RE: VW Tiguan R testing

RE: VW Tiguan R testing

Author
Discussion

Ceeejay

401 posts

152 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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Motorbikes have been moving into this new market for a while now.. Take a comfortable seating position with the ability to haul some luggage, add in a moderate chassis that's good for real roads, not race tracks, and then take a superbike engine and knock 25% of the power off. Ducati Multistrada / BMW S1000XR fine examples of a practical but powerful vehicle. Why not the same with cars...

Peanus

155 posts

106 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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vz-r_dave said:
I am not, I am asking why, help me understand why people buy these things? Afterall we are all here to learn are we not? I love the application on the Audi RS but I feel that this is a complete waste in the baby SUV sector.
Why do you buy the cars you do? If you understand your own purchasing decisions, then by implication you should be able to understand others', even if they are different. Because, as I assume 99% of people figure out very early in their lives that everyone is different.

It really is simple: people buy them because they like them. What a revelation.

vz-r_dave

3,469 posts

219 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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Peanus said:
vz-r_dave said:
I am not, I am asking why, help me understand why people buy these things? Afterall we are all here to learn are we not? I love the application on the Audi RS but I feel that this is a complete waste in the baby SUV sector.
Why do you buy the cars you do? If you understand your own purchasing decisions, then by implication you should be able to understand others', even if they are different. Because, as I assume 99% of people figure out very early in their lives that everyone is different.

It really is simple: people buy them because they like them. What a revelation.
Why can't anyone here explain why they want one? What makes someone want a Hot Baby SUV? I don't need educating on choice lol.

tigger1

8,402 posts

222 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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Zetec-S said:
From my observations, there are 2 types of Tiguan buyer:

1. School run mum. Buys a 2.0TDi for fuel economy and cheap tax. But must be R-Line spec so it's more sporty/sparkly.
2. Bert and Mavis. For the weekly shopping run, and trips to National Trust properties.

Neither of these groups will want a proper "R" version, so they'll probably sell about 10.
The ones driven by school run mums are often also driven at weekends by "going to the in-laws dads" - and therefore end up being spec'd with a slightly pokier engine "just because". Better engined models also tend to be better spec'd inside (golf R v golf tdi?) - and often don't cost a lot more (although £46k for a Tiguan is bonkers - that's almost A8 money!)

Never underestimate the number of Civics / Golf R's sold to "bert & mavis" types just because they're the top of the range model. B&M, in turns out, often have an effectively infinite car budget when it comes to buying the same brand of new car every 3 years.

PistonBroker

2,426 posts

227 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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Zetec-S said:
From my observations, there are 2 types of Tiguan buyer:

1. School run mum. Buys a 2.0TDi for fuel economy and cheap tax. But must be R-Line spec so it's more sporty/sparkly.
2. Bert and Mavis. For the weekly shopping run, and trips to National Trust properties.

Neither of these groups will want a proper "R" version, so they'll probably sell about 10.
3. Husband, wife, two kids and dog seek new replacement for 11-year-old CRV and 9-year-old MX5 combo. CRV was first SUV they owned - bought simply because it was a good deal from a family member - and wife has now decided the high seating position is the only one for her. Tiguan on its way out so husband snaps up dirt-cheap PCH deal on a 2.0 TDi Match. Diesel not required in the slightest but that was the deal.

I love the idea of something like this, or RSQ3 or SQ5. But, in fairness, I'd have to agree with your last line. 150bhp is more than enough for Mrs PB and if I'm having that motor I'd rather it was in a toy.

Colonial

13,553 posts

206 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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vz-r_dave said:
Why can't anyone here explain why they want one? What makes someone want a Hot Baby SUV? I don't need educating on choice lol.
I don't want one. The boot is isn't deep enough.

But I can't fault the logic of any petrol head who decides a nutterspec 5 cylinder turbo petrol in their family car is a hell of a lot more interesting option than a diesel.

SwissJonese

1,394 posts

176 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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We have a new Tiguan, the 2.0TDI 4Motion with DSG because of good lease deal. The thing is fully loaded and lovely to drive, soft, comfortable, so much nicer than the outgoing BMW 118i, OK not exactly fast but it is mostly ferrying the kids around anyway. The kids love being higher up so can see more. Would have loved a petrol version but big waiting list and mostly the 1.4TSI which I didn't want.

The Audi RS Q3 which is similar size is supposed to be an amazing drive, so I can understand why VW are producing a hot version of the Tiguan.

Alucidnation

16,810 posts

171 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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Green is not a pleasant colour.

wink

Zetec-S

5,939 posts

94 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
tigger1 said:
The ones driven by school run mums are often also driven at weekends by "going to the in-laws dads" - and therefore end up being spec'd with a slightly pokier engine "just because". Better engined models also tend to be better spec'd inside (golf R v golf tdi?) - and often don't cost a lot more (although £46k for a Tiguan is bonkers - that's almost A8 money!)
That's the key, who really would pay £46k for one? If you're not into cars then you could get a 2.0 TDi R-Line - looks pretty much the same but for £15k less. If the school run mum really wanted to spend that money then surely they would want a better badge?

tigger1 said:
Never underestimate the number of Civics / Golf R's sold to "bert & mavis" types just because they're the top of the range model. B&M, in turns out, often have an effectively infinite car budget when it comes to buying the same brand of new car every 3 years.
Fair point. Some people do go for the top of the range model, just because.

MustardCutter

238 posts

121 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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This would be a tough sell over the likely much cheaper and better handling golf r in my eyes. Is the higher seating position and 5 cylinder sound (that you probably won't be able to hear inside the car) worth the cost and compromise the soft roader body style represents?

CDP

7,465 posts

255 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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How much difference does the soft-roader body make on handling? OK I know it won't be as good but most of the weight will still be low down; it's not like an old SUV but just a tall estate car. It's probably still fun.

Not for me; I'd prefer a regular estate car but admit height is useful to older people. It's also quite handy when loading a baby into a seat - though the Mrs seemed to manage OK with our son in the TT before the Golf.

This engine and detuned versions needs to find it's way into the A4/5/67/8. The 5 made a wonderful noise in the 80's and isn't as thirsty, heavy or or expensive as a 6. It has to be an awful lot cheaper than a V6 (maybe not in the RS spec admittedly)

vz-r_dave

3,469 posts

219 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
CDP said:
How much difference does the soft-roader body make on handling? OK I know it won't be as good but most of the weight will still be low down; it's not like an old SUV but just a tall estate car. It's probably still fun.

Not for me; I'd prefer a regular estate car but admit height is useful to older people. It's also quite handy when loading a baby into a seat - though the Mrs seemed to manage OK with our son in the TT before the Golf.

This engine and detuned versions needs to find it's way into the A4/5/67/8. The 5 made a wonderful noise in the 80's and isn't as thirsty, heavy or or expensive as a 6. It has to be an awful lot cheaper than a V6 (maybe not in the RS spec admittedly)
Assume the demise of the 5 is down to packaging rather than economy etc?

hondansx

4,586 posts

226 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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I would understand VZR Dave losing his s**t if this was an SQ7, which is clearly simply a status symbol. However, my impression of the last gen Tiguan was that it drove virtually drove just like a Golf, but with extra grip and great visibility.

Why would you dispute someone who needs to ferry kids around, but wants to enjoy the drive a bit? You could make the same bizarre accusations of anyone with a hot estate or big engined saloon car. Where does it end; should we all be in Caterhams?

Alucidnation

16,810 posts

171 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
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What amazes me, although it shouldn't, is people comparing it to a Golf R ffs.


Peanus

155 posts

106 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
vz-r_dave said:
Why can't anyone here explain why they want one? What makes someone want a Hot Baby SUV? I don't need educating on choice lol.
I just told you why. You yourself choose cars based on your individual needs, wants, and of course, budget, all of which are ordered in a priority that is unique to you. It's a form of empathy — that you do this means you should at least be able to understand that other people choose their cars based on the same idiosincratic hierarchy of priorities, even if you don't like their choice. You're just being a snob and willfully ignorant.

The same exact thing was said about hot hatchbacks back in the 80s and 90s, and some are still being echoed today: "They're stupid, they're family cars, not racing cars!" "Why would you spend that much money on a bloody hatchback? Are you mad?""People who like these cars aren't real petrolheads.""What is the point of a car like this?""Just buy a real sports car, dummy. Stop trying to pose with your fake car."

CDP

7,465 posts

255 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
vz-r_dave said:
CDP said:
How much difference does the soft-roader body make on handling? OK I know it won't be as good but most of the weight will still be low down; it's not like an old SUV but just a tall estate car. It's probably still fun.

Not for me; I'd prefer a regular estate car but admit height is useful to older people. It's also quite handy when loading a baby into a seat - though the Mrs seemed to manage OK with our son in the TT before the Golf.

This engine and detuned versions needs to find it's way into the A4/5/67/8. The 5 made a wonderful noise in the 80's and isn't as thirsty, heavy or or expensive as a 6. It has to be an awful lot cheaper than a V6 (maybe not in the RS spec admittedly)
Assume the demise of the 5 is down to packaging rather than economy etc?
Possibly but the A6 gained a V10 so an inline 5 should fit. If they're downsizing V8s it would be a better destination than a 4 cylinder engine; it would certainly feel more expensive.

chrispmartha

15,549 posts

130 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
vz-r_dave said:
Peanus said:
vz-r_dave said:
I am not, I am asking why, help me understand why people buy these things? Afterall we are all here to learn are we not? I love the application on the Audi RS but I feel that this is a complete waste in the baby SUV sector.
Why do you buy the cars you do? If you understand your own purchasing decisions, then by implication you should be able to understand others', even if they are different. Because, as I assume 99% of people figure out very early in their lives that everyone is different.

It really is simple: people buy them because they like them. What a revelation.
Why can't anyone here explain why they want one? What makes someone want a Hot Baby SUV? I don't need educating on choice lol.
I personally wouldn't want one but i can see why someone would.

Family car
Comfy
Decent size and viewing position
Nice engine
Fast
Well specced

And probably many more

Why did you coose your current car?


Burwood

18,709 posts

247 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
OpulentBob said:
vz-r_dave said:
is it to feel good at the traffic lights?
yes
Not for me it wouldn't. The Tiguan is a pretty good package but it's heavy and none of the engines can pull the skin off a rice pudding. Laden down with kids, gear and a full tank, it is poor at overtaking imho. I'm also a bit sick of diesels.

Burwood

18,709 posts

247 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
vz-r_dave said:
Colonial said:
vz-r_dave said:
Your pedantism still isnt answering the question, add some value, where does the demand come from?
People who want a stupidly over powered engine in a boring family car?

Why get a BMW 340i over a 318i?
The 3 series is a good platform to start from when building a hot version, take the M's ect as you know. I don't see why you would take a disadvantaged platform like the baby suv as a base for a 400hp 5 cylinder, even more so when the Golf R didn't get the treatment.

I fully understand that VAG didn't want the R to canablise sales on the RS3.
That is a real shame. The Golf is crying out for that engine. I'm not entirely convinced that scenario would pan out though. R/S3 very similar. Audi one notch up on fit/finish image.

Alucidnation

16,810 posts

171 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2017
quotequote all
Nanook said:
Alucidnation said:
What amazes me, although it shouldn't, is people comparing it to a Golf R ffs.
Why?

Broadly the same size, same drivetrain, comparative power outputs, same number of seats, same looks, same badge, why shouldn't you compare them?
Being in a completely different class is quite a big difference I would say.

Some one who is looking for an SUV is not going to be interested in a Golf.