Overall Pros and Cons

[Gladbach]

I thought I'd start a thread as a summary of the overall pros/cons of the Tiguan. I'll maintain this first post (edit to add/update the list) as others provide input. The list below is a summary of what I have read so far in this and the whirlpool forum. It applies to the Australian Tiguan range (as opposed to NZ).

Pros:

• LED headlights on the highline are extremely bright and clear.
• TFT display on Discover and Discover Pro is very crisp, pretty much best in class.
• Active Info Display is also super crisp and impressive. While it's able to be customised, it could be perhaps more flexible with the layout. First in class.
• Adaptive Cruise Control works well, unlike some other manufacturers implementation, it works all the way down to standstill and will auto resume within 3 seconds.
• The technology/smarts are impressive. Example is the offer to route to the nearest petrol station when the fuel tank is low.
• Driver profiles adjust seating position (highline/luxury pack) and mirrors. Based on key fob or manual selection.
• Rear leg room is generous, more so than others in this size category.
• Boot is quite large (for a medium SUV) although the capacity measurement could be deemed a little misleading (depends on adjustable rear seat position).
• Very quiet cabin, touted as better than others in class, but also better than the X1.
• Smooth drive (especially with adaptive dampers that come with the R-Line pack). DSG can add some jerkiness though as expected.
• Panoramic sunroof (when optioned) is large and the perforated blind assists in creating a bright and airy cabin. There is some criticism about loss of headroom and heat insulation reduction, but so far no complaints from drivers. The LED strip either side of the sunroof is also a classy touch for night time driving.
• Unlike some other medium SUVs (Tucson, CX5 for example), visibility in the Tiguan is exceptional. Large windows and a spacious cabin also add to a bright and airy interior
• Adaptive Chassis Control in R-Line pack works well, and makes for a smooth ride on the 20 inch rims.
• Progressive Steering in the R-Line pack makes for an enjoyable drive and allows for easy 3 point turns.
• 3 zone climate control.
• Brake assist is very handy (don't have to hold your foot on the brakes at the lights, even with start/stop disabled).
• Auto open tailgate (kick feature).
• Android Auto/Carplay which isn't available in some competitors' vehicles.
• Capped price servicing.
• Passenger seat folds flat for more load space if required.

Cons:

• LED headlights not offered as an option on lower models.
• Audio system could be better, no option to upgrade to DynAudio.
• 162TSI isn’t quite as punchy as anticipated.
• 162TSI exhaust note is flat and the engine sounds diesel like at idle/low revs.
• Lower spec models look a bit bland. Improved aesthetics with the highline, and the R-Line pack really adds some style (although visual appeal is largely subjective).
• Area view while good, requires calibration and can't always be 100% trusted.
• No electric front passenger seat in highline/luxary pack.
• hatch back style hard boot cover instead of retractable blind found in other SUVs and wagons.
• 140TDI suffers from lag, and not as responsive as was hoped. Other engines suffer from slight turbo lag and DSG needs to be driven slightly differently to a standard automatic to ensure a smooth ride.
• 2,500KG towing capacity is misleading as towball weight is only 100KG (effectively restricting towing to 1,000KG).
• Trapezoidal exhaust diffusers look good (subjective) but the actual exhaust pipes sit behind the bumper and face downwards.
• Auto start/stop can be irritating and has to be disabled on each journey (or permanently by VCDS). This is a common complaint across cars from other manufacturers as well.
• The Car-Net offering in Australia is very limited compared to what is available overseas. See Availability by country check..
• Lack of head up display in Australia - although overseas reviews of the HUD haven't been glowing.
• Long waiting time for 162TSI
• 3 Year Warranty (other manufactures offering 5,7 and even 8 with Peugots).
• Space saver wheel instead of full size (although some people might prefer this as it obviously saves on space and weight)
• ACC can actually be dangerous (it specifies in the manual not to use it on dual lane roads). If someone is stopped and turning in an adjacent lane the ACC will sometimes brake hard as if they're in your lane.
• Does not have Traffic Jam Assist as seen in other models such as the Passat. Also doesn't have Active Lane Assist. ACC can work in traffic, but not to the same degree as TJA.
• No support for Apple CarPlay or android maps on Active Info Display (although it's understood this is a limitation with the APIs - i.e. they don't extend auxiliary display support).
  

[Delewin]

Hi Gladbach. Well encapsulated. This thread will be beneficial to all Tiguan owners.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[jaydeecee18]

Thanks for the detailed feedback! Much appreciated!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chocolate_Bear]

I thought I'd start a thread as a summary of the overall pros/cons of the Tiguan. I'll maintain this first post (edit to add/update the list) as others provide input. The list below is a summary of what I have read so far in this and the whirlpool forum. It applies to the Australian Tiguan range (as opposed to NZ).

Pros:

• LED headlights on the highline are extremely bright and clear.
• TFT display on Discover and Discover Pro is very crisp, pretty much best in class.
• Active Info Display is also super crisp and impressive. While it's able to be customised, it could be perhaps more flexible with the layout. First in class.
• Adaptive Cruise Control works well, unlike some other manufacturers implementation, it works all the way down to standstill and will auto resume within 3 seconds.
• The technology/smarts are impressive. Example is the offer to route to the nearest petrol station when the fuel tank is low.
• Driver profiles adjust seating position (highline/luxury pack) and mirrors. Based on key fob or manual selection.
• Rear leg room is generous, more so than others in this size category.
• Boot is quite large (for a medium SUV) although the capacity measurement could be deemed a little misleading (depends on adjustable rear seat position).
• Very quiet cabin, touted as better than others in class, but also better than the X1.
• Smooth drive (especially with adaptive dampers that come with the R-Line pack). DSG can add some jerkiness though as expected.
• Panoramic sunroof (when optioned) is large and the perforated blind assists in creating a bright and airy cabin. There is some criticism about loss of headroom and heat insulation reduction, but so far no complaints from drivers. The LED strip either side of the sunroof is also a classy touch for night time driving.
• Unlike some other medium SUVs (Tucson, CX5 for example), visibility in the Tiguan is exceptional. Large windows and a spacious cabin also add to a bright and airy interior
• Adaptive Chassis Control in R-Line pack works well, and makes for a smooth ride on the 20 inch rims.
• Progressive Steering in the R-Line pack makes for an enjoyable drive and allows for easy 3 point turns.
• 3 zone climate control.
• Brake assist is very handy (don't have to hold your foot on the brakes at the lights, even with start/stop disabled).
• Auto open tailgate (kick feature).

Cons:

• LED headlights not offered as an option on lower models.
• Audio system could be better, no option to upgrade to DynAudio.
• 162TSI isn’t as quite punchy as anticipated.
• 162TSI exhaust note is flat and the engine sounds diesel like at idle/low revs.
• Lower spec models look a bit bland. Improved aesthetics with the highline, and the R-Line pack really adds some style (although visual appeal is largely subjective).
• Area view while good, requires calibration and can't always be 100% trusted.
• No electric front passenger seat in highline/luxary pack.
• hatch back style hard boot cover instead of retractable blind found in other SUVs and wagons.
• 140TDI suffers from lag, and not as responsive as was hoped. Other engines suffer from slight turbo lag and DSG needs to be driven slightly differently to a standard automatic to ensure a smooth ride.
• 2,500KG towing capacity is misleading as towball weight is only 100KG (effectively restricting towing to 1,000KG).
• Trapezoidal exhaust diffusers look good (subjective) but the actual exhaust pipes sit behind the bumper and face downwards.
• Auto start/stop can be irritating and has to be disabled on each journey (or permanently by VCDS). This is a common complaint across cars from other manufacturers as well.

Great work mate! Thanks for this!


Tiguan 162tsi rline (May 2017) - NSW, Northern Beaches

[TungstenR]

Great effort Gladbach. Will add a few more soon... /

[Gladbach]

Thanks guys. I've added Pro: Android Auto/Car Play and Con: limited features for Car-Net in Australia.

[cvee]

Thanks guys. I've added Pro: Android Auto/Car Play and Con: limited features for Car-Net in Australia.

It's not limited Car-net...... it's non existent.
In the age of internet I don't know why they don't roll it out globally.
I know some of the features are regional ... but some would still be useful.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

[hcvo1]

what about no heads up display for Aussies and 6 month wait?

[Delewin]

I agree. No heads up display on a $50,000 car is just not on. It's like MB charging you for removing a badge.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

[hcvo1]

I agree. No heads up display on a $50,000 car is just not on. It's like MB charging you for removing a badge.

Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk

add to that list 3 year warranty while other manufacturers are offering 5, 7 and even 8 with the Peugeots