Volkswagen Tiguan named Best SUV in Europe

Volkswagen Tiguan named Best SUV in Europe
Europe’s toughest jury has made its choice. This year’s coveted Auto 1 Trophy in the category “Off-Roaders and SUV” goes to the Volkswagen Tiguan. More than 40 million readers of the Auto Bild Group as well as trade experts were called upon over the past months to pick the best vehicles from among 74 new models. Last night, Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Volkswagen’s executive board member for development, accepted the prestigious prize at the 78th Geneva Motor Show.

“This award crowns a series of international successes for the Tiguan since its market launch. The Tiguan represents an important element in Volkswagen’s global growth strategy. I view this trophy, not least, as confirmation that we are on the right path with our products,” Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg said before an audience of more than 500 guests at the La Halle Sécheron.
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blacktip007blacktip007 - 3/7/2008 1:14:02 PM
+4 Boost
now if we can only get a taste of this greatness


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 3/7/2008 2:35:22 PM
+3 Boost
Greatness, my ass! The Tiguan has two serious flaws:
1) Instead of proper struts to hold up an open hood, there is an inconvenient metal rod that one has to grope for while trying to hold up a heavy steel hood.
2) The arm rests on the front doors are too high for comfort requiring one to adopt a position that looks like a chicken trying to fly.

Other the the above, the Tiguan is a comfortable size for city driving. The seats could have been a bit more comfortable -- I'm hoping that when I see the leather seats, I will find them improved over the cloth seats that I sat in. Styling is superb but seat comfort is a top priority.


M35MTM35MT - 3/7/2008 3:39:38 PM
+3 Boost
"Off-Roaders"

I thought this was a dedicated car based SUV, like the RDX, X3, Rav4, CRV, etc.

That would be a flaw in my book, but, not to the target demographic.


monkeyrunmonkeyrun - 3/7/2008 2:29:27 PM
+3 Boost
Great, can't wait to see the Audi version.

I just like the Audi interior better :P


RupertRupert - 3/7/2008 2:37:38 PM
0 Boost
Well you'll be waiting a long time - there won't be an Audi version.


EnnNorakEnnNorak - 3/7/2008 2:41:23 PM
+1 Boost
Audi interiors are the benchmark these days. I note that the Tiguan's instruments panel is very Audi-like. Among AWD vehicles with transversely mounted engines, the Santa Fe offers the best value. The Tiguan should have been designed for the VW in-line 5 cylinder or narrow-angle V6. A 4-banger engine and metal rod to prop open the hood simply do not justify the Tiguan's price.


M35MTM35MT - 3/7/2008 3:40:41 PM
+2 Boost
What is the Tiguan based on? For comparison, what is the Q5 based on?

Rupert you seem to know...


RupertRupert - 3/7/2008 7:57:36 PM
+3 Boost
The Tiguan is based off the Golf/Jetta platform, the Q5 I think will be based off the A4, but will be a mid-size crossover, rather than a small one (i.e. it competes with the Infiniti FX rather than EX).

Note the engines that the cars will have: Tiguan 2.0 litres and under, Q5 2.0 litres plus.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/8/2008 12:05:59 PM
+1 Boost
Thank you, Rupert...

There will be no Audi version!

The Q5 is based on the A4 platform.


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/7/2008 3:56:16 PM
+7 Boost
Is there an award for dumbest name?


theoptimisticpessimisttheoptimisticpessimist - 3/7/2008 4:59:48 PM
+3 Boost
bulldogz -LOL


LarryLarry - 3/7/2008 4:11:15 PM
+2 Boost
Volkswagen waits until 2008 to make a small SUV and now it is the best in Europe??


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/8/2008 12:06:27 PM
+1 Boost
Yes.


blacktip007blacktip007 - 3/7/2008 5:13:48 PM
+1 Boost
My sarcasm was lost on EnnNorak. Consumer rule number one...never by the first edition of anything. I think its a great idea, alittle late yes...Kooky name definitely... Buy on the first run....hell no


SixxFiveSixxFive - 3/7/2008 5:18:28 PM
-2 Boost
monkeyrun - you are right this will be the Audi Q5.


RupertRupert - 3/7/2008 7:58:22 PM
+3 Boost
No, he's wrong, it won't.


DROOPYSAKKDROOPYSAKK - 3/7/2008 6:47:29 PM
+1 Boost
its doesnt look that bad, but as far as im concerned this whole car segment can be destroyed.
that being said i wouldn't be turned off by 'proper struts to hold up an open hood'


ZBL1414ZBL1414 - 3/7/2008 8:02:56 PM
-1 Boost
Well, since it's a VW, I'm expecting Toyota levels of driving excitement, GM levels of reliability (circa 1980's) and BMW pricing... although it won't be nearly the sales disaster that the Passat coupe/sedan/CLS ripoff is going to be.


audirevolutionaudirevolution - 3/7/2008 10:42:14 PM
+4 Boost
Toyota level of driving excitement? I have a feeling you've never driven a Toyota or a VW in your life. Or for that matter, any car.



ZBL1414ZBL1414 - 3/8/2008 7:33:58 AM
+1 Boost
Actually a few weeks ago I drove a friends Passat (fully loaded v6)... poor steering feel, fwd understeer, and average brakes. Sounds like a Toyota to me (at least compared to the last Camry service loaner I drove). And you can relax... just b/c VW makes overpriced appliances, doesn't mean Audi does too.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/8/2008 12:07:25 PM
+1 Boost
Go drive a GTI and come back.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2008 3:09:46 AM
+2 Boost
"What does VW have? GTI? Sucks compared to the Corolla Sport. R32? Gets blown away by a Celica."

WTF? Is there something wrong with you?


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 3/9/2008 8:40:39 AM
+1 Boost
I think hes mentally challenged.


ZBL1414ZBL1414 - 3/8/2008 3:51:00 PM
-2 Boost
I haven't driven the current GTI, but I did drive the last gen GTI. Nothing wrong with it, but hardly exciting. To be fair, VWs are probably closer to Hondas (and not Toyotas) in terms of driving excitement, but they aren't anywhere near BMWs or Infinitis, yet VW still thinks their products warrant a premium over Hondas, Nissans, Subarus, etc. They just don't.

Maybe if VW realized they are a mainstream brand and not a premium brand they're sales wouldn't have fallen so steeply during the last 5 years. Perhaps when Phaeton - round 2 - sells as well as the first one did VW will understand... it seems the Germans always need two beat-downs to get the message.


ZBL1414ZBL1414 - 3/8/2008 3:52:20 PM
+2 Boost
*their


RupertRupert - 3/8/2008 6:04:46 PM
+2 Boost
The last gen. GTI wasn't that great though - the current one is a much better vehicle. VW's premium pricing does work in Europe though, where the Passat and Golf are 2 of the best selling vehicles. VW just doesn't "do" the US market.

And great inclusion of WW2, you clever, clever person.


S4cabriofoxoneS4cabriofoxone - 3/9/2008 3:10:44 AM
+2 Boost
"I haven't driven the current GTI, but I did drive the last gen GTI. Nothing wrong with it, but hardly exciting."

There lies the problem... the new model is a significant improvement in every respect.

"To be fair, VWs are probably closer to Hondas (and not Toyotas) in terms of driving excitement, but they aren't anywhere near BMWs or Infinitis..."

And nobody said they were. That's Audi's job.


HeyhuubHeyhuub - 3/9/2008 8:43:31 AM
+4 Boost
And what does it make now?


mplsmpls - 3/9/2008 2:55:25 PM
+1 Boost
The front looks like the Honda FR-V...


gregsfcgregsfc - 3/16/2008 8:03:41 AM
+1 Boost
The Tiguan will come to the U.S. this spring or fall. In 2009, it will be offered with a TDI (diesel) version which will have the same engine as the Jetta and Jetta SportWagen TDI (2.0-liter I-4).

The Audi version has been shown as concepts as a Q-3. It will probably come to the U.S. as well to compete with upcoming compact SUVs from BMW and MB. It too will probably get a TDI version.
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