When Volkswagen redesigned the Tiguan small SUV for 2018, it missed a good opportunity to change the name.
"Tiguan" is hard to remember, hard to spell, and meaningless in English - that's all. At least VW's Chattanooga-made Passat is an onomatopoeia (a "sounds-like" word) for the instant when you remove an air hose from a valve stem while inflating a tire: Pizzzzz-AHT. (Kidding.)
Aside from the name, the Tiguan is quite virtuous. It's bigger and better than the previous generation. And that's what really counts to compact SUV buyers.
The Golden Oak and Black interior of the 2018 VW Tiguan is a classy design touch.FAST FACTS
Model: 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEExterior color: Dark Moss Green MetallicInterior color: Golden Oak and BlackEngine: 2.0-liter, four-cylinder, turboHorsepower: 184Transmission: eight-speed automaticFuel economy: 27 mpg highway, 22 mpg cityLocal Dealer: Village VW of ChattanoogaPrice (as tested): $29,465
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At its upper trim levels, the Tiguan overlaps cost with with the larger, Chattanooga-made Atlas SUV. While the Tiguan comes with a third row of seats, they're not for adults. The Atlas, meanwhile, can transport seven full-size humans in relative comfort.
The Tiguan is a great choice for wannabe Audi Q3 owners who lack the cash-flow to afford the luxury brand. It has the smooth powertrain and upscale interior that VW fans expect, while delivering a class-above driving experience. And now that it has swollen to adult proportions (the new Tiguan is about 11 inches longer than the old version), it hits the sweet spot for small families.
The Tiguan's popularity is apparent in car store inventories. Village Volkswagen of Chattanooga had 19 Tiguans in digital inventory this week. Most are offered at a significant discount, as the 2018 model year is winding down.
WHAT IS IT? A compact SUV with most of the versatility of a mid-size SUV - minus a roomy third row. The Tiguan slots below the Atlas in the VW line-up and starts at $24,595 for a base model. (With discounts you can step up to an SE model, like our tester, for about that price this month.) Before discounts our tester rings up at $29,465.
WHAT WE LIKED: Details make the difference and we loved the digital clock (with an analog face) built into the 8-inch display screen. We also liked the modern interior design, two-town leatherette seating surfaces, intuitive controls, integrated roof racks, sharp rear-view camera graphics and handsome body lines. We are also a big fan of the color: Dark Moss Green Metallic.
ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT: The Tiguan has a throaty exhaust note that seems out of character for the brand. The second-row seats are a bit "benchy" and pull-straps to access the third row are an odd choice. Also, be aware: The Tiguan has a towing capacity of just 1,500 pounds compared to 5,000 pounds for the Atlas.
DRIVING EXPERIENCE: The 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbocharged engine makes 184 horsepower, which is plenty for most Chattanooga-area commutes. The eight-speed, automatic transmission goes about its work inconspicuously. Expect fuel economy to be about 27 mpg highway and 22 mpg city.
BOTTOM LINE: It's a great time to buy a Tiguan as discount pricing is in full force. Opt for the all-wheel-drive 4MOTION system (a $1,300 upgrade) if you live at altitude.
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.
The Tiguan features a roomy second row.