Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI (DSG) Review: Multi-talented

What we like:

Small engine equates to lower emission; which equates to lower road tax and more government rebate

smooth transmission

happy in our urban jungle.

What we dislike:

Transmission response could be improved

weight can still be felt while accelerating.

It pulls away rather quickly, shaming even bigger-engined sedans while at it. Then while driven along the expressway, it has the very right to stay on the fastest lane, cruising at three-figure speeds with ease. However, wind and tyre noise becomes more obvious as you go higher up the speedometer.

Handling? Yes, it has, though not as much as a Golf. With all the hardware, it can still hold it’s own along winding roads with screeching rubbers telling you you’re almost reaching the limit. As any other car at tall, understeer does kick in earlier than expected, but thankfully, the steering corresponds well enough to keep you updated.

Body control? Good. And predictable as well. The brakes does its job, but if you did somehow get into trouble, there’s the usual army of active and passive safety devices to help out, like ABS and EBD.

So as you can see, the Tiguan 1.4 here has all the right combination to reach out to SUV fans who don’t really need the excess baggage a typical SUV comes with; the sort whose daily expedition is to go through the concrete jungle and the nearest to off-roading is to simply go over kerbs.

Hence, if you’ve been looking for a medium-sized SUV that has the capability to ferry your small family and then some, with a practical boot and best of all, oh-so-friendly to your wallet for the next few years, this Tiguan is your answer.

A fuel consumption figure of 7.1L/100 km (or 14.08 km/L) should further seal the deal.

Credits: Story and photos by Azfar Hashim