Volkswagen Tiguan 280 TSI: Best-in-size crossover

The Volkswagen Tiguan 280 TSI is unique in that it has the heart of a crossover, but its whole shape takes after compact SUVs from decades back.

I know those two segments blur their lines enough that both terms feel like they’re interchangeable, but know that there are differences and you’ll learn about them here.

This modest-looking unit is in a very competitive segment so I took it out for a week to find out what it comes to play with.    

Exterior

The Tiguan has stayed stout and tall compared to the current crop of crossovers, making it appear more like a compact SUV. Notice how much taller it is than most, and it comes with dimensions that allow it to be spacious inside without looking fat on the outside.

Understated straight chrome slots on the grille and the black ones on the front bumper are probably the only standout marks that can be made out on the body. This may be the only crossover in the market that can claim to have a minimalist look.

Its whole shape, in fact, feels like a throwback to SUVs from the mid-2000s.

The side glass on the windows are huge by today’s standards and, even with the rear of the roof tapering off very slightly and the shoulder line rising front to back, it’s still bigger and wider compared to current crossovers.

Living up to the minimalist look, the rear is kept plain, sans lines on the hatch save for the badge and trim.

The white body color completes a very neat exterior expression and, while unexciting, it follows the look of the current crop of Volkswagens in the market.

Interior

This is where you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

The highly taut leather-bound seats come with very nice white stitching and feel premium.

Leather adorns the panels as well but where there is none, it gets high-quality, rubbery material that’s soft and velvety to the touch. You’ll find this extending to the entire top and expanse of the dashboard.

I like how the brushed aluminum effect on the vent and infotainment panels, and gear shifter blend very well with the whole black motif of the cabin. It actually looks quite elegant for a P1.648-million crossover.

It’s very easy to see the labels on the cabin equipment, which makes everything easy to operate — from pairing devices, changing audio source to basic audio settings.

Controls on the multi-function steering wheel are very basic: audio on the left and the ones for the instrument panel on the right.

Connect your device via Bluetooth or ports for AUX-in, USB, and SD cards, which are mounted near the infotainment display.

There’s very palpable space in the cabin. It is roomy, top to bottom and side to side, and everything is very tastefully done so it looks very chic.

The one knock I see is the placement and angle of the air vents, and the power window controls. Vents are too high up and also positioned slightly facing upwards, which makes all the cool air flow only to my neck up no matter how much they are adjusted to aim at my torso.

Power window controls are also set very high, at window or close to shoulder level, which means you’ll most likely lift your arms up every time to operate it.

Engine

This is where proof lies that it’s a crossover. It has a downsized 1.4-liter turbo stratified injection (TSI) engine that uses a new aluminum construction, which makes it light without sacrificing performance.

The vehicle weighs more than one and a half tons, but it feels agile thanks to a very generous 250Nm of torque.

Its 148hp would do ok for city driving and maybe even the occasional expressway cruise, but if you love staying on the passing lane, it could do with a few more horses.

I felt a significant turbo lag after throttle input and before the six-speed direct-shift gearbox sent power to the front wheels but only when a significant amount of pressure is put on the throttle, whether on Drive or just when you shift from D to Sport.

But to its credit, it does pick up tremendously after that. This small displacement engine, save for that tiny delay, performs much bigger than its size and makes it feel like you’re driving in a proper SUV instead of a compact crossover.

Ride and handling

Another impressive feature is the comfortable ride which, again, proved very crossover-like. With MacPherson independent suspension in front and multi-link in the rear, it absolutely feels like you’re in a sedan with a high ground clearance.

Wheel size (17) is just right, which makes it look good while keeping noise and harshness levels down even on rough sections of pavement.

Aided by an auto start function, fuel consumption on the highway is 13 kilometers per liter and 8.7kpl in the city: Very good numbers for a turbocharged crossover.

Verdict

It is large but doesn’t feel encumbered thanks to a powerful yet efficient engine. On top of all of the above, it even comes with a 220v socket in the cabin, plus 1-year free roadside assistance. 

The Volkswagen Tiguan 280 TSI may look and feel a little different, maybe old-fashioned to a certain extent, but look beyond the physical and see it for what it is, a crossover stuck in an SUV body that rightfully deserves your consideration.

 

Photos by Eric Tipan