By Sala Masindane

The Tiguan SUV is undoubtedly Volkswagen’s best kept secret. Why, you ask? Well, not only does it look the part but is the perfect blend of all that the manufacturer offers. Not to mention the fact that it’s a baby Touareg and one of the company’s top selling models globally. We recently spent time with the mid-cycle refreshed SUV in range-topping guise.

R-Line exterior

It’s identifiable by an R-Line exterior package (body kit and badging). Our test Tiguan R-Line was fitted with the optional 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels in chrome and black, and the Matrix LED headlights. The few tweaks that were made make an already good-looking vehicle more stunning. The R-Line package is worth every penny as it makes the Tiguan look sporty with a dash of elegance thanks to the chrome accents all-round the SUV.

R-Line Interior

Jump into the Tiguan and you’ll be met by standard features like ambient lighting, front seats with the R-Line Logo, stainless steel pedals and a multi-functional steering wheel with touch and swipe actions. Our test unit featured the optional Harmon Kardon sound system and the 10.25-inch touchscreen with an infotainment system that’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Space is generous in the Tiguan as it can occupy five passengers without much fanfare and the 512L of boot space means that nobody’s luggage is left behind.

Engine and Performance

The range-topper has a power output of 162kW/350Nm and is paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission. It’s still a willing companion in terms of everyday comfort and offers a smooth ride across different terrains notwithstanding it not being a traditional off-roading SUV. It effortlessly accelerates and handles well for its size. However, it does not give you the thrill factor of its sibling the Golf GTI of course. Even when driving spiritedly, we managed a good fuel consumption return of 8.9l/100 which is not too far from the claimed 8.3 l/100km.

Final word

Overall, the updated Volkswagen Tiguan provides sufficient cabin space and power-on-tap when required. The elephant in the room will always be the pricing of over R700,000 which is higher than its competitors but those won’t offer the engaging driving experience the Tiguan offers.