You guys remember the new Tiguan. It debuted at this year's Frankfurt Motor Show and was the most important model VW has launched during the second half of the year. Engineering is only part of the package that's supposed to appeal to the soul of the buyer as well.
It's obvious that designers learned from the Mk1 model and knew what people didn't like about it. So with the clean slate provided by the MQB platform, they changed everything. Yeah, that's how much they didn't like.
The first thing you need to know is that the Tiguan is technically three cars, not one. There's an offroad model that looks like a landing craft because of its raked bumpers designed to give it better approach and departure angles. Customers will also be able to buy a normal model that sits a little bit lower and this R-Line with sports bumpers and even lower suspension.
The overall length of the car has grown by 2.4 inches (6.1 cm) while the wheelbase has been expanded by 3 inches (7.6 cm). That means more interior space, and also better handling thanks to the wheels being pushed to the corners of the car.
The designer draws attention to the new window added next to the mirror. It gives the SUV better outward visibility. Styling elements also include a very sharp line that starts with the tail lights and disappears over the front fenders.
We think the LED headlights look even better than on the Passat, and the R-Line front bumper is perfect if you want to stand out. It's right up there with the Range Rover Evoque, which is a crazy thing to say about any Volkswagen.
The new Tiguan also has three-dimensional taillights, although everybody should agree the Macan does this feature better. We know that comparing VW's SUV to Porsche's is very bold, but they are roughly the same length, and a full-spec Tiguan should cost €60,000.
If you’ve been inside the new B8 Passat, you’ll feel familiar with the cabin of the 2016 Tiguan. But the seats are new and the ones in the back recline and slide like those of an MPV. Overall, the only things we don't like are the exhaust pipes and the dull dashboard.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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