We think new VW Tiguan is SA’s 2017 Car of the Year

The people’s automaker, VW have raised the bar yet again. Enter the new 2017 Tiguan.

In typical VW style it has always been humble in its approach. A respected little SUV that ticked all the right boxes, sold well but then probably missed its next generation revisions by a year or so. Now VW had something different in mind with the new Tiguan, to make it more grown up in every single way.

Dressed in the R-line kit, this VW storms the streets with attitude. Capable of running with the best, the Tiguan looks well placed and ready to roll alongside its fellow German competitors, including those housed under the ‘premium’ banner.

It is no wonder then that it was chosen as a finalist for the Car of the Year competition. A title it may just capture come the competition finale in March.

Stunning in its debonair suit, the R-design styling kit is sure to get the looks on the street. Aggressive, bold and premium, the Tiguan’s powerful stance is anything but subtle. A smooth mover, the car seemingly floats along the Joburg roads even on its 19-inch wheels, with a sharp and responsive steering. Of course, with a petite 1.4-litre motor comes good fuel consumption, which Volkswagen pinned at 6.1 litres/100km.

That said, while VW have perfected the art of downsizing, the petite 1.4-litre turbocharged powertrain in the lower 92kW spec does lack poke lowdown, making the Tiguan sluggish off the line – that’s just with the driver. Although once the revs climb, the Tiguan liven up considerably. Pure German perfection indeed, and with an indulging spoonful of optional extras, like a panoramic sunroof, Vienna leather seats and a 6.5-inch CD/radio composition media display, you immediately feel the new premium approach VW is embodying.

One of the small changes I would make, is ticking the automatic gearbox option and perhaps even opting for the diesel powertrain. As this will no doubt suit the Tiguan’s large stature and makes for a worthy companion on the open road.

It’s an easy vehicle to fall in love with and an even harder one to fault. Eye-catchy on the streets and lofty in the driving department, the Tiguan has clearly indicated its future plans to take on the premium segment. With a price tag of R443 000 as standard and a few thousand hundred thousand more from the options list, it represents a bit of everything except off-road ability (4Motion versions are available on other derivatives)

I’m certainly a fan, and it would seem the public are too, as a simple trip in the Tiguan leaves a row of spectators gleaming with fascination and looks of envy as you drive off into the distance.