Updating a flagship product is always a delicate exercise for a large automaker, especially in the current context. Because if the major companies in the sector are immersed in complex short- and long-term arbitrations to finance the transition to electricity, with very irregular dynamics these days, we must ensure cash flow… And this is mainly assured by the sales of The good old thermal cars, fluid vehicles with a global vocation.
And the issue is especially delicate for Volkswagen, which is going through a difficult time. Fall of more than 20% in net profit in the first quarter, real deterioration in the prospects of the electricity segment after several quarters of strong growth… And ID models that are struggling to establish themselves in an increasingly competitive market. And like Ford or others, today there is a great temptation to take note of this, strengthen ourselves especially in the field of hybrids and continue developing increasingly less polluting thermal engines, waiting for new, almost reliable dynamics to emerge. on 100% electric, the real valuation of which remains decidedly too complex to evaluate at this time.
This is why Volkswagen, Europe’s largest car seller by volume, needed to update its successful models. And clearly the Tiguan was a priority. A true bestseller for the brand, the only real competitor to the Toyota Rav4, 500,000 examples were sold worldwide last year and Volkswagen has sold almost 8 million since its launch in 2007. This shows that its update was eagerly awaited.
The good: a good traditional large SUV
And now Volkswagen is playing the safe bet card. If Peugeot, Toyota or even Renault seek innovation, leaning towards crossovers and SUV coupes, the 2024 Tiguan is ultimately the most… “Tiguan” of all generations combined. A really good large classic SUV, with huge looks and generous interior space. So much so that, although the dimensions remain similar to those of the previous generation, at 4.54 meters long, it appears visually more imposing. Despite everything, the shapes are a little more aerodynamic (the CX goes from 0.33 to 0.28), a little softer, and the new Tiguan incorporates visual and optical signatures that are reminiscent of the electric ID models. In short, a great classic SUV, which also does not forget to be in tune with the new times.
The interior has been redesigned both in terms of organization and ergonomics, resulting in a real impression of space, light and greater comfort compared to the previous generation. The interior is very sober, very well finished with quality plastics and leather, precise displays, ambient lights and successful visual signatures.
A large, very fashionable central screen brings together the infotainment and the main on-board functions, and manages to be visually attractive and quite practical to use, without necessarily being intrusive. A good balance and a true feat since this type of display usually invades increasingly modern interiors.
The seats, with firm comfort, are spacious, pleasant and well finished. And although the middle rear passenger will be the worst of the group, the place reserved for him is already a little more passable than in previous vintages, an equation certainly difficult to solve for many manufacturers, despite its strictly family vocation. machine type. As for the trunk, its volume represents a clear improvement compared to the previous generation, +40 liters to 652.
We also like: a pleasant and sober driving.
As for the engine, the tested version is equipped with a 1,500 cm3 eTSI 4-cylinder turbo, that is, supported by a microhybridization with a 48-volt battery and starter-alternator. With 150 horsepower in the bank and a 7-speed DSG gearbox, there is no problem moving this SUV with flexibility and dynamism, which remains relatively light at 1.6 tons.
With single-wheel drive, the Tiguan can count on a comfortable torque of 250 Nm (of which 56 correspond to electrification) and offers silent performance, very appropriate for a car of these characteristics. Not very noisy in normal and eco mode, it runs most of the time at low revs and even deactivates two of its cylinders during certain driving phases for the sake of economy. The steering, sufficiently reduced, is precise and guarantees good maneuverability, and the suspensions are not too soft, guaranteeing a truly smooth driving experience.
Very rich in technologies, this Tiguan 2024 has the classic range of driving aids (lane crossing warning, steering assistance, sign reading, etc.), some of which are very pleasant to use, in particular the assistance connected to the front rangefinder, which allows you to anticipate braking, while helping to recharge the battery.
In the end, consumption is reasonable without being exceptional, just under 7 l/100 in the city and around 8 on the highway depending on the driving modes chosen (WLTP standards range between 6.3 and 6.8). Whether for rather short urban trips or for highway use, the Tiguan 2024 appears quite impeccable.
The downside: it’s not simple ergonomics
Some details will still make one shudder. In particular, the new ergonomics, which may confuse those who are used to previous Volkswagen models, with the grouping of many functions at once in a single comfortable…
Plus annoying on-board systems, including sign reading and lane keep warning and assist, which require somewhat prohibitive deactivation via the central display. Finally, the DSG box remains abrupt, especially in the starting phase, as we have seen in particular during the test of the Taigo coupe SUV.
But at what price? The bill is high
Finally, as expected, the final result is high, especially compared to the competition. It always has been, but prices rise again with this 2024 version. Our 150-horsepower eTSI test version is only available in the R-Line and Elegance versions, which both cost around 50,000 euros. Indeed, the basic 130 horsepower version is billed for 39,450 euros, but clearly the bill rises depending on finishes, engines and options.
So yeah, the rating isn’t really given. But, honestly, we are clearly looking at the best European SUV as a whole, with a best-seller status that is anything but usurped.
Whether you love or hate SUVs, the Tiguan is easily the best there is at this level of the range, in terms of abilities, driving experience and build quality. Europe’s SUV king remains king, and for a long time without a doubt.
Our test model: Volkswagen Tiguan eTSI 150 Elegance, priced at 49,900 euros, with a penalty of 1,276 euros (143g CO2/km)
Source: BFM TV
