The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan builds on the current model’s fun-to-drive character with a redesign specifically engineered to meet the needs of western hemisphere customers, with a more sophisticated and spacious interior, flexible seating and high-tech infotainment features.
The new Tiguan is based on Volkswagen’s Modular Transverse Matrix (MQB) architecture. Compared with the 2017 model, the new Tiguan has far more interior space and up to 58 per cent more cargo space in the two-row model. At 185.1 inches long, the 2018 model is 10.6 inches longer than the current version and 8.5 inches longer than the Tiguan that is sold in Europe. Tiguan’s expanded dimensions give it one of the longest footprints in the segment, although it still remains nimble enough to excel in our island’s urban environments.
Exterior
The all-new Tiguan marks an evolution in Volkswagen’s clean and timeless design DNA, with modern lines and a refined appearance. The MQB platform allows for a wider, lower stance than the current model; the combination of this with the sharper character lines and the vehicle’s LED lighting has already garnered several European design awards.
The S trim is distinguished by halogen headlights, LED daytime running lights and taillights, fog lights with cornering function, exterior side mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators, and 17-inch “Montanta” wheels. The SE trim wears 17-inch “Tulsa” wheels and features a chrome exterior package. The Tiguan SEL includes 18-inch “Nizza” wheels, a power liftgate and silver roof rails.
The top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim is garnered with 19-inch “Victoria Falls” wheels, LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS), rain-sensing wipers and power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights. The SEL Premium also features a hands-free Easy Open power liftgate, which is foot-activated on opening to make the Tiguan’s cargo space more accessible when customers’ hands are full. The liftgate also includes an Easy Close feature. Two buttons give owners the option to close the liftgate with the touch of a button- one to close it immediately and one to automatically close once you step away from the vehicle.
The exterior design of the Tiguan also emphasizes its rugged utility. The front bumper for instance is similar to the European model’s off-road package, complementing the Tiguan’s available 4Motion all-wheel-drive system with a 26-degree approach angle. Other indications of its off-road capability are a 23-degree departure angle and 7.9 inches of ground clearance.
Roof rails are standard, allowing outdoors enthusiasts to upgrade the vehicle with Volkswagen accessories such as a bike or kayak carriers. The new Tiguan has a lower lift-in height for the tailgate making it easier to load no matter what cargo you’re carrying. The available towing hitch can be used to pull up to 1,500 pounds when properly equipped.
Interior
The Tiguan’s entire interior has been rethought and refreshed, but the versatility of its seating is what sets it apart from the competition. In front-wheel-drive Tiguan models, three rows of seating are standard, including a second-row bench that can recline, slide seven inches fore and aft, fold down, and be split 40/20/40. The 50/50 split third-row provides seating for two, and also folds down. When configured with Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive-technology, the 2018 Tiguan comes standard with two rows and a third row is optional.
In three-row models, the new Tiguan supplies a generous 37.6 cubic feet over the maximum cargo space in the 2017 Tiguan. The 40/20/40 split the seats allow the two-row Tiguan to accommodate fishing gear or other large items.
In the cargo area, tie-down hooks help keep things in place and a 12-volt outlet is included. In models equipped with the available Fender® Premium Audio System, the subwoofer is hidden in the spare tire area to avoid sacrificing cargo space.
To let the outside into the Tiguan cabin, there’s an available panoramic glass tilt-and-slide sunroof. This aerodynamically and acoustically optimized panoramic roof is compromising an opening glass panel at the front and a fixed glass panel at the rear. It features pinch protection and an electrically- operated one-touch sunshade that covers the inside of the entire glass area. The expansive sunroof with ambient lighting is available for the SE trim and is standard on the SEL and SEL Premium.
The interior features modern, high-quality design with a sporty, driver-focused layout using gloss-grey and chrome details. It also includes a multi-function steering wheel and cloth seats with a rhombus pattern that offers a premium look. SE and SEL models feature leather seating along with a leather-wrapped steering wheel.
Between the large speedometer and tachometer is multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption to trip distance, Bluetooth® connection status. The available Volkswagen Digital Cockpit display offers drivers a reconfigurable display of key data and the ability to position navigation data front and centre for easy viewing.
The Tiguan S is equipped with the Composition Colour unit, which features a new 6.5-inch capacitive touchscreen display. The infotainment system also offers AUX-in, SD card and USB multimedia interfaces as well as a rear-view camera and standard Bluetooth® technology for compatible devices.
Tiguan SE, SEL and SEL Premium models are equipped with a glass-covered 8.0-inch touchscreen display. The new 8.0-inch display is not only brighter than previous generation infotainment systems, it also offers better colour reproduction, response time and improved viewing angles.
Systems allow the ability to send and received SMS text messages with Bluetooth via voice command with compatible phones and pair two phones simultaneously.
Volkswagen Car-Net
Volkswagen is committed to driving the development of more connected and intelligent vehicles, and the Car-Net® connectivity system is a major element in achieving that goal. Car-Net App-Connect smartphone integration for compatible devices is standard on all Tiguan models. App-Connect offers users the ability to run select smartphone apps directly on the vehicle’s display through services like Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.
Powertrain
The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan arrives in dealerships this summer powered by the most advanced version ever of Volkswagen’s EA888 four-cylinder engine. The updated version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged and direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer an improved combination of power, efficiency and responsiveness.
A Start/Stop system is standard for all Tiguan trims. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting in traffic). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.
4Motion with Active Control
All Tiguan models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature Active Control which allows the driver to select specific vehicle profiles based on driving conditions. It has four settings: On-road, Snow, Off-road and Custom Off-road. The singular user interface is highly intuitive, comprising both a rotary knob and a push-button. Turning the knob engages the various drive modes while pushing the button triggers a pop-up menu on the screen of the infotainment system, allowing the driver to fine tune the On-road mode.
Chassis
Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece strengthened steel subframe, the Tiguan’s strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of driving off paved roads and to accommodate the available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
Driver-Assistance Systems
The Tiguan offers a standard rear-view camera and a number of available driver-assistance systems, including Forward Collision Warning and Autonomous Emergency Braking with Pedestrian Monitoring (Front Assist), Blind Spot Monitoring with Rear Traffic Alert, Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Assist, front and rear Park Distance Control (ParkPilot), High Beam Control and Overhead View Camera (Area View).
