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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