Volkswagen Tiguan SUV in-depth review - Carbuyer

The second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan is a no-nonsense family SUV that offers a wide choice of petrol and diesel engines, plenty of interior space and a desirable but not too flashy image.
It competes with the Nissan Qashqai, Audi Q3, BMW X1, Mercedes GLC and Mazda CX-5 in the popular family crossover market.
Read our review on Carbuyer.co.uk - carbyr.uk/1PF7KCa
SUBSCRIBE to Carbuyer for new videos every week: bit.ly/17k4fct
Watch our latest video: bit.ly/carbuyer...
VW Tiguan prices and specs - carbyr.uk/29hC9o2
Nissan Qashqai video review - carbyr.uk/1M5g6Dd
Mazda CX-5 video review - carbyr.uk/1NlQfnJ
Renault Kadjar video review - carbyr.uk/1Np3PXA
BMW X1 video review - carbyr.uk/1R2rHRo
Follow James Batchelor
Twitter: / jrrbatchelor
Instagram: / mrjbatchelor
Follow us:
Twitter: / carbuyeruk
Facebook: / carbuyeruk
Instagram: / carbuyeruk
Subscribe to Auto Express magazine: subscribe.autoe...
Carbuyer makes car buying simple. We're the only automotive brand that's approved by the Plain English Campaign, delivering you clear, concise and easy to understand information about the things that really matter when you're choosing - and buying - your next car.
www.carbuyer.co.uk
Every week, Carbuyer's KZbin channel brings you simple and entertaining reviews on every major make and model that's available for sale in the UK. Plus you'll find frequently-updated top 10 features and the occasional group test for good measure.
If you want even more helpful information, head over to Carbuyer.co.uk where you'll find in-depth reviews of more than 500 cars, alongside the best buying advice and dozens of features helping you to narrow down your car buying shortlist.

[@pierrot148]

I like how everyone here comes to say they're "unsubscribing". You never paid to see these videos, they're free content. They're here for information and not for entertainment purposes. If you don't like them, go ahead and don't watch them, just don't be an asshole and ruin these fine people's days.

[@pierrot148]

Firemarioflower Matt started his own channel with CarWOW so you get double the content now. Rebecca went to Telegraph and you can see her there. They're both better off now and we get more content than before. Quit whining and understand that this is not your choice and more importantly everyone benefits.

[@mrj3795]

+Firemarioflower here you go again, "noobs", "lil," etc etc. Is it because I is black? Lizard? Please explain, oh great one.....

[@pierrot148]

Mr J haha I was thinking the same

[@pierrot148]

hahaha you have issues mate

[@mrj3795]

+Firemarioflower Over the line, Smokie. You have gone too far, as usual. Breathe man, and allow time between posts to formulate a coherent response. You heard of Ali G? Brapp Brapp!

[@macnerd93]

I can't wait to get mine next year. I think i'm going for the SE Nav spec 2.0 litre TDI. I'll be going from a VW Golf MK7 Match, as I want something a little bigger and roomier for travelling. I often go down to rowing regattas during the summer months and then the head races in the winter time, so I want something which can carry a good amount of gear. I also do a lot of cycling so a vehicle which can accommodate a bike sufficiently is a plus for me. I am only 23 at the moment, but I do really do like the look of the Tiguan. I think its actually quite a handsome looking thing compared to the likes of a Nissan Juke etc. A neighbour of mine has an Audi Q5, but unfortunately its just out of my budget, as that would've been my first choice.

[@jceess]

Hey James just wanted to say you have definitely improved since you started and I'm so sorry for all the random hate you endured on the way.

[@marketingvp1]

Beautiful job VW! Fantastic ride, great looking and without the BMW or Audi snob appeal. I just ordered mine :)

[@brightenupcc]

This is a great mainstream SUV. Journalists crap on ‘sparkle’ and ‘driver involvement’ with little regard for what buyers actually want - a functional SUV that does capably conquers day to day use.

[@adamle2011]

best car in Africa, the 4X4 is amazing, way more comfortable than the Toyota, North Africans people love it.

[@ianblack7934]

Love the classic shape, looks like a proper car & not a kids toy spaceship on wheels. They do the futuristic styling with motorbikes as well & they look very dated very quickly. The Tiguans shape is not 'out there' but it won't date badly either.

[@NZsarge1]

I think it's smart looking (particularly in R Line trim), being a VW it's bound to be well thought out and a comfortable and nice place to be. I like it.

[@DavidBrown-ce5on]

I have the old Tiguan and will be picking up the new Tiguan next Friday, same model as test driven. I disagree with the comment about the engine lacking punch. The Tiguan I have now is the 177bhp version I did not see a huge amount of difference in performance between the two

[@jpch8814]

How do you like the Tiguan after a few years?

[@MannBrothersFilms]

Great review James!

[@CryptoDefiNews]

Great SUV. I have been test driving it and it is really nice and sporty. 2.0 TSI 4motion is my favorite though.

[@JULIAN71102]

The LED headlights make so much difference in how the car looks

[@mkkravist11]

I have a 16 plate MK 1 with 4wd & DSG box and I'm not gutted about the mk2 coming out at all. Mine's a brilliant car and I don't see the mk2 as a really big improvement in any area, so I'm sure it's as good or slightly better than mine. I'd definitely recommend the DSG 7 speed auto though. Great review, James!

[@superultrafabulous]

Active and passive safety systems have improved significantly in the newer car as well as practicality. However, I, perhaps, like you, prefer the interior design of the outgoing vehicle-soft, elegant lines, beautiful seating, less dutiful but certainly more chic inside.

[@mkkravist11]

agreed, superultrafabulous For the money its not a giant leap forwards and i think I'll wait ti see if a mid-life change does anything. Personally, I think to REALLY leap forward with the Tiguan VW needs to start again and radically move things on. Otherwise, a 16 plate mk1 is a stunning buy/lease option.

[@kirholstov]

A little tip: in 'Volkswagen', 'V' is actually pronounced as 'F'. It is a German car.

[@mcstaal]

But still, FW will Vuck you deeply.

[@kirholstov]

+mcstaal I'm amazed by your intelligence

[@mcstaal]

Their scam cost me a lot of money. Intelligent or not?

[@MadAlbo]

LOl is funny how english change the name of almost every car: Volskwagen, Skoda octaviar instead of Škoda Octavia, Ford fiestar, 😂😂

[@jamesgordon783]

+mcstaal 😂😂😂

[@nickcobra4638]

Prefer the one with the LED lights

[@b14cod]

Interior materials way cheaper than in a Golf 7 with Ergo Active seats (which has leather on seats, back seats, hand rest front and back), 150cp/2.0tdi coupled with DSG feels out of power at take off (though it shouldn't be) with a big lag. The new Tucson with it's dual clutch automatic gearbox is one of the options with a lower price tag and with heated and ventilated leather seats.

[@bosse641]

Great looking car. ....top quality as well. ....very nice. Good review, thanks.

[@LordDuren]

shame that vw still uses conventional daytime running lights instead of led ones. every one has them now

[@DimachkaS]

I like his reviews now

[@Abukarr]

Matt was the best

[@bid84]

You here to see the men or the cars?

[@Abukarr]

+Alan B you here to see the car review, reviewed by someone that doesn't make you bored or to just watch the car in muted volume?

[@justrandomthings319]

+Alan B 😂😂😂😂😂

[@openmindforchange6181]

Shhhh

[@westgolden22]

Ww tiguan

[@sebastianaltamarmolina6779]

I think this guy is trying to do his Best. We cannot pretend him to be Mat

[@jh5kl]

r line tiguan is an beautiful imposing machine, whats with this headlights?? i have never seen a new tiguan with these, are they due to some uk regulation?

[@amstrad79b]

Nissan Qashqai is one segment down than the new Tiguan. Now the Tiguan is as big as Rav4, CRV and Nissan X-trail.

[@marinoint]

If you could adjust the volume of your voice a little more consistent, this would be a perfect review!

[@skyworks1621]

My family has the old model, witch I never liked, the suspension is bad and the engine is loud. So I drove the new one in r-line with 150 bhp and manual, it was very quiet, and nice, of course a bit hard with 19 inch, I agree inside is so so except the new digital display. All in all good car but it has to be highly optioned

[@nomannothedark]

The best thing in this video: His watch is a omega , nice!

[@garyhedges7907]

Great review again James👍🏽

[@Littlefire5]

nice review and clear voice, no problem understanding you. gj.

[@madant7777]

Really? No mentioning the SEAT Ateca or the Audi Q3?

[@reuben8783]

Loving those mint green chinos

[@gtilover11]

I have been a VW fanboy since forever and own a MK6 Golf that I absolutely adore, and yet I am stunned that, in 2016, VW could not have made the Tiguan look any more boring! Holy cow that has "boring and anonymous" written all over it. Larger alloys and the LED headlamps really make this car look much nicer.

[@monk3yboy69]

Bear in mind the people who buy these things are bland so you can't do anything radical with the design. You would scare them away. Take a look next time you see someone in one of these.......Dullesville written all over them.

[@phil4350]

Out of curiosity where do you film this

[@Sevy89]

Why is the wait so long for this car :( We ordered ours on 11 July 2016 and our "maybe" delivery date is in February 2017... (has been postponed like 3 times by now)

[@daveh9415]

are the mpg / emissions / hp ratings believable from VW these days?

[@verynick]

I used to be a big VW guy. I had Passat myself. But after the dieselgate...can't trust the brand anymore.

[@davidsingleton9864]

2.0 TDI 170 Blue motion DSG best buy.

[@nigelcb1300]

time to get a fresh design team, looks about as exciting as plain white bread !

[@spencerwayde7690]

Please. Give me the price

[@FearlessEmpireFilms]

This guy said his 5ft11 in this video but on other videos he's 5ft10? Does his height change with the cars or something?

[@sierasdosk.8359]

great video. I tough it will be like a big golf (highline). probably have to wait 4 years to buy a better Tiguan, after all corrections will be made.

[@jh5kl]

maybe you don t need to wait so much, seat and skoda are in a serious small suv offensive (seat ateca for example, it even has torque vectoring available)

[@johnelphick4191]

Brilliant video James.

[@Matty12333]

How reliable is vw cars?

[@DRAGONIKification]

VW is a car?

[@hardythingh4510]

I have a tig 2018 2.0tdi Atlantic blue. It's hard suspension crashes and rocks over slight uneven roads. The Atlantic blue colour hardly had ant metallic and dull shows dirt a lot. I hate the car and it's a tiring drive. I had a xc60 car and that's super comfortable.

[@SagaAcademica]

I'd ratger go with Sportage, Tuscon or Qashqai.

[@interceptor-ss8kb]

That's a list of cars I would never want to own along with this obese Golf.

[@thegenderfaerie]

+interceptor1986 you're an obese Golf

[@demihani5062]

+Flymower 2016 what type of a fucking 3rd grade response is that

[@bobbykelly6274]

I think that the new Sportage looks very ugly and more disproportionate than the previous one (even though I have it)

[@willohanlon]

Are you on a budget?

[@bannedgbg]

Ok, i have had enough of this guy. Unsubscribing.

[@bid84]

So long shit head!

[@bannedgbg]

Why are you trying to offend me? I am simply expressing my personal opinion, which I believe the commends are ment for.

[@prayerpowersr854]

bannedgbg "is this the fisrt time you've left a comment on youtube"?

[@bannedgbg]

haha, this is your response? Well, you just admitted that you are not more intelligent than the average troll on the internet. Cheers!

[@ismaeelkhalid5536]

same

[@Kavi4GP]

Ford Kuga still seems a better buy , a lot more fun when you want it , still rides great.

[@b14cod]

Kuga has a tiny boot @ 370liters, Ford is nuts sometimes

[@MYoeruek]

Is 2.0 TDI logo tilted a little to right @0:08?

[@Pipsicle330]

Looking forward to the SEAT Ateca review. May be another VW Group own goal.

[@mterryuk]

The Seat Ateca has already been reviewed by others, why is CarBuyer so slow? His judgement in clothes is highly questionable...and REALLY a Renauly Kagar?!? Are you having a laugh?

[@chickensoupfortheloser8515]

Those oversized halogen headlights are truly awful.

[@pierrot148]

I like 'em. Something different for once, thank god.

[@WhenTheUhh]

I don't like them either, the front reminds me of a Dacia Duster, which is certainly not a good thing. I don't understand how all the new cars don't have LEDs yet...

[@keegangovender3991]

Looks like someone tried to bring 2001 cars into 2016

[@AntonioSilva-ei8kj]

You can always get the LED version for +-400 euros, or just replace the daylight bulbs with LED bulbs.

[@mertozelci4569]

I think Seat Ateca is more sensible choice.

[@jamesgordon783]

+Firemarioflower Yet some people aren't rich and can't afford cars like the Tiguan

[@appelpower1]

I think a normal car is the most sensible choice. (watch the shitstorm come in in 3... 2... 1...)

[@appelpower1]

Firemarioflower How predictable. Oh right, a four years older, one segment lower Q5 is somehow better than an XC90. Should I do something useful with my life? Look who's talking :D They're not stupid, at worst they're vain and uninformed. That's the case with most customers in any market. Popularity does not warrant quality.

[@appelpower1]

Firemarioflower It's larger, more luxurious, more advanced, more practical, faster, everything. The two don't even compare, actually.

[@appelpower1]

Firemarioflower Then you completely misunderstood me. Size relative to a normal car is why I don't like SUVs, but the XC90 is more practical (larger boot, more seats), more comfortable (air suspension), and has a much better-looking, less boring interior.

[@justrandomthings319]

At 0:40 he says "Volksvagen". lol. 😂😂😂

[@joako2706]

I imagine your regular Tiguan customer scratching all surfaces while traveling long journeys or on a day to day basis . Nowadays there is almost an obsession with this particular item which is so irrelevant .

[@redriver15262]

It looks exactly like a SEAT, im sure seat has a similar Vehicle but common try to make em different

[@simonhumber5818]

How can get stuck in 2WD, in dry weather on that little slope?

[@RetroGamerVX]

its so.....BLAND!

[@iAmInsaine22]

The front end is horrendous it looks like a Jeep Compass but worse and i didn't think that was possible.

[@SpaceAce114]

I agree, the front looks dated and the headlamps, well it looks just plain pants

[@cmcmanu8]

I wish this was offered in the US

[@67tomcat]

Wait about 8-9 months and the extended wheelbase version will be offered in North America. It will be built in Puebla, Mexico.

[@tebona]

Actually, I think I started enjoying this guy reviews...he´s good!

[@ancabadiu614]

what colour is this in the video?

[@rickyfinlay3726]

when are you doing a review on the Ford edge

[@gustavopedrosa81]

A TDI with less power after the emitions scandal? Strange...

[@IncognitoX8]

Bug got 2 seconds of fame, at 0:04

[@jackd4890]

Everyone go to Car Wow first of all this guy is no where to be see there and it's much better reviews 👍🏻

[@johndonnelly5971]

Nice Omega dude.

[@nigelcb1300]

I think the Mk1 looks better

[@fdelbono]

I like this channel bit it's a little suspicious that every single VW they review is the best car in the universe. After the dieselgate these guys need to bring their enthusiasm down

[@robertjusic9097]

does he have the omega seamaster? 02:45

[@do51lab97]

Ive been trying to work out what watch it was, at first I thought it was a Rolex Sea-Dweller

[@fmsantoscar]

why are you reviewing the most basic version of the new Tiguan?

[@Razor20S]

The model reviewed is actually the mid-range SE Nav.

[@mterryuk]

+Razor Callahan the car was reviewed by other car publishers months ago. With it now being on the forecourt you could have at lease looked at a couple of models and talked more about the tech which is best in class.

[@seoulfrog]

That's a nice rolex he got

[@FiredEmpire]

It's a Omega Seamaster Pro 300m

[@georgepullen4413]

would never pick this model! the higher spec ones are a lot nicer.

[@lights8811]

Reversing back on a main road eh? Who gave you a driver's license? 4:16

[@Eric-jb1ym]

I liked the review. Got a bunch of car snobs up in here.

[@FrankvdMade]

@1:38 I really don't get why all car journalists like this feature, folding seats down from the boot, so much and find it the best thing ever. Is it really that hard to walk to the side of the car and fold them down from there? Don't get me wrong, it is certainly nice to have. But is it really that important? At first I thought he was being sarcastic.

[@doctormac123]

This is the only small SUV I would buy because the rest are largely terrible.

[@kirstenfarr4703]

Completely agree with you about the quality feel of the inside. Sat in the top of the range one and it convinced me straight away that it just didn't feel special enough. I ended up buying a new sorento kx3 for the same price, much bigger car, better quality feel inside and drives brilliantly. I also run an Octavia vrs and it has better quality interior than this.

[@AntonioSilva-ei8kj]

LOL ... just wait a couple of years ! A sorento with better build and interior quality? only in your wallet ;)

[@scoopermg8226]

Austin Maestro.

[@dr-gb3tq]

tiguan's rival is koleos not kadjar.

[@DanielDaniel-kh6bv]

first of all. the headlamp is truly ugly. where is the signature drl headlamp? and talk about this guy, i think he is not that bad. if youre looking mat he is in carwow and i subscribe both of them. what happen with this entire people here? nothings wrong with this guy. everyone has plus and mins. matt has been in carwow for months and you guys now talk whre is matt? if you do really like matt, you must have known for very long time ago.

[@luxuriousliving4172]

yay ... finally. ...

[@dblanc89]

Tiguan or CX-3?

[@bobbykelly6274]

Do a review on a Jeep Wrangler 2016 two door

[@esteban75lover23]

You guys never upload. It's fine though because CarWow uploads plenty for me! Bye guys!

[@antonoat]

You've grown from five feet ten, to just under five feet eleven?

[@Rose.Of.Hizaki]

This guy looks like hes a knock off Jimmy Carr - except advertising cars instead of cracking jokes and murdering hecklers.

[@amstrad79b]

Nice video nevertheless!

[@bugsy791]

sir, you are in tv...you just said reverse back....smh

[@dr-gb3tq]

mazda cx5 i think is more plush than vw but looks japanese and so will wait for the new volvo xc60 not for audi!

[@muizznadeem243]

I thought it might be a 7 seater

[@bobpfaff2258]

Was it dark when you got dressed this morning

[@CivicEG]

Its got a body of a new Q7

[@ENDERGEDIK]

buy seat ateca with orange color.

[@MadAlbo]

what the hell is going on with this boxy shapes in every audi/vw car??

[@Olliebobalong]

Function over form. They are very practical, have very good visibility and age very well. Those curves and creases in every other car are actually boring because they are so common. Designs which are in fashion one year and out the next. Minimalism is classy, less is more.

[@mrj3795]

Audi in particular milks it's designs to the nth degree, much like Porsche, also a VAG company. Can be of benefit to used buyers, but agree the VWs are all a bit "boxy".

[@Olliebobalong]

Mr J Does it matter? Slopping rooflines only hundreds practicality in the rear and hinders visibility. Besides which, looks are subjective. I think Volkswagen and Audis are among the best looking cars on the roads, really. In 10 years time this is still going to look modern and fresh.

[@mrj3795]

+Oliver Newell no, it doesn't matter, used buyers benefit from a car that looks similar to a new model. Nice profile pic btw

[@Olliebobalong]

Mr J Hahah, thanks :D

[@sennahojw]

Nice

[@peterdishon8742]

The old model looks better. Have this thing with Volkswagen, their interiors are kind of austere.

[@coreylongenecker2288]

the tiguan in the US looks totally different. i like ours better

[@nickhickson8738]

VokesVagen indeed!!!It's not difficult for we English to say 'FollksVagen' is it and get somewhere near a more acceptable pronunciation.

[@jaseegee9293]

why worry about it? there's a lot worse things going on in this world !

[@bourchidmahdi9694]

it's the same car in ''carwow'' test

[@bodrulm1]

I like the design. it looks classy. just concerned it might be a little too masculine for women. I need an SUV for my wife

[@samb2945]

Lime green trousers... really?

[@Iceland2964]

Rather have a Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V or Hyundai Tuscon.

[@majorrgeek]

the real stats - earlier model VW Tiguan 1.4L 79 watts / kg - 2016 model 2.0 L turbo-petrol produces 76 Watts /kg while the 2.0 L Turbo-diesel produces 63.2 Watts /kg - this vehicle is an underpowered slug not suited for city driving, underpowered for the highway and doesn't cut the bacon with off road ride either - what is it good for? - nothing really