The redesigned 2018 Tiguan is 11 inches longer than last year's model.Yes, Volkswagen's redesigned 2018 Tiguan is bigger and better than ever. In a comparison test, Cars.com just rated the Tiguan its No. 1 compact SUV.
But we would submit that the most important improvement to the Tiguan is not in its blueprint but in its fine print. Specifically, it's the Tiguan's six-year/72,000 mile new car warranty. Most compact SUV buyers are value-conscious, and VW has made the Tiguan much more "valuable" by doubling the industry's standard, 3-years/36,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty.
With 72-month car loans increasing in popularity, the Tiguan basically offers six years of worry-free driving while you are paying off your loan. Plus, should you decide to trade cars in less than six years, the Tiguan's warranty is transferable to the next owner, which helps increase resale value.
If you don't believe warranties can move metal, just look at how Kia and Hyundai have grown and prospered using 100,000-mile power-train warranties as the foundation of their marketing. So, we predict, will VW. (The Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV also comes with the enhanced six-year/72,000-mile new-car warranty, but not VWs other vehicles. At least not yet.)
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"It truly shows how VW is making their mark on the U.S. with this incredible factory- backed warranty (on the Tiguan)," said Jeremy Holsomback, general manager of Village Volks- wagen Chattanooga. Holsomback noted that his store already has a supply of 2018 Tiguans in stock.
FAST FACTS
-Model: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SE -Exterior color: Platinum Gray Metallic -Interior color: Gray Leatherette -Engine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo -Horsepower: 184 -Transmission: Eight-speed automatic -Fuel economy: 27 mpg highway, 22 mpg city -Local Dealer: Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga -Price (as tested): $30,180
Pricing for the Tiguan ranges from about $25,000 for a base version to about $40,000 for a model with all the available options. Our factory tester is a mid-tier SE model with Platinum Metallic Gray exterior paint and a sticker price of $30,180. Thankfully, such safety tech features as forward collision warning and blind-spot monitoring are standard in mid-priced Tiguans.
STYLING AND FEATURES
So, while the generous new warranty may increase foot traffic at Volkswagen stores, customers will still have to like what they see. And with the new Tiguan, there is a lot to like. Start with size. The 2018 Tiguan is fully 11 inches longer than before, and, in front-wheel-drive configuration, comes with a standard - albeit small - third row of seats. The extra seats can be added to all-wheel-drive models for a $500 premium. If the old Tiguan inhaled and held its breath, it would look something like the new Tiguan.
Having read more than a half-dozen reviews of the new Tiguan, the word most often used to describe the SUVs exterior styling is "handsome." We'd add, it's handsome like a well-tailored suit or a classic haircut. The Tiguan is technical and mechanical sophistication wrapped in simple design.
It combines crisp body lines with a muscular stance, more like the ripped new Atlas than the softly-sculpted first-generation Tiguan. The Platinum Gray Metallic exterior paired with a light gray interior makes for a classy contrast. In that way it's slightly Volvo- esque. Except for a few hard-plastic door panels, the interior of the Tiguan tiptoes right to the edge of Audi quality, but at a much lower price point than the luxury brand.
The way-back seats are small, but nice to have if you transport small kids or simply need the versatility to carry seven passengers in a pinch. It makes us wonder if the bigger Tiguan won't poach a few customers from the Atlas. Meanwhile, customers who don't need the third-row seats may want to shop the smaller, but more fun to drive, VW Golf Alltrack wagon.
We have always liked VW's leatherette upholstery, which has the look of real leather and the durability of synthetic materials. The front seats are firm and comfortable and the dash instrumentation is simple and intuitive. Well, mostly intuitive. The dash-mounted touch screen is so sensitive that every time we tried to adjust the volume we involuntarily changed the radio's tuning. It also took us about five minutes one day to figure out how to turn off the rear hatch wiper.
Standard features on the Tiguan SE include a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, eight-speed automatic transmission, 17-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone climate controls, rear-view camera, push-button start and satellite radio. A huge panoramic sunroof is a worthwhile option at $1,200.
DRIVING IMPRESSIONS
The Tiguan has clearly been designed with a soft, composed ride in mind. Handling is not as crisp as other VWs built on the same platform, such as the excellent Golf hatchbacks and wagons. Still, for highway driving and daily commuting the Tiguan proves an excellent companion.
Visibility is especially good, and the panoramic sunroof in our tester lets even more light pour in. It's easy to adjust the power driver's seat to a comfortable position, but other passengers will have to use manual controls.
The Tiguan's 2.0-liter turbocharged engine makes 184 horsepower, but the turbo takes an instant to spool up. It almost feels like the Tiguan rocks back before launching, like a long jumper preparing to sprint toward the pit. All-wheel drive Tiguans command a $1,300 premium.
Tiguans sip regular gas and average 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.
BOTTOM LINE
With the Atlas and the Tiguan now in VW stores, Volkswagen is finally ready to compete on equal footing in the burgeoning SUV market. In its segment, the Tiguan is the right vehicle, at the right time at the right price. Meanwhile, it's class leading new-car warranty promises to jump start showroom traffic.
Contact Mark Kennedy at mkennedy@timesfreepress.com or 423-757-6645. Follow him on Twitter @TFPCOLUMNIST. Subscribe to his Facebook updates at www.facebook.com/ mkennedycolumnist.