3 – 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line (82.0%)
This placement shocked most of us. As the most expensive of the bunch (sitting at a whopping $42,490), we were sure the price to own would knock it down to rock bottom. However, it seemed all involved in the comparison drive felt the Tiguan’s price was mostly justified.
Let’s start with the looks: Across the board, we all found the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan to be the handsomest of the group. Modern and sophisticated, the VW has a posh air about it that continues from nose to tail. With an imposing front grill, LED-lined headlights and a much more upright look than the rest, the VW Tiguan impressed in terms of its masculine looks.
Inside, the positive comments for design continued. From “the most comfortable seats” to “easiest to use HMI” the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan had high marks all around for ergonomics and comfort. Once again, as the highest price of the lot that was a given. Decked out with all the bells and whistles, the Tigger left little to the imagination – much to the driver’s delight.
And what a delight it was to drive, as well. Here’s where we believe the Tiguan really shone through, despite its higher price. Because the engine available in the R-Line can be had in the base Comfortline model, it’s safe to say the same reaction would be had in said model.
Sporting a 2.0L TSI turbocharged mill good for 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line was the most powerful on the comparison drive. Coupled with a Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission, the Tigger was a pleasure to drive. All testers felt the VW had a serious amount of kick and responsive throttle as well as great brakes and steering feel. Everything was taught, spot on and fun; all important components in a winning compact crossover.
So, why didn’t it win?
Well, for starters the price. And as the day progressed we started to notice a few “issues” with the fun-to-drive 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. While handling was good, we found the sportier than normal suspension to be stiff to the point of discomfort. It was also audibly loud when compressed over rougher road conditions. Interior rattles were perceptible to the point of annoyance, and when the price was considered, such annoyances were inexcusable.
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line also had the smallest trunk space with just 674 litres – that’s almost half the size of that in the RAV4. Again, space and convenience are big in this segment, so the lack of cargo space is telling in the Tiguan’s placement on this comparison.
Also, fuel consumption wasn’t fabulous in the 4MOTION Tiguan, but we expected that. Perhaps we all drove it a bit harder (simply because it was more enjoyable), but the end result was a reading of 10.2L/100km.
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line was definitely the “cream of the crop” in our lineup, but its too-high price knocked it back, as did its problems for said price.
This placement shocked most of us. As the most expensive of the bunch (sitting at a whopping $42,490), we were sure the price to own would knock it down to rock bottom. However, it seemed all involved in the comparison drive felt the Tiguan’s price was mostly justified.
Let’s start with the looks: Across the board, we all found the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan to be the handsomest of the group. Modern and sophisticated, the VW has a posh air about it that continues from nose to tail. With an imposing front grill, LED-lined headlights and a much more upright look than the rest, the VW Tiguan impressed in terms of its masculine looks.
 |
| Modern and sophisticated, the VW has a posh air about it that continues from nose to tail. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Inside, the positive comments for design continued. From “the most comfortable seats” to “easiest to use HMI” the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan had high marks all around for ergonomics and comfort. Once again, as the highest price of the lot that was a given. Decked out with all the bells and whistles, the Tigger left little to the imagination – much to the driver’s delight.
And what a delight it was to drive, as well. Here’s where we believe the Tiguan really shone through, despite its higher price. Because the engine available in the R-Line can be had in the base Comfortline model, it’s safe to say the same reaction would be had in said model.
Sporting a 2.0L TSI turbocharged mill good for 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line was the most powerful on the comparison drive. Coupled with a Tiptronic 6-speed automatic transmission, the Tigger was a pleasure to drive. All testers felt the VW had a serious amount of kick and responsive throttle as well as great brakes and steering feel. Everything was taught, spot on and fun; all important components in a winning compact crossover.
So, why didn’t it win?
Well, for starters the price. And as the day progressed we started to notice a few “issues” with the fun-to-drive 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan. While handling was good, we found the sportier than normal suspension to be stiff to the point of discomfort. It was also audibly loud when compressed over rougher road conditions. Interior rattles were perceptible to the point of annoyance, and when the price was considered, such annoyances were inexcusable.
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line also had the smallest trunk space with just 674 litres – that’s almost half the size of that in the RAV4. Again, space and convenience are big in this segment, so the lack of cargo space is telling in the Tiguan’s placement on this comparison.
 |
| Interior rattles were perceptible to the point of annoyance, and when the price was considered, such annoyances were inexcusable. (Photo: Olivier Delorme) |
Also, fuel consumption wasn’t fabulous in the 4MOTION Tiguan, but we expected that. Perhaps we all drove it a bit harder (simply because it was more enjoyable), but the end result was a reading of 10.2L/100km.
The 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line was definitely the “cream of the crop” in our lineup, but its too-high price knocked it back, as did its problems for said price.