Agent 001 started the day at his Alma Mater the University of Colorado, Boulder and spent the rest of it testing the 2009 VW Tiguan through the mountains of Colorado.
Highlights of the new SUV are the first GOOD navigation system from VW (Including traffic reports/re-routing) with a beautiful software interface, nice interior cabin/seat flexiblitity, attractive design and panoramic roof.
From a driving perspective it drives like a heavier, roomier Passat, which is pleasant but not overly exciting.
That being said, it drives WAY better than a CR-V but it's no BMW X3 due to its 'soft in the corners' driving feel.
The downsides I could see from my drive today were non-revolutionary gas mileage (19 city, 23.9 hwy. in my test), premium fuel premium although they say you can use unleaded with decreased performance, and a choppy ride and spartan cabin.
All in all if I had to give it a grade it would get a solid 'B'.
At $28k, I would probably pick it over a Passat sedan or wagon, CR-V, RAV-4, and RDX.
So all in all, the Tiguan is a very reasonable product and should do well for VW.
But its major competitor, the Honda CR-V is the leader in this space and it will be a tough job to crack into their market share.
Do you agree with me?
Enjoy 001's photos of the Tiguan and the vibe of Boulder, Colorado.
2009 VW Tiguan SUV Gallery
Click the link below to see the full gallery:
2009 VW Tiguan SUV Gallery
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