The new Tiguan is about to be launched in Malaysia in just a short time. A recent press preview indicated that it would have an extremely attractive starting price (around the RM149K-169K), be built in Malaysia, and come in 2 variants.
Without a doubt, this looks to be another handsome and extremely well-packaged option from the German automaker.
We drove it to Ipoh today to see just what it had to offer. Here are some of the highlights that were immediately apparent.
For the driver & front passenger
- Volkswagen Active Info Display with 6 views (Highline)
- Driver seat with memory function. 3 settings can be stored, great for couples (Highline)
- 6-speed DSG with a WET clutch, known to be one of the sturdiest in its class
- Reverse camera, with 360-degree parking sensors (Highline)
- Park Assist self parking for parallel, 90-degree, back-in parking. Also works for exiting a parking space
- Three-zone climate control (Highline)
- It drives better than any of its Japanese competitors
- Hidden storage under the passenger seat and under the headlamp controls
- Chilled glove compartment
- Frameless rear view mirror
- Leather seats and interior (Highline)
- Falken Ziex 914a ECORUN tyres (Comfortline) & Hankook Ventus S1 Evo2 SUV tyres (Highline)
- Powered tailgate
- Flat-bottomed, leather wrapped steering with controls for media, instrument panel and cruise control
Rear passenger amenities
- Fold out seat tables on both variants
- Rear air cond blowers on both variants, digital temperature adjustment on Highline Trim
- 12V power socket
- Rear seats are adjustable!
For the owner
- RM7,000 Early-bird promotion if you book before 30th April 2017
- 5 Year manufacturer warranty
- 3 year paint defect warranty
- 15,000km/12 month service intervals
- 5 Year Roadside Assistance that works locally and abroad. 24-hour emergency towing.
- Annual road tax is just RM70
Dear Subhash
The review has been comprehensive and easy to understand.
I am considering buying after reading your review. With so much hoo ha over technical problems of the volkswagen brand, have you come across any serious technical issues of the new 2017 tiguan thus far ?
Appreciate your input and comments. Thanks
Hi there, we’ve sent a reply to your email address. Please check your inbox.
Wonder does gearbox and engine well improved? Does Tiguan adopted same technology specification that having problem. I still worry their realibilty n stability !!!!!
Hi Subhash,
Thanks for the nice and concise review. I am seriously considering this car and would like to know your thoughts regarding its reliability and whether the comfortline or high line is the better buy in the long run. With more electronics in the highline, would it be prone to more defects?
Comparing this to the Mazda CX-5, which would be the better choice?
Thanks
Hi Anson,
Thank you for your comment, we’ve sent a reply to your email address.
Best regards,
Subhash
I am considering the Tiguan. Wondering if there are any technical issues and issue with servicing, i.e. supplies of spare parts etc.
I am considering the Tiguan. Wondering if I should be aware of any technical issues or issues with servicing, i., spare parts etc.
Hi Eddy, its a new product of VW (after the previous DSG and engine issues) and so far there have been no new issues to share. Price is an advantage and it is well sized SUV.
Hi Subhash, good review and simple to understand. I am keen to buy Tiguan after seeing many reviews including yours. But after knewing problem on the technical side from my circle of friends I am concerned about the after sales problem that may happen. Just like How Moh Tsair said above, do you have any comments on the car? Appreciate if you have any. Thank you.
Hi Jone,
According to Volkswagen Passenger Cars Malaysia, aftersales has improved drastically. Most of the issues have been resolved and honestly, the number of complaints we receive from VW owners about their cars and the aftersales has also drastically reduced.
However, there are three things you should think about before buying a Tiguan.
Firstly, dual-clutch transmissions like the DSG are extremely complex. Given that even manual and conventional automatic transmissions need to be serviced after extensive use, it’s fair to say that when a DSG eventually needs repairs or replacing, it’s going to be a lot more painful than a simpler or more popular transmission. Yes, it’s an incredible gearbox, but please remember the speed and efficiency comes at a cost and that cost is complexity.
The other thing is that the resale value of VWs can be significantly worse than their Japanese counterparts. Just have a look on used car listings for reference. If resale value is not an issue for you, then don’t worry too much about it.
Finally, also consider the fact that the Tiguan has a lot of competitors now. When launched, it was king of the hill. But now there’s a new CR-V, CX-5, new engine options on the Tucson, and much, much more. The Tiguan’s still great, but just be aware that the market has changed since this article was first published.
Thanks for your comment and happy shopping.
Dear Subhash, i intent to buy comfortline for my family weeknd car. Need your opinion on realibility etc. TQ
Hi Lee, thanks for writing in.
In terms of reliability, it’s difficult to say, but we’ve yet to hear of any major problems since the car’s launch.
What you really have to think about is how long you intend on keeping the car and how much value you expect to lose over that period of time. With turbocharged engines and dual clutch transmissions, the added complexity makes it a lot more difficult to keep for more than 5-7 years. It also makes the used value a lot poorer. Otherwise, the Tiguan is a great option in its segment.