CAR /
IMPRESSION
August 5, 2021
Test drive of the new Volkswagen Tiguan: An all-around model with a well-balanced blend of driving performance and interior space.
Recommended: The R-Line
Particularly recommended is the "DCC package," an optional feature for the top-tier 1.5-liter front-wheel-drive "TSI" model, known as the "R-Line." This package combines electronic damping control and steering force control, and in a word, it makes the driving feel significantly sportier. It can be considered an option that unlocks the Tiguan's full potential.
In the new Tiguan, the "R-Line" and the "Elegance" trim levels, which I test drove, feature two large screens: a digital cockpit in front of the driver and an infotainment system screen in the center of the dashboard. Furthermore, these two grades are equipped with a head-up display that links with AR (Augmented Reality) navigation. Features like gesture control, which allows you to adjust radio stations with a simple hand movement, enhance the enjoyment of being in the cockpit.
The new Tiguan also comes equipped with "Travel Assist," which includes functions for following the vehicle ahead on highways and in traffic jams, as well as automatic stopping and starting, and lane-keeping assist. "The key selling point is that the system can be activated with a single press of a button on the steering wheel," proudly states a Volkswagen Japan PR representative.
We have the T-CROSS, easy to handle in the city, the stylish T-ROC, and this Tiguan. Which one should you choose? Of course, each has its own characteristics, so there may not be a single right answer. The T-ROC, now equipped with the new 1.5-liter gasoline engine, is also intriguing.
In this context, I believe the Tiguan is the all-around model that strikes a balance between high driving performance, including handling, smooth driving, and a spacious interior. Although Volkswagen has declared its commitment to a pure EV future, it's impressive how they can still release such well-crafted gasoline vehicles.
The price starts at the "Active" (4,079,000 yen) with simpler equipment, followed by the "Elegance" (4,839,000 yen), and the "R-Line" (5,039,000 yen). Initially, a "TSI First Edition" (5,249,000 yen) was also available, based on the "Elegance" trim, incorporating the aforementioned "DCC" (220,000 yen), 19-inch wheels, and leather seats (319,000 yen for the R-Line). For those who prefer leather seats, this is the most cost-effective option.
