The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is ranked among the most affordable compact SUVs. This is because of its attractive interior, powerful engine, and a low starting price.
All 2012 Tiguan’s come with revived styling, while the automatic transmission has been tweaked to improve highway fuel economy. With all these features, the Tiguan is equipped to compete and overtake against rivals.
Specifications
| Vehicle Type: SUV | Base Price: $22,995.00 |
| Fuel Tank Capacity: 16.8 gallons (64l) | MPG: 19 city / 26 hwy |
| Length: 174.5 in. (443.2 cm) | Wheel Base: 102.5 in. (260.3 cm) |
| Height: 65.6 in. (166.6 cm) | Width: 71.2 in. (180.8 cm) |
| Curb Weight: 3397 lbs (1541 kg) | Ground Clearance: 6.9 in. (17.5 cm) |
| Cargo Capacity: 23.8 cu ft | Maximum Seating: 5 people |
| Engine: 2.0L Inline-4 DOHC Turbo | Compression Ratio: 9.6: 1 |
| Horsepower: 200 HP | Max RPM: 5100-6000 RPM |
| Torque: 207 lb-ft @ 1700-5000 rpm | Transmission: 6-Speed Manual |
| 0-60 mph: 7.7 seconds | Braked Towing Capacity: 2200 lbs (998 kgs) |
| Option:S w/ Sunroof A/T | MSRP: $26,500; MPG: 22 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:SE A/T | MSRP: $29,160; MPG: 22 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:SE w/ Nav & Sunroof | MSRP: $31,100; MPG: 22 city / 27 hwy |
| Option:SEL | MSRP: $34,865; MPG: 22 city / 27 hwy |
Engine & Performance
The 2012 Tiguan comes with a standard 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder engine that produces 200 horsepower and 207 lbs-ft of torque. This powertrain is connected to a standard 6-speed manual transmission, although the SE and SEL trims are equipped with 6-speed automatic gearbox. All trims are fitted with standard front-wheel drive, although customers can go for the optional AWD.
An SEL trim equipped with AWD system can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 8.4 seconds. The automatic transmission has undergone some engineering tweaks giving front-wheel-drive trims a fuel economy of 22/27 mpg city/highway. AWD models get a fuel economy estimate of 21 mpg in cities and 27 mpg on highways. Manual transmission-equipped front-wheel drive models get a fuel economy of 18/26 mpg city/highway.
Exterior
The Tiguan is available in 4 trim levels including: the S, LE, Se and the SEL. The styling is well thought of, giving the Tiguan a fashionable look. The base S trim is fitted with standard 16-inch steel wheels, keyless entry and heated mirrors, while tinted windows and a panoramic sunroof are optional.
Stepping up to the LE trim, you will get deep tinted windows; while going up further to the SE model you will get standard features like 18-inch alloy wheels, fog lamps, chrome exterior trim, heated washer nozzles and roof rails. The SEL trim comes with all features found in the SE, plus 19-inch alloy wheels, adaptive bi-xenon headlights, automatic wipers, keyless entry, sport-tuned suspension and LED daytime running lights.
Interior
This SUV comes with a cabin that is made of high quality materials, well equipped and spacious. All seats have enough legroom and headroom, comfortable enough even for tall people. The rear seat can recline or slide up to 6 inches to increase the cargo space. The area around the gear selector and air vents comes with brushed-metal-style trim.
All trims come with several standard features comprising of: Bluetooth connectivity, flat-folding front-passenger seat, 8-speaker audio system and auxiliary input jack. Depending on the trim you choose, you can also get iPod connectivity, Dynaudio premium stereo, push button start and heated front seats. The Tiguan offers a cargo space of 23.8 cubic ft behind the rear row, but the capacity increases to 56.1 cubic feet after folding the rear seat.
Safety & Reliability
The Tiguan is also well equipped with standard safety features. Some of these features include: driver and front passenger airbags, side head airbags, rear head airbags, side airbags, electronic stability control, child safety locks, traction control, brake assist, 4-wheel disc brakes and 4-wheel ABS.
The Tiguan comes with a limited warranty for the first 3 years or 36,000 miles, as well as an engine warranty for the first 5 years or 60,000 miles. First time owners will benefit from the corrosion perforation warranty that lasts for 12 years regardless of mileage. In addition, owners are re-assured with a free scheduled maintenance and road assistance during the first 3 years or 36,000 miles whichever comes first.
Pros
- Premium cabin appointments
- Lively turbocharged engine
- Composed ride and handling
- Intuitive interior controls
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Limited cargo space
- Requires premium fuel
Recap
The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan is an SUV destined to continue building momentum in compact SUV market. People shopping for compact SUVs will be tempted to include this car in top of their shopping list, especially due to its comfortable interior, sporty-for-the-class road manners and the long warranties for corrosion perforation and the 3 years free scheduled maintenance.
Competition
The compact SUV segment has gotten crowded, the Honda CRV (MSRP $22,695; 23 city / 31 hwy), the Subaru Forester (MSRP $21,295; 21 city / 27 hwy), and the Toyota RAV4 (MSRP $22,650; 22 city / 28 hwy) has dominated this segment. The Tiguan, however, has more horsepower than any of those mentioned.
Overall Rating
What others say:
“The 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan offers a different flavor in a bland segment by trading some practicality for a top-notch cabin and European driving manners.” Edmunds
“The Tiguan feels more nimble than some crossovers, and its turbo four is gutsy.” Car Connection
“The steering feels a bit light at low speeds, but it is accurate on the road with little need for correction. Corners are handled with modest lean, and to its credit, Tiguan’s road manners are more like a car than a trucky SUV. Brakes offer strong stopping power and good pedal feel.” Consumer Guide
“The Tiguan is a solid small SUV. It offers a roomy rear seat and has excellent fit and finish. Handling is agile and secure at its limits, and the steering is sharp.” MSN Auto-ConsumerReports
“If you enjoy the footprint and packaging of today’s compact SUVs, but are looking for more power and/or greater agility, the 2012 VW Tiguan makes a great deal of sense. ” KBB
