Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 130kW 4MOTION R-Line (2023) review

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a firm family favourite. The model that essentially replaced the Passat on local showroom floors offers space, convenience, practicality and reliability. The introduction of a diesel variant is a boon for those who are looking for frugality as well.

Interior & Space

There’s no denying that the Volkswagen Tiguan is a formidable force in the local market. Having sold 4 280 units in 2020 and capturing a 16.2% market share, the Tiguan was ranked as the best-selling medium SUV in South Africa. 2021 saw the third-generation Tiguan receive a makeover and equipment update, priming it for a repeat performance of the years preceding.

Initially offered with a range of TSI petrol engines, Volkswagen has reintroduced a diesel derivative and at this time, only a single variant. The Tiguan 2.0TDI 130kW 4Motion R-Line is the vehicle for those that enjoy the open road and frequently venture into the unknown, taking the highway and covering great distances.

Styling 

The facelift sees the Tiguan fitted with a new front bumper and redesigned headlights. On the R-Line model, these units are VW’s IQ.LIGHT LED Matrix that features 22 individual LEDS to help cast a pure, clear light, and thanks to the adaptive high beam function, allow you to see more of the road ahead without blinding oncoming traffic.

Our test model was fitted with the optional panoramic sunroof and Black Style Package which deletes the chrome elements and replaces them with gloss black trim, adds rear privacy glass, and switches out the standard 19-inch Valencia wheels for a set of 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels.

At the rear, the changes are a little more subtle but the dead giveaway is the Tiguan name that is now situated underneath the badge. The Tiguan presents attractive proportions and looks as at home in the bush as it does in the office parking lot or shopping mall.

Volkswagen Tiguan colour and price guide

Space & Interior 

The cabin of the Tiguan offers generous space for 5 adults and the rear seats are mounted on rails, allowing for improved legroom but at the expense of the load area. This sees the boot vary from 520 litres to 620 litres and should you require more, you’re able to fold the rear seats forward to reveal 1 655 litres of cargo space. Storage is complemented by generous door bins, cupholders and storage under the centre armrest.

The R-Line package sees the Tiguan fitted with Vienna leather seats that are embroidered with the Volkswagen R logo along with ambient lighting. These seats are electrically adjustable and the drivers seat features a memory function. The ergonomics are a bit of a miss sadly with a driving position that never quite feels right to me. Others may not struggle with this but I always felt I was too close to the pedals, too far from the steering, or too upright in the seat.

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Comfort & Convenience 

Part of the update is the switch to digital controls for the climate control as well as a new steering wheel design that features touch controls. I’ve never been a fan of touch controls on a steering wheel and the Tiguan, while not the worst your could encounter, still proved a little fiddly with random activations taking place while steering.

As standard, the 2.0TDI is fitted with the Composition Media infotainment system with navigation but our test unit was fitted with the optional Discover Media Pro system that features wireless App-Connect for Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and MirrorLink. A new addition is the inclusion of a Harmon Kardon audio system with a 16-channel amplifier, 8-speakers, and a subwoofer – perfect for those holiday adventures.

Everything you need to know about the Volkswagen Tiguan

Performance 

The TDI unit in the Tiguan won’t make you a race winner but it will still be able to satiate the traffic light grand prix driver in you, especially when you select the Sport setting on the 7-speed DSG gearbox. The programming of the gearbox sees the Tiguan feel lazy off the line in regular Drive mode but this actually allows for a smooth, gentle pull away, saving you fuel in the process.

The 2.0-litre turbodiesel engine produces, no surprises, 130 kW from the 4-cylinder mill and with that comes a stout 380 Nm of torque. Power is sent to all four wheels through the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system and drive can be configured by selecting one of the drive models that allow for loose surfaces or rocky outcrops.

Fuel Economy 

Volkswagen claims that you will get 6.6 l/100km on the fuel consumption front and without even using the Eco drive mode, I was able to return figures frightfully close to this; 6.7 l/100km. This is welcoming to see and shows that with a little concentration and the Eco mode in use, figures even better than this can be achieved.

The 58-litre fuel tank and claimed fuel consumption translates into an estimated range of 879 km from a single tank of diesel.

Safety 

The Tiguan 2.0TDI is fitted with 6 airbags and has a host of driver assistance systems to complement the standard array of ABS, EBD and EBA. Lane Change Assist and Side Assist will help you stay on the right track while Emergency Braking with Front Assist may just save your bacon if you have a momentary lapse of concentration.

Price 

The cost of the Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 130kW 4Motion R-Line is R818 600 before options. The options added to our test unit bumps the price up by several thousand Rand.

Competitors 

When you tickle the R800 000 mark, you start playing in the realm of the Ford Everest and Toyota Fortuner. Even the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport starts to contend. These all offer seating for 7 though and the Tiguan, in this trim, only offers seating for 5. That may not be the end of the world for you and many 7-seater owners only use the third row on occasion. One will also have to consider the likes of the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe, especially if you’re deadset on purchasing a diesel SUV.

Verdict 

The Tiguan 2.0TDI does exactly what it says on the tin and it does it exceptionally well. The R-Line package is a little confusing though as you’re never confident tracking some rough stuff with the large 20-inch wheels and low-profile tyres. It all seems a bit counterintuitive and if I were to purchase one to make use of the TDI torque and 4Motion drivetrain, I’d stick to the smaller 19-inch wheels that come as standard.

Keyword: Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0TDI 130kW 4MOTION R-Line (2023) review