very easy to remove and quick wipe with wax and grease remover got rid of any glue residue.
I've only done around 300 kms so far and extremely happy with my purchase. Plenty still to learn and play with. Over the next few months I will be trying out all the different driving settings. As most of my driving consists of long FWY driving I think comfort will be selected with sport setting when I feel like having some fun in the twisties!
Cheers,
Brad.
2017 Tiguan 162Tsi, Rline, DAP, Sroof, Tbar, Tungsten Silver, Arrived May 26th!!
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