VW Tiguan Might be a Big Hit

If you are reading this, you can punch the nearest person because you are seeing a Volkswagen.

Of course, that might not be socially acceptable -- despite those popular VW commercials.

But the VW Tiguan, a small SUV that has some neat features, might make you a little punchy anyway.

Why?

Well, the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine is powered nicely, producing 200 horsepower.

It is linked to a six-speed automatic or manual transmission, and all-wheel drive is available in addition to the standard front-wheel configuration.

Fuel economy is OK; 18-19 mpg city, 24-26 highway.

And it has pretty decent looks - nothing too radical, just a nicely styled small SUV, inside and out.

With all of those good qualities, you'd like to say that it is also value priced.

Uh, not quite.

At the lower end, a Tiguan can be had for around $24,000, but if you add on a few things, you can go as high as $33,000.

That's a little steep for this type of vehicle.

The tester, which did not have a sunroof or satellite radio, was priced at a little north of $26,000.

While that's not terribly expensive, you might expect a bit more goodies at that price point, and you can certainly get them from competitors such as the Hyundai Tucson (almost fully loaded at the VW tester's price), Kia Sportage (fully loaded for a couple thousand less) and Chevrolet Equinox (better styling and performance for around the same price).

But that's not to say that the Tiguan is without positive attributes.

That four-cylinder engine, for instance, is very strong, with a towing capacity of 2,200 pounds and a payload rating of 1,352 pounds, according to VW.

The 16-inch alloy wheels are attractive, and 17- and 18-inchers are available.

There are three trim levels: S, SE and SEL.

The S has an eight-speaker sound system, step up to the SE and you get heated front seats and touch screen audio system and the SEL has leather seats, optional sunroof and upgraded interior trim.
The Tiguan also drives rather spiritedly, as you might expect of a Volkswagen.

It handles curves nicely, accelerates smoothly and brakes assuredly.
For convenience, the tire pressure monitoring system keeps an eye on whether tires are properly inflated.

And for safety, the Tiguan includes front and front-side airbags that are standard and the vehicle receives a five out of five star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
So, if you are impressed by all those features, and you don't mind forking over a few extra dollars, go ahead and drive a Tiguan.

And watch as bystanders punch each other in the arm.


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