2017 VW Tiguan Review

Detailed Review

The first model VW Tiguan, designated 5N, was produced between 2007 and 2015. It had only two engine options: a 2.0 L and a 1.4 L petrol. All first-generation Tiguans have two rows of seating and four-cylinder engines positioned transversely. The first-generation Tiguan is built on the PQ46 platform, which is shared by the Volkswagen Passat, Volkswagen Sharan, Skoda Superb, and SEAT Alhambra.

For 2012 models, Volkswagen redesigned the Tiguan with a facelift. The headlamps were stronger and more angular, and the prominent horizontal grille bars of the Golf and new Passat, as well as the angular line design in the two-part taillight clusters, were included. Performance was also improved. The inside décor was upgraded, including a new three-spoke steering wheel and gear selector.

From 2016 through 2023, Tiguan’s second generation, designated AD/BW, was in production. The interior room was increased by asymmetrically splitting the rear bench seats. It comes in two wheelbase configurations: a five-seater with a short wheelbase and a seven-seater with a long wheelbase.

In 2020, the Tiguan underwent a redesign, as well as the debut of the Tiguan R and Tiguan eHybrid. The revised Tiguan has new headlamps, a radiator grille, and larger bumper intakes similar to the Mk8 Golf, as well as a new bonnet, LED tail lights, and rear diffuser. A new multifunction ‘digital’ steering wheel is available, as is a reworked center dashboard with a new touchscreen display that runs VW’s latest MIB3 software. Volkswagen’s IQ Drive technology, which can take over steering, braking, and accelerating, is also new.

The 2017 VW Tiguan is available two engine options; a 1.4 L (Petrol), and 2.0 L (Petrol) coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Grades

1. 2.0 T SEL- This grade comes with a steering wheel control, cruise control, power door locks, rain-sensing wipers, a premium sound system, and Bluetooth connectivity.
2. 2.0T SPORT- This grade comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, radio data system, MP3 player, smart device integration, satelite radio, and bluetooth connectivity.
3. 2.0T WOLFSBURG EDITION- This grade boasts 17-inch alloy wheels, 1 LCD player in the front, a sunroof, keyless start, intermittent wipers, power door locks, power mirrors, and climate control.
4. 2.0T S- This grade has roof racks, a trip computer, a lip spoiler, 1 LCD monitor in the front,  8 speaker sound system Bluetooth connectivity, and smart device integration.
5. S- This grade comes with a rear spoiler, cruise control, vehicle anti-theft system, adjustable steering wheel, smart device integration, satellite radio, and an MP3 player.

Interior

Legroom & Space

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is a five-seater with a contemporary and functional interior design.

The front row is fairly impressive, with plenty of headroom and legroom. The second row is equally satisfying, with plenty of knee and headroom.

Cabin Storage

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan offers many storage spaces for items like smartphones, beverages, goggles, handbags, and so on. There are two cupholders, door panel storage, a glovebox, and a center console in the first row. There are two cupholders in the armrest compartment, front seat jacket pockets, and door pockets in the second row.

Boot Space

The load capacity of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is 18.3 cubic feet with all seats up and 21.7 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.

Exterior

The 2017 VW Tiguan features a very appealing exterior design. A horizontal grille with the VW emblem adorns the front end. LED headlights as well as daytime running lights come as standard features. The fog lights on the lower bumper are nicely placed and they adjust to road curvature.

LED taillights and turn signals can be found at the rear. A power tailgate is not standard on all models.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Safety Features

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan features SRS Airbags, Curtain airbags, DCS and TCS, ABS, Electronic Stability Control, Pre-crash Safety System, Radar Cruise Control, Blind Spot Detection, Pedestrian Warning, Lane Departure Alert, Frontal Collision Warning, Automatic High Beam, Run Flat tires, Active Roll Stabilization, and Electronic Damping Control.

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Fuel Consumption

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 L petrol engine consumption-  13.6 km/l on average

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 L petrol engine consumption-  12.9 km/l on average

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Acceleration

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 9.8 secs

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 L petrol engine accelerates from 0-100km/h in 8.9 secs

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan Fuel Tank Capacity: 64 liters

Ground Clearance

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan has a ground clearance of 7.9 inches.

Service Intervals

Minor Service: At 5,000 km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, and Engine Oil.

Major Service: At 10,000km. Requires Air Cleaner, Oil Filter, Fuel Filter, ATF Filter, Cabin Filter, Plugs, Front Brake Pads, Rear Brake Pads, ATF Oil, and Engine Oil.

Spare Parts and Availability

Service parts are fairly priced and available in major towns in Kenya. Body parts are expensive and mostly available in Nairobi

Stability And Handling

The steering wheel of the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is extremely responsive, especially when approaching tight corners or maneuvering in traffic.

Even with four adults on board, the engine is powerful, with superb response at low revs. The DSG does have some lag at low speeds, but it’s not as terrible as some previous-generation models. The gearshifts are quick, but there are no paddle shifters in this model. The Sport driving option increases the speed of the car in regards to the throttle response.

The adaptive dampers successfully iron out pockmarks and small potholes in the road surface, resulting in minimum or even no noise and vibrations for passengers in the cabin.

Reliability

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is regarded as a dependable vehicle when regularly serviced in order to maximize its full potential. However, its low fuel economy may put a strain on those with little funds.

The DSG gearbox is problematic, with numerous failures documented in Kenya. It has intricate maintenance procedures that must be strictly followed or else it may develop issues. It should also be serviced by a competent technician who is familiar with the DSG gearbox.

Refer to the Volkswagen Tiguan buyer guide for a thorough dependability report. We also urge that you always follow the instructions in the owner’s manual.

Resale Value: Average

Volkswagen Tiguan Competitors: Mazda CX5, Subaru Forester, Honda CRV, Nissan X-trail, RAV4, and Mitsubishi Outlander.

What we like about the 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan

It is smaller and more maneuverable compared to its rivals

Sporty handling

Potent turbocharged engine

What we don’t

Small cargo room

Poor fuel mileage

Lacks modern active safety features

Conclusion

The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan is an incredible choice for anyone looking for sedan-like reflexes in a small SUV, however poor fuel efficiency and storage space may deter some customers.