2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

Ever tried to get someone’s attention in a crowded room? If so, you know the position that Volkswagen is in. The top selling automaker in Europe, VW is in the midst of a busy year here in the states, rolling out four new models to market. The latest is called Tiguan, making its showroom debut now, as VW’s entry in the burgeoning, compact SUV class.

Trims and Pricing

Buyers are migrating to small crossovers because this segment offers the promise of having it all. Or at least most of it: utility and reasonable economy, in a sporty, sensibly sized package. Manufacturers are also drawn to this segment because, well, there are all those customers waiting, and more pouring in every day. However, there are also lots of quality vehicles already here, so the trick becomes the ability to offer something new, and get noticed.


Tiguan’s approach is to put the accent on the “sport” in sport-utility vehicle. Volkswagen is positioning their latest entry as the GTI of compact SUVs. The all-new 2009 Tiguan is offered in three trim levels—S, SE and SEL—in front- and 4Motion, all-wheel drive. Prices start at $23,200.


The 102.5-inch wheelbase VW is built on a combination of the Golf/Jetta and Passat platforms. Fitted with an independent front and rear suspension and electro-mechanical rack-and-pinion steering, Tiguan (from “Tiger” and “Iguana”) is nimble and stable, cornering with a confidence that’s unusual for the breed. Ably assisting the chassis in its efforts is VW’s well-regarded 2.0T—the same engine that powers the GTI.

Driving and Performance

Tuned to the tune of 200 hp and 207 lb.-ft. of torque, the turbocharged four cylinder adds a long-legged, wide-ranging powerband to the equation. Front-wheel-drive versions can be had with either a six-speed manual or optional six-speed automatic transmission. The all-wheel-drive model is offered only with an automatic. We drove both a base “S” with six-speed stick and a loaded SEL 4x4.


With VW’s 4Motion, Tiguan functions primarily in front-wheel-drive mode, with a 90/10 front/back power split under normal conditions. However, the system is capable of transferring as much as 50 percent of available torque to the rear wheels when needed, and this traction enhancement is provided on wet or dry roads. Electronic Stability Control is on call to watch the driver’s back, as conditions dictate. In the SEL 4Motion, the 2.0T gets from 0-60 mph in a tick under eight seconds, with an electronically limited top end of 129 mph. EPA estimates for fuel economy are 18 mpg city, 24 highway. In “manumatic” mode, the automatic transmission lacks the right-now gear change ability of Volkswagen’s Direct Shift Gearbox; but, left to its own devices, it handles the four cylinder’s powerband well.