Volkswagen sneaks GTI engine into Tiguan
SEAT launched a whole new sub brand to absorb the Golf R engine; for VW, it's much simpler. And a little more complicated...
In the Volkswagen Group's sewn-up view of things, this was always going to happen. SEAT - via Cupra - has been allowed a head start when it comes to quick crossovers, but the profit margins are just too plump for it to remain the only mainstream option in a segment that Europe's largest manufacturer intends to dominate. Hence today's announcement: the Tiguan, the Ateca's slightly larger blood brother, is to get the same stripe of EA888 four-pot which was previously the preserve of the now defunct entry-level Golf GTI.
The logic, of course, is flawless. It means you can now buy a Tiguan with the 230hp petrol engine that makes it noticeably quick - 0-62mph in 6.3 seconds according to VW - and with the 4Motion all-wheel-drive system that differentiates it from the front-driven Golf. At £35k for the lower-priced SEL trim it's more expensive than the five-door hot hatch, which starts at around £31k, but cheaper than the more powerful (and better equipped) Cupra Ateca.
Denying the Tiguan the GTI badge is partly about preserving the hallowed position of the Golf (and to a lesser extent Up and Polo) in the Volkswagen range. But the other notable upside is that it means the manufacturer gets to spread the more powerful engine around the trim levels, which helps absorb any shortfall in sales of the almost as fast (but increasingly unpopular) 240hp 2.0-litre BiTDI model.
With slightly less power than the current 245hp Golf GTI Performance - and certainly no manual gearbox available - VW will hope to avoid treading on the toes of its famed hot hatch, while at the same time leaving plenty of space for a long mooted Tiguan R. And given the proposed range-topper's engines are rumoured to include everything from a newfangled 3.0-litre VR6 to Audi Sport's five-cylinder 2.5-litre motor, its maker is likely to ensure (should it happen) that it gets the power output consistent with a starting price which ought to leave it just shy of a entry-level Porsche Macan.
Like we said, sewn up.
Classic PH narrow vision of the world leads to "I don't know why anyone would buy this car", when someone with more self-awareness would say "This doesn't appeal to me".
What I have said elsewhere is, this looks a better prospect to me:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VIvHrCh5ESA
I had the 170 TDI R version. Not what you'd cal quick, but it handled surprisingly well. Much more car like than SUV. But they're not that big, so don't have the mass of most other SUV's out there.
I'm not interested in a GTI engine in a Tiguan. But a 300BHP+ 5-pot engine? Now that I'd be interested in. As said above, a practical car that meets your needs, and a bit of poke for the overtakes.
I've luckily managed to stave off getting an SUV - convincing her that an estate is better. Because I can't stand SUVs. But getting an SUV is a 'when', not an 'if'. So having one that goes quick and doesn't cost upwards of £50k is all good in my books.
I'm not interested in a GTI engine in a Tiguan. But a 300BHP+ 5-pot engine? Now that I'd be interested in. As said above, a practical car that meets your needs, and a bit of poke for the overtakes.
The centre of gravity is a bit higher, but not that much, and it shares the same suspension architecture as the 'car'.
I don't particularly enjoy driving it to be honest, but then I'm not a huge fan of the A3, Golf, or that sort of thing anyway, but it's doing it an injustice to say it drives like a van.
That said, I've had a lot of fun doing silly things in an empty Kangoo with a 182 engine in it before.
The centre of gravity is a bit higher, but not that much, and it shares the same suspension architecture as the 'car'.
I don't particularly enjoy driving it to be honest, but then I'm not a huge fan of the A3, Golf, or that sort of thing anyway, but it's doing it an injustice to say it drives like a van.
That said, I've had a lot of fun doing silly things in an empty Kangoo with a 182 engine in it before.
Watching these things being spanked around the ring does make me cringe a bit tbh
We own the previous version of Tiguan which also happens to have the same engine as the mk6 golf gti.
It's my wifes car, but was also serves as the main family car for days out and holidays, mainly due to my car being unsuitable.
Having 210hp means straight line performance is pretty good and also means on family outings, (when I am inevitably behind the wheel) I can still get some enjoyment from the journey,
it even corners ok for an SUV.
If I were in the market for a replacement this would probably be high on my list.
I don't think the rear look right, but the front and side profiles look pretty good for a small SUV.
I don't think the rear look right, but the front and side profiles look pretty good for a small SUV.
t load of tech as standard. matrix lights, adaptive cruise, all manner of safety gadgets. It is light years ahead of the previous gen Tiguan. It is a very compliant and comfortable car. It's bigger than a Q3Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff