Do you find the Golf too small and the Toureg too large? If so, Volkswagen has the SUV for you. Last year we spent a week with the base model Tiguan, and found it to be versatile and composed. Germany must have been listening, because we received a new 2015 Tiguan R-Line 4Motion for a week of evaluation.
The R-Line is their premier package that adds a host of interior and exterior content, along with an $11,000 bump in price. It may be a steep price for an option package, but it solves many of our complaints with the base model. Our favorite upgrades include the HID headlights, all wheel drive, fog lights, sunroof, rain-sensing wipers, powered heated seats and a Fender Audio 8 speaker system.
Drivetrain
Owning a car without these is upgrades makes the experience much more enjoyable. If you live up north, the all-wheel drive system may have more importance for you, but here in sunny Florida it is rarely needed. Their 4Motion system features a Haldex center differential and makes for great power delivery. The downside is that it is less efficient than two wheel drive. This model has stylish 19” wheels which help cornering prowess and remove some of the numbness of the suspension.
Interior
Inside is the same great interior with plenty of space. Leather and ambient lighting are welcomed, but we’re a tad confused by the myriad of blank buttons on the dash. Of the interior, the German attention to quality and detail is unmistakable. Controls are in the right locations and made of quality materials.
Conclusion
If you need a compact SUV with great build quality, the Tiguan has several flavors to choose from. This R-Line 4Motion® has a base price of $40,100, but rest assured that it will hold its value thanks to solid engineering. Solid, safe and sensible, the Tiguan has a lot to offer. Stay tuned to Autofluence for more Volkswagen news and reviews.
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