2017 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN: PUTTING THE "SPORT" IN SUV
09/13/2016
Volkswagen
Combining a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine with precision engineering, the Tiguan ups the bar for driving enjoyment in the compact SUV segment. Its solid construction, premium craftsmanship and upscale features add an element of refinement to the versatile vehicle.
New for 2017
The 2017 Tiguan adds new trim lines and features that further enhance the model's value story. The trim order is now S, Wolfsburg, Sport, and SEL, with more standard content added across the line-up. The base S trim is now fitted with Volkswagen's Composition Media infotainment system, which has a 6.3-inch screen and USB, Bluetooth(R) and VW Car-Net(R) App-Connect technologies for compatible devices, supporting integration with three available connected car systems: Apple CarPlay(R), Android Auto(TM) and MirrorLink(R). The Composition Media system also includes HD radio, two SD card slots, the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, and a three-month trial to Sirius XM Satellite Radio(R).
The entry-level S also features KESSY(R) keyless access with push-button start, V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces, heatable front seats, power driver's seat recline, heated washer nozzles and automatic headlights with rain-sensing wipers and auto-dimming mirrors.
The Wolfsburg trim replaces the R-Line in the lineup and features unique Wolfsburg Edition badging and floormats as well as a standard panoramic sunroof. The Sport replaces the SE trim, adding 18-inch gray "Mallory" aluminum-alloy wheels, body color side sills and rear bumper, black side-mirror caps, a sport suspension, navigation, and Climatronic(R) automatic dual-zone climate control. A leather package is standard for the Sport trim, including Vienna leather seating surfaces, full power driver and front passenger seats with driver's side memory, and power folding door mirrors.
Exterior
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan combines the style and sophistication of a sporty, urban compact SUV that caters to an active lifestyle. At 174.3 inches nose-to-tail, 71.2 inches wide and 66.3 inches tall, it's the perfect size for city dwelling or country living.
In profile, the 2017 Tiguan is distinguished by its raked-back windscreen, rising waistline, large side windows, and an unmistakable, trademark C-pillar at the rear. On Wolfsburg and higher trims, a distinctive ring of chrome around the side windows works to visually enhance the car. The Wolfsburg model features unique 17-inch "Novara" wheels, a full power driver's seat, and Wolfsburg badging.
Engineered to accommodate available 4Motion(R) all-wheel drive, the Tiguan's design reflects its ability to conquer a variety of terrain and weather conditions. The squared-off wheelarches feature plastic surrounds to help protect the paintwork, while the short overhang at the front allows a 28-degree approach angle.
Always ready for action, the 2017 Tiguan is designed to be a carry-all for fun gear. The robust roof rails, standard on all trims, can accommodate an array of accessories such as bike racks, or kayak and surfboard carriers. The available towing hitch accepts an attachment to carry up to four bikes, or can be used to pull up to 2,200 braked pounds of jet skis, dirt bikes or ATVs when properly equipped.
Interior
Cabin designs don't come much more flexible than that of the 2017 Tiguan. There is spacious seating for five adults, easy step-in through the wide-opening doors, and generous legroom and headroom.
But the versatility of the Tiguan seating sets it apart and makes it the perfect lifestyle vehicle. The rear seat has a 40/20/40 split to fit an owner's load-carrying needs. Fold down the wide center section and it can accommodate skis, fishing gear, or rugs, while still having space for passengers on either side. With the rear seats in place, there is still an impressive 23.8 cubic feet of space in the load area. Fold the second row seats forward and it increases to 56.1 cubic feet. And for the ultimate in cargo space, the available folding front passenger seatback can fold forward and flat to accommodate loads up to 98 inches long. The rear seats can also slide forward six inches to help increase luggage space in the back, and for a little extra comfort on road trips, each of the rear seatbacks can be adjusted.
The high-lifting rear door can be opened wide to accommodate large objects. In the cargo area, there are tie-down hooks to help keep things in place and a 12-volt outlet to power coolers or air pumps. In models equipped with the available Fender(R) Premium Audio System, the subwoofer is hidden in the spare tire area, not sacrificing cargo space.
To let the outside into the Tiguan cabin, there's an available panoramic glass tilt-and-slide sunroof. This panoramic roof comprises a front opening glass segment and a fixed glass panel at the rear. It features pinch protection and an electrically-operated one-touch sunshade that covers the inside of the entire glass area. The expansive sunroof comes standard on all models but the base S.
The interior features rich, soft-touch plastics on the fascia and crisp, Anthracite Metallic trim surrounding the eight dash-mounted air vents and shift lever. The Tiguan S and Wolfsburg models offer Volkswagen's perforated V-Tex leatherette seating surfaces along with front heating function; the Tiguan Sport and SEL trims feature leather seating surfaces.
Between the large speedometer and tachometer is a multi-function trip computer that helps monitor everything from fuel consumption, to trip distance, Bluetooth(R) connection status and navigation directions.
All 2017 Tiguan models feature Volkswagen's innovative MIB II touchscreen infotainment system. The display utilizes a capacitive touch sensor rather than the more common resistive touchscreens that require pressure, enabling gesture controls like swiping and even pinch-zooming.
The MIB II infotainment system not only creates the foundation for the next generation of Volkswagen's Car-Net(R) connected vehicle services platform, but also offers one of the most comprehensive suites of connected vehicle services and features available in the automotive industry today. Features available through the new Car-Net are divided into three key areas, "App-Connect," "Security & Service," and "Guide & Inform."
App-Connect. The Composition Media unit is standard on base S and Wolfsburg models, and features an 800x480, 6.3-inch capacitive color touch display with proximity sensor. Other standard features include: App-Connect compatible smartphone integration; Bluetooth with the ability to sync two phones simultaneously, and send and receive SMS text messages with compatible phones; two SD card slots; a JPEG viewer; SiriusXM(R) Satellite Radio three-month trial; HD Radio; and support for lossless audio file format (Free Lossless Audio Codec FLAC) .
Sport and SEL models feature the Discover Media unit, which captures the features available in the Composition media unit and adds 2.5D Navigation, one-shot voice destination entry, predicts possible destinations based on often used routes, and offers Destination Entry with Quick Search and Auto-complete, and Car-Net Guide & Inform.
Security & Service. With the Car-Net Security & Service suite, owners can access their VW remotely through vw.com/carnet as well as a smartphone app, providing access to the features available from virtually anywhere your mobile device is connected to wireless internet.
Available security related features include Automatic Crash Notification, which can automatically notify an operator who can contact first responders in the event of an collision; Manual Emergency Call, a feature that allows for quick access to customer specialists at the touch of a button; Roadside Assistance, for added peace-of-mind in the event of trouble on the road; and Stolen Vehicle Location Assistance, which uses VW Car-Net Security & Service to assist law enforcement with locating your vehicle in the event that it is stolen.
In addition, Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service offers layers of convenience, such as remote vehicle access, remote door lock and unlock, remote honk and flash (of lights), last parked location information, and remote status check (doors and windows).
The Car-Net Security & Service also offers Family Guardian, a suite of features that help families. Features including speed alert, which can notify the owner of the vehicle when the preset maximum speed limit is exceeded; and boundary alert, which can alert you if the vehicle has traveled outside of a pre-set virtual boundary.
Diagnostics and maintenance information is also available through VW Car-Net. A Vehicle Health Report allows Volkswagen customers to check to see an overview of vehicle diagnostics. When it's time for scheduled service, Car-Net Security & Service can not only alert the customer, but also provide a simple way to schedule a dealer visit. It can even identify the closest dealer in case you need a recommendation.
Customers purchasing new Volkswagen models equipped with Volkswagen Car-Net Security & Service connected vehicle services (not including App-Connect) will receive a no-charge trial for six months after purchase. To extend the benefits of this connectivity system, customers can choose from a number of Volkswagen Car-Net payment options: 1 year, for $199; 2 years for $378; 3 years for $540; or, month-to-month, for $17.99.
Guide & Inform. Car-Net Guide & Inform offers an enhanced navigation and infotainment experience for Volkswagen owners. Volkswagen has incorporated technologies that enhance existing navigation offerings while adding an additional level of information.
Satellite navigation is refined with Car-Net Guide & Inform, which incorporates several layers of information right onto the screen. Volkswagen models with available in-vehicle navigation systems feature fuel prices, sports scores, movie information and weather data as part of the three month SiriusXM(TM) Travel Link trial. Volkswagen owners will also enjoy traffic information and a complimentary four-year SiriusXM Traffic trial.
Powertrain
The 2017 Tiguan comes with Volkswagen's 2.0-liter TSI(R) turbocharged four-cylinder engine. This technically-sophisticated powerplant features double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection, and variable intake timing. Turbocharged and intercooled, the compact four-cylinder engine produces an impressive 200 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque from just 1700 rpm (achieved on premium fuel).
The Tiguan's 2.0T engine comes standard with a six-speed Tiptronic(R) automatic transmission with Sport mode, and Dynamic Shift Program (DSP). The six-speed automatic transmission includes a second overdrive gear to reduce engine revs at cruising speeds. When not in sport mode, the transmission shifts at slightly lower revs, making optimal use of the turbocharged engine's considerable torque. 2017 Tiguan models have an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 20 mpg city and 24 mpg highway.
To help provide added traction in 2017 Tiguan models, the available Volkswagen 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is offered on all trims. The electro-hydraulic system delivers drive to all four wheels without any buttons to press or levers to pull. The center differential can continuously vary the drive force between the front and rear axles, depending on the traction available.
Chassis
Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece aluminum subframe, the Tiguan's strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of off-roading and to accommodate the available 4Motion all-wheel drive. For the driver looking for even sportier handling, the Tiguan Sport model features a sport-tuned suspension with firmer settings together with 18-inch "Mallory" wheels, shod with lower-profile 235/50 R18 all-season tires. The SEL pairs the sport suspension with 19-inch "Savannah" wheels and 255/40 R19 all-season tires.
Electro-mechanical power steering with variable assistance contributes to the Tiguan's fun-to-drive character. At highway speeds, the steering becomes firm and direct, while at parking speeds, assistance is increased. Between curbs, the Tiguan has a turning radius of 39 feet with 2.7 turns lock to lock.
An impressive braking system matches the Tiguan's athletic performance. At the front there are 12.3-inch vented discs, with 11.3-inch solid discs at the rear. The system features a brake disc drying feature to help remove water from the rotors to optimize wet-weather braking, as well as Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD), and Hydraulic Brake Assist (HBA). All Tiguan models also feature an electronic parking brake.
Safety
Safety in the 2017 Tiguan starts with a rigid laser-seam-welded bodyshell, crash-optimized, energy-absorbing front end, and heat-formed steel center B-pillars.
Front and side-thorax airbags help protect the driver and front-seat passenger, while Side Curtain Protection(R) head airbags help protect those in the front and rear seats, in addition to safety belt pretensioners.
Electronic assistance includes Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Anti-Slip Regulation (ASR), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).
All Tiguan models feature the advanced Volkswagen Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) that automatically shuts off the fuel pump, unlocks the doors, and even switches on the hazard warning lights if the airbags deploy.
Limited Warranty
The 2017 Tiguan models are offered with Volkswagen's standard five-year/60,000-mile (whichever occurs first) powertrain limited warranty and three-year/36,000-mile (whichever occurs first) new vehicle limited warranty.
Model Line-up
There are four trims in the 2017 Tiguan model line-up, powered by the 2.0 TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. All trims have the option of 4Motion all-wheel drive for an additional $1,975.
2.0T S
$24,995 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission
$26,970 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with 4Motion all-wheel drive and automatic transmission
2.0T Wolfsburg Edition
$30,095 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission
$32,070 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with 4Motion all-wheel drive and automatic transmission
2.0T Sport
$32,605 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission
$34,580 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with 4Motion all-wheel drive and automatic transmission
2.0T SEL
$34,500 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with front-wheel drive and automatic transmission
$36,475 MSRP (plus $865 for destination) with 4Motion all-wheel drive and automatic transmission
Competitive Set
Honda CR-V
Mazda CX-5
Toyota RAV4
Ford Escape
Nissan Rogue
Jeep Cherokee
Chevy Equinox
Subaru Forester
Hyundai Tucson
Kia Sportage
About Volkswagen of America, Inc.
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc., an operating unit of Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (VWoA) is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. VWoA's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state -of-the- art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The Volkswagen Group is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. VWoA sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, CC, e-Golf, Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf GTI, Golf R, Golf SportWagen, Jetta, Passat, Tiguan and Touareg vehicles through approximately 652 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.