- Average user rating: 4.5 stars out of 5 reviews Back to product review
- My rating: 0 stars
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5.0 stars
"Reviewing only the S Model alone is unfair -SEL & SE?"
Pros: Good Acceleration, Upscale Fit and Finish, Panoramic Sunroof, Tight Handling, Luxurious feel. Simple and functional controls. Tiptronic (manually shiftable) automatic transmission, Superior Crash test results
Cons: Premium Fuel Recommended (not required.)
Summary: It's unfortunate that CNET only had the opportunity to test-drive the base-model "S" Tiguan and quickly painted a picture of a spartan vehicle. My wife and I currently own a CRV and Highlander and for the first time in 15 years are buying a non-Japanese car, specifically the VW Tiguan SEL with AWD.
Would prefer a Class II Trailer hitch option, and a bit more cargo room.
I understand why CNET felt the base model did not offer enough gadgets and posh electronics. Although I test-drove a well-equiped SEL model first, my wife test drove the S and found the car "fun to drive" but having a rather dull interior. We'd gone seperately and my first test drive was a well appointed SEL which included, leather seats, headlights that actually turn to follow curves, and an ENOURMOUS sunroof that is so large that it feels more like a convertable than an SUV. The cabin is stylish and airy. Add to that 8 way adjustable seats, and a premium dynaudio sound system and you feel like you're in a BMW without the BMW price-tag. And it corners like it's on rails (like a sedan vs. an SUV.)
A few days later my wife drove a more fully-loaded model and suffice to say, we both fell in love.
So if CNET's low score is a result of having test driven a stripped down model, I have to say it's unfair and that CNET should at least take a look at an SE or SEL. This may be because a limited number made it to US showrooms initially due to huge demand abroad. I would think that if CNET had the opportunity to see all available options, perhaps their review might have been as positive as Consumer Reports'.
It's also worth noting that the Insurance Industry crash-tests gave the car their highest rating and that the car comes standard with 6 Airbags (8 optional.)
One final point worth mentioning is that based on the Tiguan's owners manual and discussions with VW, I've confirmed that Premium fuel is not required. It is recommended for optimum performance and slightly better mileage. This differs from the Suburu Outback Turbo which requires it.
I've relied on CNET reviews for purchase reviews ranging from headphones to TV's and iPhones. But I don't see the same care and balance in this review. One final thought. Even the base-model comes with a Turbo 4 handles like a sports sedan and is quiet and comfortable.
CNET gives outstanding reviews of techie gadgets. I think some perspective has been lost here as cars should be evaluated on additional criteria and don't just come in one flavor per model
