Volkswagon adventure (From Warrington Guardian)

Volkswagon adventure

9:54am Wednesday 6th February 2008 in Motors By Alan Domville

TIGUAN, introduced here this spring, takes Volkswagen into new territory and if you think of the name as a merging of tiger and iguana you can guess where they want you to think it should be.

Unveiled at the Frankfurt Show just before Christmas, it is a compact on and off-roader using the company's 4MOTION intelligent' four-wheel drive system already proven in the larger Touareg and other VW models.

While Touareg is really the kind of vehicle that might venture into truly alien environments, Tiguan in most of its guises is a more gentle creature that will be more than happy competing with RAV4 and the like for space on Tesco's car park.

Initially, there are two engine choices - a 2.0 litre turbocharged common rail diesel generating almost 140 horsepower and a 1.4 litre TSI petrol unit that develops another 10.

Later this year a 168hp diesel and two more petrol engines will also be made available.

Trim levels are called S, SE, Sport and Escape, and it is the latter that boasts additional off-road capability when the situation demands.

"While Touareg is really the kind of vehicle that might venture into truly alien environments, Tiguan in most of its guises is a more gentle creature."

Alan Domville

Prices start at £19,370 for the 1.4 six-speed manual and currently rise to £23,750 for the Sport diesel mated to Tiptronic dual mode automatic.

The diesel engine, which complies with the stricter Euro 5 emissions standard that will come into effect next year, is also available with the manual box.

Tig's front axle employs a strut type system linked to a lightweight aluminium support frame with electromechanical power steering while a four-link rear axle gives it the sort of sharp dynamics required for off-road applications.

At the same time, the front end treatment is biased towards on-road applications but provides an 18 degree angle of approach - the figure that defines the angle of slope the vehicle can traverse.

Escape has a modified frontal design featuring a shorter overhang, a protective element over the front radiator grille and a sump guard.

The angle of approach here can be 28 degrees and hill descent control and a compass are provided for this variant.

Slightly larger externally than the recently revised Touran people carrier, Tiguan provides an acceptable towing capacity of up to 2,500kg.

The rear bench, which can be moved fore and aft to liberate extra leg or luggage room, provides seating for three passengers and when the rear seats are folded away a load volume of up to 1,510 litres can be utilized.

All of the variants feature alloy wheels, air conditioning, an MP3 compatible CD player, ABS with Hydraulic Brake Assist, an Electronic Stabilisation Programme and head and curtain airbags along with twin front and side airbags.

A number of innovative options are available including Volkswagen's touchscreen satellite navigation and audio system incorporating special software to permit route guidance while off-road.

The Park Assist system, which was pioneered on the Touran, takes over steering inputs from the driver while undertaking reverse parking manoeuvres.

Constructed with high tensile energy-soaking steel, Tiguan has earned a five star rating for occupant protection by Euro NCAP. The warranty extends to 60,000 miles.