2023 Tiguan R Line - dirty diesel

2023 Tiguan R Line - dirty diesel

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RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Friday 17th March 2023
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"16 month wait for a VW diesel, you must be mad"

I work for one of the largest privately owned companies in the world and we still insist on company cars, I used to think it was a real burden but actually, I like the policy.

Back in 2021, my 2019 Arteon was coming towards the end of the contract and I was given access to our online portal to order. Back then, the choice was pretty good

3/5 series
High spec Audi A3/A4
Most VWs

Put my order in for a standard R Line Diesel and was told 4-6 months, time went on, the order kept getting pushed back. First it was semi conductors, then the war in Ukraine.
After a 15 month wait, enough was enough - I managed to speak with someone higher up at the dealership and they arranged a conference call involving my fleet manager, VW, the dealer and the leasing company and below is what I was 'allocated'



Standard 2023 spec, no options but they come fairly well specc'd as standard. Silly big wheels (which don't look that big but are 20").

Nice to be back in a diesel after 4 years and 60k in a gutless 1.5Tsi. I've done just short of 400 miles this week and it's a really nice place to spend the time.

Not the most PH of cars, but considering people at my work can only order a Golf or 2 series BMW now due to price escalation, I've done really well. The BIK is alot, but obviously don't have to pay for any lease costs, insurance, maintenance or repairs.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Friday 17th March 2023
quotequote all
MR2 Steve said:
With lease costs increasing, company cars are looking more cost effective. £450 a month BIK on that doesn’t seem “too bad”. Assuming no fuel benefit and higher rate taxpayer.
Assumptions correct and yes, they are relatively good value now. You could always run a snotter for less money, but £450 all in is a good deal for me and my circumstances.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Friday 17th March 2023
quotequote all
Don Roque said:
What made you choose this over the more obvious choice of the BMW 3 or 5 Series? Or even a high spec A4? Or perhaps a Skoda Superb etc?
Good question. I've had a Superb before and didn't fancy another one. In terms of 3 and 5 series, it was the lack of adaptive cruise control. I do alot of motorway driving and use it pretty much all the time..

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Friday 17th March 2023
quotequote all
Got4wheels said:
I'm astonished you can get a diesel as a company car in 2023!

Michael
It's a rarity in the company car park. Drives so much better than the puny petrol versions (had a 1.5 petrol before)..

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Thursday 4th May 2023
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2,000 miles in now and nothing to report.

Economy is pretty good, 40mpg on short journeys, upto 55-58 mpg on the motorway and averaging out since new at 49.

It's a little crashy at times, but overall I'm very pleased.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Thursday 4th May 2023
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Bobupndown said:
Colleague has just ordered a 1.5tsi Tiguan R line. I expect the performance will be disappointing. I'd much prefer the diesel option still.
I had an Arteon with the 1.5tsi and your assumptions will be correct. The 2.0tdi is a good engine, I've had it before in a previous car and really like it.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Thursday 4th May 2023
quotequote all
MrGTI6 said:
I know diesels are very unfashionable currently, but they're better than any of the alternatives if you're doing lots of miles.
A much nicer driving experience in my opinion.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Saturday 6th May 2023
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DSG in both.

The gearbox feels much better suited to the Diesel. From a NVH aspect, the petrol is obviously quieter but us just sluggish in all aspects.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Saturday 6th May 2023
quotequote all
Sheepshanks said:
I didn’t find that at all - and you’re getting better MPG than ours does so you can’t be driving harder, but they’re not exactly ‘ear holing’ cars anyway. Ours has 4Motion which might take the very edge off. The petrol I drove was FWD.
The DSG in the Tiguan petrol may be a revised version compared to the Arteon which was a 2019 model. Ours was so bad that my Wife refused to drive it.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Sunday 7th May 2023
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CalisenQX said:
Interesting choice to get a diesel with BIK rates as they are and not an EV. Doesn’t seem your mileage is particular high either.
Having said that, it’s a nice looking thing and I bet a pretty good and comfy drive.
Cheers. No Electric options for our car scheme currently (although will be changing soon-ish)

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
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300 mile run to the Scottish Borders has made the front of the car a little dirty with bugs. Average of just over 57mpg.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
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SHutchinson said:
We bought a Tiguan R Line tech in 2019, it's causing me a real headache now because as a second car I'm really struggling to find a suitable replacement that doesn't cost £10k more with the same kit.

I'm thinking about replacing it with a black edition, but they don't seem to come in 4x4 yet.
They're a good family car. Big enough without being too big, economical and look decent.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
quotequote all
SHutchinson said:
RayDonovan said:
SHutchinson said:
We bought a Tiguan R Line tech in 2019, it's causing me a real headache now because as a second car I'm really struggling to find a suitable replacement that doesn't cost £10k more with the same kit.

I'm thinking about replacing it with a black edition, but they don't seem to come in 4x4 yet.
They're a good family car. Big enough without being too big, economical and look decent.
Exactly. I know it's cool to moan about bland white boxes, but for our family it hits every requirement. It's surprisingly nimble around town, for the school/nursery run and with a roof box on top it'll cheerfully haul our family from Newcastle to the Isle of Skye with all of our kit.

We've got the 150bhp 2.0 diesel and I will say that if the car/gearbox isn't in sport mode then pulling out into fast traffic can be a white knuckle experience! But, once it's moving it's fine.
The 2023 'box seems ok. I had a 2019 Arteon DSG and that was poor. The Tiguan box is very smooth, even from standstill

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
quotequote all
Mark V GTD said:
RayDonovan said:


300 mile run to the Scottish Borders has made the front of the car a little dirty with bugs. Average of just over 57mpg.
Wow thats properly covered in bugs!

I finally got the email last week that my car (same as yours but the petrol version) is built and awaiting the ship at Emden docks!

Wil have been 22 months start to finish for this one.
Good news!
I only got mine earlier as I kicked off with VW UK and the lease company..

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
quotequote all
cliffords said:
Got4wheels said:
I'm astonished you can get a diesel as a company car in 2023!

Michael
Me too, you work for one of the biggest privately owned companies . What on earth is the policy on environment , sustainability etc .
Its incredible you can get a diesel car .

I have just finished work for the largest UK Bank and the policy is Electric or walk . Now no exceptions .
Its a whole other subject as I consider the electric route utter folly, but the diesel route is absolutely proven appalling consequences .

Cant believe the car policy at your place would allow .
True. They have just announced an Electric car policy that is supposed to be rolling out into the UK fairly soon - what that will mean for my current car i have no idea. There are rumours that we will order an electric car and pay an early termination fee for any of the current petrol and diesel fleet.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
quotequote all
iphonedyou said:
cliffords said:
I did not say I was surprised .
I did not say you did.
You mind arguing elsewhere please.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 23rd May 2023
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Fingers crossed, thanks.

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Tuesday 22nd August 2023
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First European trip down to near La Rochelle in France (just over 800 miles each way)

Perfect on the Autoroutes, adaptive cruise set at 130 kph and averaging just under 45mpg.

Parked just outside our lovely accommodation (the park is great, but a dog means bottom end digs..)



RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Saturday 11th May
quotequote all
Just over 14 months into ownership and the first issue, caused by a decent sized Deer with me driving at 50mph...






Front bumper mangled (have further images of damage) and parking sensors a little worse for wear. Got a guy coming out from the lease company on Tuesday to have a look.

Apart from that, all going well. Averaging over 50mpg, getting over 650 miles to a tank.
Just under 17,000 miles covered. First service booked for the end of this month..

RayDonovan

Original Poster:

4,537 posts

217 months

Sunday 12th May
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Mark V GTD said:
Oh no - sorry to hear about the car damage (and the poor deer also). Hope you can get it sorted - I assume the deer is no longer with us?
The Deer looked very dead.
Yes, shame about the damage but happy it's a company car in this instance. smile