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The Volkswagen Tiguan turns the page by sharing practically nothing with its predecessor. It changes outside and inside, it is based on a different architecture, it is much more connected by also offering ChatGpt, it has many new technologies and a much more electrified range which, however, also includes diesel engines which continue to be popular. Overall, the 2024 edition Tiguan draws inspiration both from the renewed Golf 8 and from the electric ones of the Id range and, what’s more, it does not offer the seven-seater Allspace variant, to leave room for the Tayron SUV with that internal configuration which should arrive next year year.
Photos of the test of the new Volkswagen Tiguan
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Volkswagen Tiguan, evolution starts from architecture
The new Tiguan is based on the Mqb Evo architecture of the Golf 8 now also adopted by the new Passat Variant which optimizes internal space, which allows the adoption of engines different from the previous one which in practice are those of the Golf, of latest generation electronic systems which increase dynamism such as the Pro version of the adaptive suspension, safety and driving assistance. The range of engines for Italy includes the 2-litre Tdi turbodiesel with 150 horsepower and 193 horsepower, combined only with 4Motion all-wheel drive, the mild hybrids with 48V technology and the 1.5-litre Tsi Evo2 petrol engine with automatic deactivation of two of the four cylinders in some situations of use with powers of 130 and 150 horsepower and, finally, the plug-in hybrids with 204 and 272 horsepower. The latter integrate an electric motor with 115 horsepower combined with the 1.5-liter eTsi engine in the double clutch gearbox with six rather than seven speeds like that of the other versions, which in the case of the less powerful variant delivers 150 horsepower, while in that of the more powerful 177 horsepower. Both adopt a different battery from the Tiguan at the previous plug as it has a capacity of 19.7 instead of 10.6 kWh, which promises zero-emission travel of up to 100 kilometres, which recharges in two hours with 11 kW alternating current and from 10 to 80% in less than half an hour with continuous power at 50 kW.
Volkswagen Tiguan, a little larger and less angular
The generational change pushes the length of the Tiguan up to 4.54 meters and the height up to 1.64 meters, but neither the width of 1.84 meters nor the wheelbase of 2.68 meters changes. The line is defined by a design based on rounded surfaces and stylistic features that give a certain muscularity to the appearance, such as the robust wheel arches. In the appearance, inspirations taken from electric Volkswagens also stand out, such as the measures that improve aerodynamics which result in a Cd that goes from 0.33 to 0.28 and, possibly, options such as the second generation LED Matrix Id.Light headlights with over 12,000 micropixels and the transversal glass band crossed by LEDs that replace the mask, which replicates the one that runs along the tailgate.
Volkswagen Tiguan, the revolution is also inside
In the passenger compartment, the linear design of the furniture brings together tradition and digitalisation. The latter is based on the new configurable 10.25″ anti-glare cockpit which avoids hiding the instruments under an eyelid and on the central infotainment display slightly turned towards the driver’s seat, which is 12.9″ as standard but available on request 15” as on the electric Id.7. The head up display can also be added to the combination. The infotainment runs with the Mib4 operating system, has a clear graphic interface that offers shortcuts to quickly access some functions, integrates the Ida virtual assistant which works in synergy with ChatGpt, but which as we noticed when trying the Id.7 she still intrudes into conversations without being invited. This display rests on the impractical strip with which the temperature is managed by touch, while on the steering wheel the buttons are physical so as to avoid inadvertently activating functions. On the console between the seats, without the gear lever moved to the right of the steering wheel column like on electric Volkswagens, there is a small wheel with an Oled screen to manage the hi-fi system, the driving modes and the ambient lights as well as the charging plate for devices, with two slots on request. The interior, made with quality materials, adequately accommodates four people, because the central tunnel is large and disturbs those sitting behind the center. The Tiguan offers a boot with a basic capacity which now ranges from 652 to 1,650 litres, but which in the case of the plug-in versions ranges from 490 to 1,486 liters because the loading floor rests on the compartment where the ion battery is located. lithium.
Volkswagen Tiguan, how does the Tdi go with 150 horsepower
Electrification is advancing everywhere but turbodiesels continue to be updated and continue to have their say. This is also the case of the 2-liter Tdi with 150 horsepower and 360 Nm of torque in the new Tiguan, which pushes it up to 207 per hour and 100 per hour in 9″4 against an average mileage of 18.5 kilometers with a liter. Moving from statements to facts, at the end of our test on sloping roads in the hinterland of southern France and on the motorway in the on-board computer we read an average of over 16 kilometers per liter, which certainly does not disappoint expectations. Its nature, betrayed only when cold by the typical roar of diesels, is adequate for the size and mass of 1,600 kg of this Tiguan because with the complicity of the seven-speed dual clutch gearbox it responds promptly to the requests of the accelerator and offers thrust at low and medium speeds which favor elasticity. In short, in every situation it supports the pleasantness of driving together with the healthy dynamism of the new Tiguan, especially if equipped with the adaptive suspension with double valve shock absorbers which tunes in with the eco, comfort, sport, off-road and individual driving modes, with which can be calibrated the stiffness in fifteen different steps. Regardless, the Tiguan basically offers good overall comfort.