Tuesday, September 5, 2017

2018 SECOND GENERATION VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN






Volkswagens  newest Tiguan is longer, roomier than the first generation was.  VW
will be changing their SUV lineup in 2018. Little has been done to the
first generation Tiguans since first being introduced.

The VW Atlas will be a big plus for VW.  Some say it replaces the
First Tiguan.  The Atlas is getting great reviews!

Adding nearly 60% more cargo and second-row legroom, the Tiguan competes in this very crowded market. Want more room than look at the award winning Volkswagen Atlas.


The Tiguans second-row seats both slide and tilt. This allows for comfort for those in the second row seats. USB in second row.  A third row is standard in FWD models, optional on AWD ($500). Third row is more for children but now allows VW to rate the second generation Tiguan as a true seven passengers vehicle.



The 2nd generation Tiguan has the same modular MQB platform used for a vast array of Volkswagen products. The 2018 Tiguan itself grows nearly a foot compared to the old model and, at 185.1 inches in length it’s one of the longest compact SUV's.  Shorter overhangs deliver more space for passengers and cargo.

VW 's Tiguans appearance is destinctive in part because of the sharp creases in the hood and a character line that flows from the front fender through the door handles, all the way to the taillights.

At 65.3 inches, the new Tiguan is tall, but its 72.1-inch width balances that out with a more planted feel, enhanced by the broad, three-slat grille. The headlights have a jewel-like appearance and LED lamps are offered on higher-line trim levels. The base model Tiguan S gets 17-inch wheels, and that goes to 20-inch alloys on the sportier Tiguan R-Line.




SEL and Premium models get a larger, 12.3 inch virtual instrument cluster.
Whether the base S model of top of the line SEL you will be pleased at the redesigned interior.  They features a 12.3-inch display that is bright. When driving in Florida usually bright sun will hinder screen viewing. Not so according to VW. One favorite features is Audi virtual cockpit which VW has named Digital Cockpit for the Tiguan.  It is quite impressive, the virtual gauges far more realistic than those on many current luxury models. There’s also an 8-inch touch screen (the S settling for a 6.5-inch screen).



VW’s infotainment system includes the ability to display a number of smartphone apps – as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Meanwhile, the Premium models get a 480-watt, nine-speaker Fender premium audio system.

The tech package on the Tiguan offers blind-spot monitoring and forward collision warning with emergency braking included on SE and Premium models, optional on base trim. There are other options, including Cross-Traffic Alert and Land Departure Warning. A rearview camera does come standard on all the models.



The  engine offered now is a 2.0-liter turbo-four mated to a new eight-speed automatic. It turns out 184 horsepower and 221 pound-feet of torque. That’s down 16 hp but up 14 lb-ft. Power is delivered primarily to the front-wheels but, with the AWD package power can be transferred to the rear wheels when necessary.

First introduced in the 2009 CC, the EA888 continued Volkswagen’s move toward smaller, turbocharged engines that offer the fuel economy benefits of downsizing with the power of a larger-displacement unit. The majority of the engine—from the cast-iron block to the aluminum-alloy pistons and cylinder head to the valve springs—has been updated for this new application.



During development, engineers focused on making the engine more efficient in the range of driving that most customers use every day, which led to the introduction of a modified Miller combustion cycle that is unique to the Volkswagen Group. Whereas the traditional Miller cycle closes the intake valves just before the end of the intake stroke, the so-called Budack-cycle closes the intake valves much earlier. This results in a longer effective combustion chamber as well as faster air flow for the incoming gases, which improves the mixing of the fuel and air. The net effect is lower fuel consumption and more torque than the 2.0-liter EA888 engine fitted in the 2017 Tiguan.


The key feature that enables the new engine to produce better fuel economy, as well as excellent performance, is the variable valve timing system on the intake camshaft. Depending on engine load, it is possible to switch between short and long valve opening. At idling speed and under partial load, the valve opening is shorter and there is less lift. When the engine is placed under greater load, the camshaft lobe switches to open the valves wider and for a longer period, so the driver can make use of the full power and torque of the engine.



The changes in the new version of the EA888 advance the twin goals of power and efficiency. The peak 184 horsepower kicks in at 4,400 rpm and maintains its output until 6,000 rpm. Maximum torque of 221 lb-ft is achieved at 1,600 to 4,300 rpm. The compression ratio rises to 11.7:1 due to a modified piston crown. New TSI injectors can push fuel into the cylinder at a higher maximum pressure (250 bar or 3,626 psi), with up to three injection sequences per stroke depending on conditions.

VW states the EA888 Gen3B retains many key features of its predecessors, from chain-driven double overhead camshafts to the twin balance shafts that not only counteract second-order internal forces but provide oil scavenging and crankcase breathing pathways.  A new engine management system with four core processors monitors the system and adjusts as needed. Reducing friction was another goal for this engine. For instance, the lower brake mean effective pressure at full load in this engine allowed the crankshaft main bearing diameter to be reduced from 52 to 48 mm, while the balance shaft chain is narrower.

A Start/Stop system is standard for all Tiguan trims. This technology stops the engine during idle when the brake pedal is held (such as when waiting at a red light). When the brake pedal is released, the engine restarts.

Tiguan models configured with front-wheel drive have 15.3 gallon fuel tanks; models with 4Motion all-wheel drive feature 15.9 gallon tanks. Thanks to Tiguan’s new engine and eight-speed automatic transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy for front-wheel drive models rises to 22 mpg in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway and 24 mpg in combined driving. Models with 4Motion all-wheel drive also see significant increases and are rated at 21 mpg in city driving, 27 mpg on the highway and 23 mpg in combined driving.


The 2018 Tiguan runs 200 to 300 pounds heavier than the outgoing SUV, depending on whether you’ve got the FWD or AWD package. Some test drivers wish that the heavier Tiguan offered more horsepower and Torque. Works well with the turbo at sea level but in mountain or hilly landscape the lack of power keeps the Tiguan from traversing with ease. Maybe add a second more powerful engine for the customers in the high mountain ranges.

Bigger and heavier causes the Tiguan to move slowly in twisties and curved roads. Handling would improve if VW would offer an optional aggressive suspension system to the Tiguan.  Even so the Tiguan models as they are delivered offer a great ride for just cruising the roads of North America.

The Sport Mode definatelygivesyou more control on the highway. Optional is the 4Motion package that gives you numerous choices for the terrain or road. You get a choice of Snow, On-Road, Off-Road and Custom Off-Road modes.

At $25,345 for the base Tiguan S front-drive model, $26,645 for the 4Motion package, the Volkswagen Tiguan starts near the upper edge of the compact SUV segment. The SEL bumps that to $36,250 and $37,550. The R-Line option adds up to $1,795. To get the full range of safety and driver assistance systems add another $850. In addition a delivery fee is added-$900.00.
Volkswagen is becoming a full-line family focused automaker. With the new Tiguan and Atlas they will be competing in 4 of the 5 biggest U.S. markets according to VW.

The all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan arrives in dealerships this summer powered by the most advanced version ever of Volkswagen’s EA888 four-cylinder engine. The updated version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged and direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer an improved combination of power, efficiency and responsiveness.




BRUCE HUBBARD
BRADLEY HUBBARD
BONNIE LYNCH
AUTO ADVISOR GROUP
MOTORING TIMES
BEST DRIVES

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