A front-drive, entry-level 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SE finished dead last in our
recent compact crossover comparison. During the test, we dinged the Tiguan for
its high price, rough ride quality, small cargo area, and "tall and tippy" feel
under hard cornering. So we decided to give the V-dub crossover another shot by
testing the top-of-the-line 2012 Tiguan SEL 4Motion. Would all-wheel drive and
premium trim make us change our tune about VW's Golf-based crossover? In a word,
no. But the crossover does have its strong points, one of them being its
powertrain. The Tiguan SEL 4Motion is powered by Volkswagen's tried-and-true
2.0-liter turbocharged I-4 producing an ample 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque,
with power routed through a six-speed automatic transmission. While we're more
enamored with VW's six-speed DSG dual-clutch gearbox, the automatic shifts
quickly and smartly, especially when Sport mode is engaged. But in the default
drive setting it seems too eager to upshift and likes to drop the engine revs
below 1000 rpm while coasting, leading to a minor (and annoying) delay in power
delivery when you get back on the throttle.
On the track, the slightly heavier 4Motion turned in roughly the same
numbers as the front-drive Tiguan. The dash to 60 mph took 7.8 seconds and it
ran through the quarter mile in 16.0 seconds at 87.2 mph, matching the Tiguan SE
to 60 mph and besting it by 0.2 sec and 0.8 mph in the quarter. It out-braked
front-drive Tiguan SE too, needing 121 feet to stop from 60 mph, versus 123
feet.
The Tiguan SEL slightly out-handled the front-drive version, managing to
pull an average 0.82 g on the skidpad (versus 0.80 g), and completed the figure
eight in 27.5 seconds at an average of 0.61 g, as compared to 27.9 seconds at
0.62 g (avg). In the fuel efficiency arena, the Tiguan SEL returned 19.9 mpg
combined in mostly city driving during our test, close to the city number of the
Tiguan 4Motion's 21/27 mpg city/highway rating.
Inside, the Tiguan SEL 4Motion predictably felt more upmarket than the SE
model. The tester featured real leather seats, a navigation system, and the
Dynaudio premium audio system. The power, tan leather seats provided a nice
contrast to the dark black plastics on the dashboard, making the interior a more
pleasant place than the dim and dark Tiguan SE.
Up front, the SEL's seats are as hard and flat as the last tester we had
in, and the Tiguan is also cursed with the worst driving position this side of a
bus. The instrument panel and steering wheel are angled in such a way that no
matter what position you're sitting in, the wheel feels like it's coming up out
of the floor at you. At just over 6-feet tall, I figured maybe it was just me.
Other editors agreed, however, with one even going so far as to say the angle of
the wheel and instrument panel make it feel like you're falling forward.
While the Tiguan is marketed as a premium alternative to its rivals, the
driving experience and included content simply don't live up to those
expectations, despite having arguably best powertrain in its segment. Whether
it's an SE or SEL, two-wheel drive or four, the overpriced Tiguan ultimately
underdelivers.
Front engine, 4WD, 5-pass, 4-door SUV 2.0L/200-hp/207-lb-ft turbo DOHC 16-valve I-4
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