Volkswagen has added lots of upgrades to the 2013 Tiguan.
Billed by the automaker as “The GTI of compact Sport Utility Vehicles,” Volkswagen first introduced the all-new Tiguan SUV to the American marketplace in 2009. Fun, hip, modern and upscale, the front-wheel drive Tiguan SUV was the German automaker’s well executed first attempt at a compact SUV.
Comprehensively re-designed and updated for 2012, the 2013 Tiguan brings new standards of design aesthetics, driving dynamics, safety features, and precision German engineering to one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Available in S, SE and SEL trim levels, minor changes for the 2013 model year include an electronic parking brake, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a leather shift knob. The SE trim receives a partial power passenger seat, while the SEL gets a full power passenger seat with memory and a rearview camera.
In profile, the Tiguan is distinguished by its rakedback windscreen, rising waistline, large side windows, and an unmistakable, trademark C-pillar at the rear. On SE and SEL trims, a distinctive ring of chrome around the side windows, coupled with black-painted window frames, works to visually enhance the car. The Tiguan’s design reflects its ability to conquer all weather conditions. The squared-off wheel arches feature plastic surrounds to protect the paintwork, while the short overhang at the front allows a 28-degree approach angle.
Power for the compact Volkswagen SUV is generated by the soul of the iconic Volkswagen GTI – a 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder prime mover that is bolted to a precise-shifting six-speed manual transmission, standard on the Tiguan S. The rest of the Tiguan line up comes standard with a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic® manual shifting, Sport mode, and Dynamic Shift Program (DSP). 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive models feature a Haldex center differential.
Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece aluminum subframe, the Tiguan’s strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of off-roading and to accommodate the Tiguan’s available 4Motion all-wheel drive.
So it is mounted in a highstrength steel subframe and features a broad lower control arm on each side, located by a trailing link, with the coil spring bearing directly on the trailing link and the damper on the wheel hub assembly. Among the benefits of this almost neutral layout is excellent straight-running stability on highly-uneven surfaces and reduced tire wear.
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