First Impression

[sheckster]

Yes you can get park assist (auto parallel parking) by itself...ie without sat nav and camera. It uses the front and rear sensors and some other weird voodoo magic to do it

great, that's what i thought. i'd probably get the park assist but not the rns510, a bit pricey, might just go for the avc9000 aftermarket. A VW dealer here in brissy will unveil the Tiguan this weekend. I currently have the Freelander 2 HSE to test drive over the weekend, will compare the Tiguan with it. I'm pretty sure the Tiguan is smaller than the LR2 but we'll see if it scores well on other areas.

[sheckster]

had a look at the tiguan today, my initial concern is unfortunately true, nterior space is too small, might have to go for the LR2 after all. now just have to get my deposit back

[drex]

After waiting months and months to finally see one of these in the flesh, I finally got to take one out for a short (15 minute) test drive. I'm actually interested in the petrol which isn't going to be available for a little while but I just had to go and have a drive.

This was my first time driving a VW and also my first Diesel so there were a couple of surprises. The first thing that surprised me was the accelerator pedal was attached to the floor (I'm used to the pedals coming from above). Obviously no big deal, just took some getting used to. The diesel was noisier than I expected and the gearbox did seem to pull a little when I was slowing down (I definitely had it in D!) but again not really something that bothered me. The build quality and ride was spectacular. The engine was even more powerful than I expected. The interior was great, this particular Tiguan had leather seats and Sat Nav (although they hadn't yet received the disc). I was very impressed and most importantly so was the Mrs. I just have to wait until the petrols start arriving. Anybody have an idea when we'll see these? I've heard anywhere from 6-12 months.

The price is a little concerning, I'm looking at a fully optioned 147TSI and have worked out that it's going to cost around $68k on the road (I'm in NSW), of course I'll try and haggle with the price but I think the chances of trying to get it on the road under $65k are slim. Saying that, for the price, there's not too much out there that really takes my fancy apart from the Tiguan at that price point.

[sheckster]

drex, i actually put a deposit down for a 147TSI a few months ago. but after having seen it in the flesh, I will be getting my deposit back and not going ahead. mainly because of the interior space, or lack thereof. Everything but bi-xenon and sunroof I was quoted $56k driveaway, which isn't bad at all.

[Dzl_Dubba]

Hmm...given the 6 speed auto is the convential type (ZF??) i wonder what power the TDI can be taken to since the DSG had a torque restriction of 380Nm just to be on the safe side, surely this auto could take more, and tuned maybe 143Kw 420Nm?? Hmmm...yummy

[Sharkie]

Read today that VW is seriously considering a GTI version of the Tiguan, based on the fact the Golf GTI is the most popular model of the Golf range.

Please remember that the models available now are only the ones planned for the 08/09 model years and the from July 2009 more models may make it into the mix. Specifically the 125kw TDI and a manual 147kw 2.0 TSI.

My wife is happy with her 3 year old RAV4 and we will wait to see when a manual 2.0 147 kw becomes available. In GTI spec, I'd buy one for me.....

So, sorry VW until you get your product mix right I won't be buying one.

[RhysQ]

i'm sure its a nice car but really, what purpose does it serve? less space than a passat, more cumbersome than a golf, limited (if any) off road capabilities. is this just another house wives' car?

this is a true statement, but this car (unlike its competition), has the option of an off-road pack with some trick features.

just remember, this car is heading into the market against the Rav 4, Forester, CR-V, X-Trail etc. where (apart from the X-Trail) off road capabilities are also limited.

i personally love the look of them and will be seriously considering one in about 12 months or so....optioned 147TSI FTW (those 18" New York wheels look hot)

Does any know of chipping capabilities?? i'm assuming the 147TSI(what i am interested in) would be a similar program to that of the MKV Golf GTI

[Sharkie]

Ah yes, chipping ..... a bit of a problem there .....

The Tiguans all use new model ECUs and are as yet not able of being chipped.....

I have been bugging Guy for ages and the answer at the moment is no, cannot be done.....

He will have to see them all in the flesh 1st. The 125kw 2.0TSI apprently is not possible at all whilst the 147kw is only a maybe.

Are you converting to auto now Rhys? the 147kw is auto only ATM.

[Sharkie]

Also, the only small SUV actually capable of really going ofroad is the Suzuki Grand Vitara with proper low range. All the others, including the X-Trail is not.

[OilBurna]

ironic just got the vw aus email as I was reading this re Tiguans now in showrooms.