The second generation Volkswagen Tiguan 2016 brings a mature crossover, which has 615 liters of luggage space. Design elements are shared with the Passat, the engine range is without surprises. VW Tiguan is one of the most popular crossovers. Between 2007 and 2015 they managed to sell 2.6 million units of this large Volkswagen sales hit.

The new VW Tiguan 2016 – the first crossover with a useful luggage compartment?

Tiguan 2016 was the most significant innovation of Volkswagen in Frankfurt. The new Tiguan is six centimeters longer (total length is 4.48 meters), 3.3 cm lower and has a 7.7 cm longer wheelbase compared to its predecessor. Inside, the rear seat passengers have 2.9 centimeters more knee room, but the biggest improvement is its 145 liters increased boot capacity.

It now has a basic capacity of 615 liters of the luggage compartment. With folded rear seat the capacity can be increased to 1,655 liters.

Dimensions of the new VW Tiguan 2016:

• Length: 4,49 m
• Width: 1,84 m
• Height: 1,63 m
• Wheelbase: 2,68 m
• Luggage capacity: 615 / 1,655 liters

Four-wheel drive version with 20-centimeter ground clearance

In spite of a more dynamic design Tiguan 2016 remains a classic Volkswagen. When we look at it from the outside, we can quickly spot the visible elements of the new Passat. The same goes for the interior. The second-generation Tiguan stands on the Volkswagen MQB platform, so the choice of engines is not surprising. We can choose between 1.6- and 2-liter diesel engines.  The range of petrol engines starts at 1.4-liter and ends at 2-liter, both turbo charged. Customers are able to choose the four-wheel drive version 4MOTION, primarily in combination with higher-powered engines.

Four-wheel drive 2016 Tiguan 4MOTION versions will have 20 centimeters of ground clearance, which is 1.1 centimeters higher than the two-wheel drive version. Volkswagen also offers an off-road package, which increases the approach angle from 18.3 degrees to 25.6 degrees. Tiguan 2016 is capable of towing quite heavy trailers because it is engineered for trailer loads of up to 2,500 kilograms.

In the style of today’s motoring trends, of course, there is also a hybrid version, called GTE.

Due to angular appearance looks more manly

Tiguan 2016 takes into account the latest design trends of the Volkswagen. Because of the more angular designer approach, it looks more manly. Pronounced sportiness with the assistance of a new R-line package is more virtual than real, but let’s face it, this is extremely popular in most car segments. Prospects are good.

The interior is easily accessible, great rear seat space

The cabin is somewhat more easily accessible due to a slight reduction of height – it is immediately noticeable. There is plenty of room for the driver and front passenger. But this was also true for the first generation, so by the first impression, the difference is not felt.

More interior space is more evident in the second row (in comparison to the Tiguan of the first generation). Three additional centimeters of knee room and a sense of airiness is above average. In any case, there will be enough space even for larger/higher adults.

Anything else exciting? For example, a wireless smartphone charging, …

• If the cell phone allows it, the new Tiguan can fill your smartphone wirelessly.
• Rear-view mirror in the cabin does not have the classic black thick edge, which makes it light and modern.
• In the middle of the instrument panel is a small, very narrow but relatively deep covered drawer.
• Sunroof is very large and extends past the heads of passengers in the second row.
• Near the gear lever of four-wheel drive version, a switch for selection of one out of four driving programs is mounted – basic, snow and two for driving off-road.

2016 Tiguan Luggage Compartment measures 615 liters

The rear seat flexibility is substantial. The backrest inclination angle adjustment is joined with 18-centimeters longitudinal movement. The passenger seat can also be folded in the case of transporting long objects. There are also four-point adjustable folding tables on the back of front seats. Well, really useful is just one level – the horizontal one.

The luggage compartment is, thanks to the MQB platform, enormous, both on paper as well as in practice. But only if the vehicle is not equipped with a spare wheel and the double bottom is uncovered. As mentioned earlier, compared to the first generation it offers room for 145 liters of extra luggage. Fully loaded it can now transport up to 615 liters of cargo.

Safety in contact with the most advanced technologies

From the technological and the active safety point of view the new Tiguan 2016 offers most of the technologies that the Volkswagen brand offers at the moment. It can be equipped with LED lights, the driver can use the advantages of autonomous driving in heavy traffic. The serial equipment offers, inter alia, warning against unintentional lane change, automatic braking in case of danger of a collision at low speed and pedestrian detection system.

VW Tiguan 2016 engines

All eight engines (four petrol and four diesel) are turbocharged direct injection engines with the start-stop system. The power range of the gas engine is from 125 to 220 horsepower. Similarly, the diesel engine power ranges from 115 and up to 240 horsepower. Looking back at the first generation engines this is a decent supplement. Previously had a maximum of 150 horsepower available at the petrol Tiguan and 184 PS diesel. The basic models are only available with front-wheel drive.

Engines in new Tiguan are also up to 24 percent more fuel efficient compared to predecessors.

And we must not forget about the latest GTE plug-in hybrid study.

2016 VW Tiguan from 25,975 Euro

Last but not least, the price. Tiguan with the 1.4 TSI as a basic model will cost 25,975 euros, but will not be available at market launch. On the other hand, the 2-liter TDI with 150 horsepower will be immediately available for purchase for 30,025 EUR. With the 7-speed DSG on board, we can expect the price of 33,925 EUR. If you prefer the 2.0 TSI with 180 horsepower, the price will be from 34,450 EUR. The prices for other engine options will follow shortly.

At the sales launch, three engine-gearbox versions will be offered:

• diesel, 2.0 TDI / 150 PS with a manual gearbox
• diesel, 2.0 TDI / 150 PS with DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel drive
• petrol, 2.0 TSI / 180 PS with DSG and 4MOTION all-wheel drive

For the R-Line exterior package, VW adds between 1,945 and 2,480 EUR to the bill. If you want your Tiguan to be equipped with R-Line package both internally and externally you will have to pay between 2,765 and 3,555 EUR.

The Tiguan 2016 will be available in German dealerships from April this year, for other countries check at your local showroom.

VW Tiguan vs competition (technical video comparisons)

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Range Rover Evoque

From the rational perspective, the comparison between Tiguan vs Evoque is pointing only in one direction. Tiguan is bigger, offers more interior room for passengers, has bigger luggage compartment and can be faster if you choose the top of the range model. All that for a much lower price. But it is not all about rationality when choosing our next car.

Mazda CX-5 vs Volkswagen Tiguan

Tiguan and CX-5 are big rivals, they are both fresh and up for a challenge. Looks like VW Tiguan is counting on customer loyalty in its home country (higher base model price), but in other countries we compare, the German also uses the lower price attribute. Tough decision, but we think both will get a lot of popularity and high SUV/crossover market share.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Seat Ateca

Seat Ateca is not a true Tiguan competitor, but let’s find out how these two in-house rivals are compared to each other. Or let us put it another way, can smaller Ateca take away some customers from its big brother? The price difference can be crucial here.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Peugeot 3008

In the video below, see how the World Car of the Year Peugeot 3008 compares with Volkswagen Tiguan.

Škoda Kodiaq vs VW Tiguan

The comparison within the VW Group. Here we can actually see how much VW brand is worth against Škoda. In other words, how much bigger car you get at Škoda for practically the same base model price.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Hyundai Tucson

On average, VW Tiguan can offer higher top speed and quicker acceleration compared to Tucson. It is also a bit longer and higher, with more ground clearance. On the other hand, Tucson is a bit wider and has lower base model price.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Toyota RAV4

If looking for a more spacious cabin, Tiguan can offer a little bit more compared to RAV4. It also has a more powerful engine in its range, plus its base model price is a bit more affordable. Toyota RAV4 is a bit longer and wider, and when you fold down the rear seats, the cargo volume is bigger.

Subaru Forester vs Volkswagen Tiguan

VW Tiguan vs Subaru Forester has more interior room and bigger cargo volume. Forester is a little longer, with higher ground clearance.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs BMW X1

When comparing BMW X1 vs Volkswagen Tiguan, the VW is a bit longer, wider and higher, with more luggage volume. BMW X1 is a bit faster on average, and also more expensive to buy.

Kia Sportage vs Volkswagen Tiguan

If you are prepared to pay a little extra for a more spacious cabin, more cargo volume and a bit better performance in terms of top speed and 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration, then Tiguan is for you. If not, Kia Sportage will do just fine.

Volkswagen Tiguan vs Honda CR-V

Tiguan has a longer wheelbase, CR-V is longer and wider. Tiguan has bigger diesel engines, CR-V has bigger petrol engines. VW has more powerful top of the range engine, CR-V has a more powerful weakest engine. Tiguan is cheaper in France, CR-V is cheaper in Germany. Tough decision?

Image credit: Volkswagen