Volkswagen Tiguan: In Detail

Last week Volkswagen premiered the Touareg's little sibling at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the all new Volkswagen Tiguan. The Tiguan is destinated to fill the gap between the large Touareg and the estate models from the Volkswagen Group. There is a small SUV hype happening, and Volkswagen just can not afford to miss the bandwagon.

The Tiguan comes with two different front fascias while they offer three model versions, namely the on-road Trend&Fun and Sport&Style models, and the Track&Field for off-road driving. The SUV measures 4.43 meters in length, has a ground clearance of 195mm and is capable of carrying 650kg or pulling 2500kg on a trailer. Engine options are as follows: a 150 hp, 170 hp or 200 hp TSI petrol engine or a 140 hp or 170 hp TSI diesel (Euro-V ready).

Expect all the usual safety options, 4-wheel drive, a 1.510 liter boot, 16" or 17" inch alloy wheels, Park Assist, radio-navigation, rearview camera and a panoramic sunroof.  More information in the press release.

Press Release

Design & Dimensions

• Strong statement on 4.43 meters of length
• Powerful contours lend the Tiguan an athletic overall character
• Tiguan design transfers the mastery of the Touareg to another class

The new Tiguan has a high-end, mature and astute image. It transfers the Touareg idea of the sovereign cruising and off-road SUV to another class. Just like his larger brother, the more compact Tiguan also masters the ride through both worlds – taking on asphalt as well as natural trails. The design of the Tiguan matches this character precisely.

Front end

A typical, trusted, friendly Volkswagen. And yet everything is new, everything different. The radiator grille was further developed and its design was significantly reduced compared to before. The headlights are distinctive; they form an integral unit with the grille and bumper.

The engine hood is cut into the contour of the headlamps and lends a very concentrated look to the car’s face. Shaped to be broad and powerful is the bumper beneath the headlamps, and on the sides the fog lamps complete the image in their own frames.

The actual character of the front end, however, is generated by the interplay of all design characteristics. And in the process the 1.81 meter wide and 1.67 meter tall (without roof railing) Tiguan exhibits a clarity of form and proportion that make the approx. 4.43 meter long SUV stand out distinctively from the crowd in the big city jungle. The front end of the Tiguan Track&Field – specially designed for uncompromising off-road duty – takes up a special position. With regard to achieving the greatest possible entry angle (28 instead of 18 degrees), it does not have the pronounced front spoiler with matching air inlets that is found on the Tiguan Trend&Fun and Sport&Style. Rather, here a distinctive integrated engine underbody protection plate extends diagonally from a line between the tires up to the radiator grille.

Side profile

In its side profile clarity and power also dominate the forms; here too there are no details that appear random or not thought out to completion. Viewed from the side, except for the small VW symbol in the wheel rims, there is no logo that “gives away” the Tiguan as a Volkswagen. And yet, there is no doubt that it can be made out as a Volkswagen at first glance. Clarity and power form very unique wheel arches, a window line that rises from front to back, the door and fender surfaces designed with strong modulation, as well as new, unmistakable C pillars. Each detail follows a logic of form and unifies the whole. The Tiguan thereby exhibits the same visual presence as the Touareg.

Rear end

Typical of Volkswagen is the design of the rear end. But here too it is both typical and yet entirely different. Typical, because the basic layout of the taillights follow the pattern of the Eos and the Passat Variant and are part of the powerful shoulder section. It is different, because the overall design takes new paths, the steep tailgate extends far into the bumper and is part of a design and the classic, pure SUV elements are combined with contemporary, urban forms. The lowermost segment of the bumper is similar to the front end is not painted with a view toward impact resistance for off-road duty.

Body

• One car, two front ends, highest quality standards
• High torsional rigidity for the best comfort and ideal crash properties
• Newly designed trailer hitch swivels out of the bumper with lightning speed

For the first time in the SUV segment buyers of the new Tiguan can choose from two different front ends. The equipment versions Trend&Fun and Sport&Style were designed specifically for mostly on-road duty. It reflects precisely this goal in its classic front end with maximum entry angle of 18 degrees.

They leave tough off-road duty to the Tiguan Track&Field. It was designed especially for life outside of the paved trails. Different than its counterparts for the “urban jungle” this particularly adventure-friendly version exhibits a more extreme entry angle of 28 degrees in front. The lower bumper area and engine underbody protection therefore exhibit a very steep angular profile. This is precisely why the vehicle can climb a ramp or level embankment up to the specified 28 degrees without the front end of the Tiguan contacting this ramp when approaching from the horizontal. Identical on all models: The rear departure angle of 25 degrees and the so-called ramp angle between the two axles of 20 degrees. Ground clearance is a uniform 195 millimeters here.

Torsional rigidity

In the structural layout of the body the primary focus was on two aspects: Optimal comfort and the best crash properties. The fact is: The characteristic values of 45 Hertz each for static and dynamic torsional rigidity influence parameters such as driving dynamics, vibration behavior and acoustics in an extremely positive way. Even in tough off-road duty no torsional twisting whatsoever is detectable on the body.

Roof carrier and trailer load

Both the Tiguan Sport&Style and the Tiguan Track&Field equipment lines offer standard roof rails; it can be loaded with up to 100 kilograms payload. Far greater transportation tasks can be mastered with the swiveling trailer towing unit. If necessary, the Tiguan can pull a maximum of 2,500 kilograms (braked trailer at 12 percent incline) from its hitch, putting it in sole position at the top of its vehicle segment.

Trailer hitch

The trailer hitch itself is manually swiveled out or folded back in just seconds by cable pulley technology. This eliminates complicated and time-consuming assembly of the trailer hitch with slot engagement and locking. Dirty hands are also passé, since the cable pulley with ergonomic knob is located at the upper left, housed directly on the bumper under a separate cover. When the tailgate is closed this protects the unit from dirt and makes it inaccessible to unauthorized persons. The mechanism operates so smoothly that just a small push with the foot is sufficient to securely lock the system in place. An LED lights green in the actuating knob as soon as the hitch is securely locked in place and ready for operation.

Interior

• Multivariable interior with up to 1,510 liter cargo volume
• Rear bench seat movable in longitudinal direction; front passenger seat folds
• 650 kilograms payload capacity guarantees the greatest transport flexibility

Volkswagen gave attention right to the last detail in the new Tiguan, and gave it a decidedly ergonomic and very spacious interior along the way. At all five seating positions on board the Tiguan occupants are equally comfortable. The rear bench can be adjusted in the longitudinal direction and has an asymmetrically split folding sections. In this case, objects up to 2.5 meters in length of any type disappear inside the Tiguan; it is transformed into an all-wheel drive van.

Cockpit and instrument panel

The instruments with their high-end visual and tactile quality are clearly arranged. All controls are located where one would intuitively expect to see them. Take the example of the center console: Integrated at the top, within the optimal viewing field of driver and front passenger, is the new generation of radio and navigation system. Main functions are controlled by keys and knobs, while sub-functions are controlled via a touchscreen. Just to the right and left of the audio system are two air vents each. The entire unit is encased by a high quality frame that has a stainless steel appearance.

Located at the next level down is the standard semi-automatic climate control system known as “Climatic”. Ergonomically designed switches for window lifts and mirror adjustment are also easy to reach in the upper area of the driver’s door.

Front seats

The seating system in the Tiguan is available in three configurations, depending on the equipment line. The Tiguan Trend&Fun will be delivered with so-called “normal seats” that already offer good comfort on long trips and height adjustment on the driver’s side. Positioned above this is the Sport&Style equipment line. Here the seats are – true to the line’s name – “Sport seats” with integrated adjustable lumbar support. Meanwhile, the Tiguan Track&Field is equipped with “Comfort seats”, each with adjustable lumbar support.

Rear seats

The three-part rear seating system is a bench split in a 60:40 ratio; in addition the center section of the seatback can be folded down to be used as a center arm rest, drink holder or cargo pass-through. The individual seat elements can also be adjusted by 16 centimeters in the longitudinal direction. Independent of this adjustment, the rear seatbacks can be adjusted over a reclining range of 23 degrees.

Cargo area

Neat, variable, functional and level – these are key words that accurately describe the cargo area of the Tiguan. With five persons on board it already stows 470 liters. Up to 1,510 liters and 650 kilograms payload can be stowed in the Tiguan when the rear seats are folded down. This moves it right next to genuine mid-class station wagons. So-called gap f laps close the gaps that occur when the seat unit is folded away, thereby forming a level cargo f loor. Chrome-plated tie-down eyes, shopping bag hooks, a 12-Volt accessory plug and other functional elements make this a truly multivariable cargo area. A net partition also provides for safety when loaded to ceiling height.

Engines and Transmissions

• First SUV in the world exclusively with charged engines
• New Common Rail TDIs already satisfy Euro 5 emission standard today
• High torque TSIs are predestined for off-road use

The Tiguan will be the first SUV in the world to arrive on the market exclusively with charged TDI and TSI engines. The advantage: Greater power and torque, better fuel economy and lower emissions. In the starting phase, the new SUV will debut with a new 110 kW / 150 PS strong TSI and the first four cylinder commmon rail TDI of the Volkswagen brand; it outputs 103 kW / 140 PS.

Over the mid-term two other TSIs and a TDI will be offered. They are all new to the Volkswagen lineup. The TSI range will be extended by adding two four cylinder engines: 125 kW / 170 PS and 147 kW / 200 PS. Following up in the diesel area, there will be a powerful 125 kW / 170 PS TDI; it also sports newly developed common rail injection. The stated development goal here was to offer the quietest diesel engines of the class in the Tiguan. Both direct-injection turbo-diesel engines will already fulfill the Euro-5 that does not go into effect until 2009. The engines of the Tiguan in detail:

TSI with 110 kW / 150 PS

The new 110 kW TSI (with supercharger and turbocharger) accelerates the Tiguan to 100 km/h in 9.3 seconds. Its top speed is a respectable 192 km/h. Maximum engine torque: 240 Newton-meter, available from a low 1,750 rpm. Fuel consumption: 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers. Special feature: In combination with the Tiguan Track&Field, the supercharger on this TSI is always engaged in off-road mode, in order to be able to master even the most difficult off-road passages with high torque at low rpms and vehicle speeds.

TSI with 125 kW / 170 PS

In the mid-performance position, a newly developed TSI engine is being introduced with 125 kW / 170 PS. The two-liter directinjection turbocharged engine accelerates the Tiguan to 100 km/h in just 8.2 seconds. Its top speed is 200 km/h, and maximum torque is 280 Newton-meter (at 1,800 rpm). On average, the Tiguan TSI with 125 kW consumes 9.1 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers.

TSI with 147 kW / 200 PS

For the time being, the strongest engine on the new Tiguan will be the 147 kW / 200 PS version of the 2.0 TSI. Although its performance data match those of the engine used in cars like the Golf GTI, the engine used here represents a new engine generation. In this case, the maximum torque of 280 Newton-meter that is already available at 1,700 rpm remains constant up to 5,000 rpm. After just 7.6 seconds the most powerful Tiguan is moving at 100 km/h; and the forward propulsion does not end until 211 km/h. Average fuel consumption is identical to that of the 170 PS version at 9.1 liters of super unleaded.

TDI with 103 kW / 140 PS

Both TDI engines of the Tiguan are completely new developments. On the light 166 kilogram common rail TDI, injection pressures up to 1,800 bar produce especially fine atomization of the fuel. Eight-hole injection nozzles drive the state-of-the-art piezo injectors. The result in the case of the 103 kW TDI: 320 Newton-meter maximum torque at a low 1,750 rpm. Only 10.4 seconds elapse during the acceleration to 100 km/h. This Tiguan TDI reaches a top speed of 186 km/h. Its fuel consumption is 7.2 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers.

TDI with 125 kW / 170 PS

The more powerful of the two new TDIs with common rail injection outputs 125 kW / 170 PS. Its maximum torque is a considerable 350 Newton-meter (at 1,750 rpm). After just 8.9 seconds this Tiguan is already 100 km/h fast. Its peak speed is 200 km/h. This contrasts with an average consumption of 7.0 liters per 100 kilometers.

Six-speed manual and automatic transmissions

All Tiguans are delivered with six-speed transmissions as standard equipment. As an option, the two strongest gasoline engines (170 PS and 200 PS) as well as the 140 PS TDI may be ordered with a six-speed automatic. Both transmissions fulfill special off-road requirements. The manual transmission can be driven at an engine speed of 1,000 rpm or vehicle speed of just 6.69 km/h, for example; this practically equals the crawler gear of a reduction gearbox. The automatic transmission has gear level preselect; in off-road use it prevents shifting to the next higher gear.

4MOTION

In 1998 Volkswagen presented the highly advanced 4MOTION system as the successor to the fulltime “syncro” all-wheel drive. Over nearly a full decade, the all-wheel drive concept has been continuously further developed in various technical configurations. An important design property of the 4MOTION systems installed in car segments up to the Passat V6 FSI (another technology is used on the Phaeton and Tiguan) is the very quick reacting Haldex clutch. The latest version of this technology operates on the Tiguan.

The defined development goal was an all-wheel drive that satisfies the highest standards for driving dynamics and driving safety on the road, while simultaneously offering optimal traction off of the paved trails. In practice, this means: Hardly any perceptible additional fuel consumption, no effects on the engine and no running noises.

4MOTION details

The electro-hydraulic Haldex clutch runs in an oil bath. The multi-plate clutch system itself was integrated in the rear axle drive of the Tiguan; the entire unit weighs just 44 kilograms. As soon as speed differences develop between the front and rear axles, two annular piston pumps are activated that build up pressure in the multi-plate clutch and join the axles to one another. The transferable torque varies with the magnitude of the pressure applied to the clutch plates, and this controls the flow of force between the front and rear wheels according to specific needs and stepless. As soon as the clutch detects slip at the front axle, more engine torque is applied to the rear axle. Normally, 90 percent of the propulsive force is to the front wheels and ten percent to the rear. In extreme cases, however, nearly 100 percent can be transferred to the rear axle.

Chassis

• Agility and active safety like in a passenger car
• Front axle: McPherson system with aluminum subframe
• Rear axle: Innovative four-link axle complements all-wheel drive ideally

Right from the beginning it was clear: The new Tiguan should be a leader in its class when it comes to dynamics, comfort and safety. Consequently, in the context of chassis development the top priorities were agile handling properties, a high level of vibration and rolling comfort, low roll angle with harmonious roll dynamics, very good driving stability and yet optimal off-road driving ability. The development team pulled out all stops to attain these objectives. The results: Neutral to slightly understeering handling and exceptionally low roll angle. This goal was achieved with a chassis layout that actually sets new standards with regard to driving dynamics, active safety and convenience. Next year an electronic suspension control system will be added. Tuning will then vary situationdependently between the levels “Comfort“, “Normal” and “Sport”. Details of the chassis:

Front axle

Used in front of the Tiguan is a McPherson suspension specially tuned for the SUV with lower wishbones and wheel-locating struts. It is mounted on a one-piece aluminum subframe.

Rear axle

The four-link rear suspension was tuned for the full-time 4MOTION all-wheel drive. The very robust but at the same time dynamically laid out axle geometry has already been proven out in similar form on the Passat 4MOTION. With regard to tough off-road duty, the Tiguan utilizes a frame made of high-strength steels. For the rear suspension newly developed shock absorbers were also developed with increased oil volume; the favorable temperature level makes the shock absorbers fit for even the toughest off-road drives. Like the suspension struts of the front suspension that were also redeveloped, both components offer exceptionally good comfort properties.

Steering

One technological highlight indirectly related to the chassis is the completely redeveloped next generation of electro-mechanical power steering. The decisive advantage of the system: Despite very precise steering feel, no kickback pulses whatsoever are transmitted to the steering unit, even in off-road operation. This is primarily due to a newly constructed steering gear.

Wheels and tires

Handling the contact to the road or trail in the Trend&Fun and Track&Field versions of the Tiguan are 16-inch wheels with size 215/65 R16 tires. The Tiguan “Sport&Style” gets standard 17-inch alloy wheels and size 235/55 R17 tires. 18-inch wheels with tires in 235/50 R18 format will be offered as a special option.

Production & Special Equipment

• Three equipment lines with high levels of convenience and safety
• Climatic, CD-Radio, ESP and electronic parking brake are standard
• Park Assist and Off-Road Switch simplify life in city and on the savannah

The Tiguan is the first SUV in the compact class to have two front ends. These body versions are each combined with specific equipment lines. There are three of these lines. The front end of the Trend&Fun and Sport&Style lines was designed for a maximum entry angle of 18 degrees; its service environment is essentially paved terrain. The front module of the Track&Field equipment line (28 degree entry angle), also a high-end line, was specially designed for tougher off-road duty.

Trend&Fun

Even the base version of the Tiguan has extensive convenience and safety features. When it comes to safety, these include a protective network of six airbags, the ESP electronic stabilization program, trailer stabilization integrated in ESP (for vehicles with trailer hitch), Isofix child seat anchorages on the rear bench and electronic parking brake with Auto-Hold function.

Standard on-board convenience features also include the RCD 210 radio with integrated CD player, “Climatic” semi-automatic climate control system, four electric window lifts, electrically adjustable and heated outside mirrors, Multifunctional Display Plus (trip computer), RF remote control of central locking and various storage compartments and bins.

Sport&Style

Some of the features of the very exclusive Tiguan Sport&Style, in addition to those of the Tiguan Trend&Fun, are: 17-inch “Los Angeles” alloy wheels with size 235/55R17 tires, chrome roof rails, protective radiator screen with chrome accent strips and window graphics in chrome, tinted windows starting at the B-pillars (up to 65 percent light absorbing), sport seats with height-adjustable lumbar supports, center console with folding and height-adjustable armrest, folding front passenger seat, drawers under the front seats, folding table and storage pockets on the backs of the front seats, leather for steering wheel, gear shift knob and gear shift boot, fabric seats with Alcantara accents, cruise control system and tire pressure indicator.

Track&Field

The Tiguan Track&Field was specially configured for tough off-road duty with its 28 degree front module. Standard equipment on the Tiguan Track&Field includes an off-road switch, which at the press of a button awakens an entire armada of assistance systems for making drives off-road especially safe. Specifically, in one fell swoop this switch activates the hill descent assistant (optimal control in descents), modified driving pedal characteristic (finer metering of engine torque), EDS adaptation (electronic differential locks are activated at the slightest slip), ABS adaptation (improved braking on loose substrates), hill ascent assistance (support in ascents and clutch protection) and – together with an automatic transmission – gear level preselect (including optimal engine braking effect).

Moreover, at no additional cost Volkswagen sends the Tiguan Track&Field out for adventures, large or small, with the 16-inch “San Diego” alloy wheels, tire pressure indicator, black roof rails, engine underbody protection, compass display and special door impact guard strips. The Tiguan Track&Field is also equipped with “Comfort seats” that have adjustable lumbar supports.

Special equipment options

Typical of Volkswagen is the standard practice of designing the functionality of components at the interfaces to the driver to be as comfortable as possible. That applies precisely to every new technology that is implemented in a new Volkswagen. And there are many of these in the new Tiguan:

Park Assist

The numerous high-end technologies of the Tiguan include the first Park Steering Assistant implemented in a SUV in the world. The so-called Park Assist function enables automatic backing into a parking space parallel to the roadway. The driver just actuates the gas pedal, brake and clutch; the Tiguan meanwhile steers into the pre-measured space under sensor control. As soon as the driver manually intervenes in the steering process, the Park Assist function is deactivated.

Radio and navigation systems

The Tiguan is being offered with a completely new radio and navigation systems. The RCD 510 radio (including 6-disk CD changer, optionally with DAB digital radio reception) and RNS 510 radio-navigation system are controlled in part via a touchscreen (6.5 inch). Also part of the RNS 510 hardware is a Power-PC processor running at 400 MHz and a dedicated graphics processor. The navigation and entertainment data are saved on a 30 gigabyte hard drive. Another SD card slot (including for MP3 files) is located below the display on both devices.

Off-road navigation

One innovation of the RNS 510 is its specially developed off-road navigation mode. In this mode, up to 500 waypoints can be stored while driving in non-digitalized areas. That is how drivers can find their way back from any off-road adventure. The tours can be automatically recorded by manually saving of waypoints or automatically (Track function).

Rearview camera

Another standard component of the RNS 510 radio-navigation system is the rearview camera. It is located directly above the license plate, and it transmits a real-time distortion-free image to the display of the RNS 510. The route is also shown in the display, as on the Touareg, utilizing orientation lines corresponding to the specific steering wheel movement.

Trailer towing unit

With a trailer load of up to 2,500 kilograms, the Tiguan sets a new best value in its segment. In addition, the trailer hitch is a new design concept. Utilizing cable pulley technology, the trailer hitch unit is swiveled out from under the bumper in just seconds, and it can be folded back just as quickly, conveniently and cleanly. There is no longer any complicated assembly with slot engagement and locking. As soon as the hitch is securely locked in place, an indicator lights green.

Panorama sunroof

300 percent more. More light, more viewing, more sun. With its enormous Panorama Sunroof (PSD) the Tiguan offers 300 percent greater roof cutout area than a conventional Golf sunroof. Despite all of this, it was possible to achieve the rigidity values of the closed variant, which are especially important for an SUV.