2015 Volkswagen Tiguan

NEW FOR 2015:

While Volkswagen’s Tiguan is a bit long in the tooth, it remains a desirable and competitive player in the compact crossover arena. Compared to its rivals, it offers plenty of power thanks to a standard 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine that was once used in the legendary GTI hot hatch. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the base model; all others use a six-speed automatic. 4Motion all-wheel drive is an option on Trendline and Comfortline trims, and is standard on Special Edition and Highline trims. Unfortunately the six-speed manual cannot be paired to the 4Motion AWD system.

New for 2015 is a Special Edition 4Motion trim which combines the Tiguan’s most desirable options with a pricetag of less than $30,000.

Although the Tiguan does not offer the same degree of off-roading prowess as the Touareg, it posses a polished feel on the road. Sharp steering, a solid but comfortable ride, and a high-quality cabin make it more of a rival for the BMW X1 and Benz GLA than a Toyota RAV4 or Honda CR-V. Buyers should note that the R-Line’s sports suspension is considerably firmer than the standard setup.

The Tiguan is offered in Trendline, Special Edition, Comfortline, and Highline trims.

Trendline features include 16-inch alloy wheels, 60/40 split folding and sliding rear seats with recline, eight-way manually adjustable front seats, flat-folding front passenger seat, cloth upholstery, air conditioning, eight-speaker AM/FM/CD audio with auxiliary input, chrome front grille, cruise control, electronic parking brake, exterior temperature gauge, front and rear floor mats, fog lights, multifunction trip computer, and power heated side mirrors.

The Convenience Package adds black roof rails, heated front seats, heated washer nozzles, media device interface (iPod connectivity), leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, rain-sensing wipers, and rear privacy glass.

The Special Edition features 17-inch wheels, KESSY proximity key with push-button start, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, black roof rails, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, media device interface (iPod connectivity), touchscreen display audio system, six-disc CD changer, satellite radio, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob, privacy glass, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, and a reverse camera.

Key options include navigation with 30 GB hard drive, and a panoramic power sunroof.

Comfortline builds on Trendline and adds 17-inch alloy wheels, six-way manually adjustable seat with power recline, black roof rails, comfort seats, seatback pockets, heated seats, heated washer nozzles, leather wrapped multifunction steering wheel and shift knob, leatherette upholstery, media device interface (iPod connectivity), panoramic sunroof, touchscreen display audio system, six-disc CD changer, privacy glass, and satellite radio.

The Technology Package adds navigation with 30 GB hard drive, and an eight-speaker 400-watt Fender sound system.

The Appearance Package adds adaptive bi-xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lights, silver roof rails, and metal pedals pedals.

Highline adds 12-way power driver seat, 18-inch alloy wheels, KESSY proximity key with push-button start, auto-dimming rear view mirror, automatic headlights, chrome window surrounds and lower door trim, automatic dual-zone climate control, digital compass, ambient lighting, metal interior trim, leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers, and silver roof rails.

The Technology Package adds navigation with 30 GB hard drive, and an eight-speaker 400-watt Fender sound system.

The R-Line Package adds 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlamps, black headliner, flared wheel arches, LED daytime running lights, body colour lower cladding, rear spoiler, R-Line steering wheel, R-Line metal pedals and door sills, and sport suspension.