Get social with me on Instagram and Twitter.

Tiguan: I’m not referring to the latest fashion prints that are in vogue. Rather the name Tiguan, pronounced “TEE-gwan”, is a blend of two German words: Tiger ("tiger") and Leguan ("iguana"). 

It is an interesting choice of name. Being German, they wouldn't randomly pick a name like that if it had no relevance. 

So, is the new Tiguan an agile iguana, dressed in a tiger-print tracksuit? 

It's built on VW and Audi's award-winning platform: the MQB. This is the same base used in the Golf, A3 and TT. As you can see by the list of vehicles, this pizza base makes great cars. 

The difference with the Tiguan versus other cars sharing the MQB platform, is that the Tiguan is an SUV. It's higher, able to go off the beaten track and carry a family of five. This is the first SUV to use the MQB. 

Now that we know that the base is a goodie, let's talk about the toppings. The new Tiguan is great looking; like a piece of art bluntly carved from marble. Masculine in its overall appearance, which is unique as nearly all other cars in this category are pretty, making them look feminine. 

It's bigger and not a small SUV anymore. It is around 61mm longer and 30mm wider than the first-generation Tiguan albeit shorter, so now it looks stouter on the road. 

Although these measurement increases seem small, its handsome proportions make for comfortable accommodations. 

The new Tiguan must be good to keep up with the success of its predecessor that sold 19 000 units during its 8-years sales period in South Africa. 

Driven by a host of peppy engines: there is a 1.4 TSI petrol engine, available in either 92kW and 110kW. The 92kW petrol is available with a six-speed manual transmission and the 110kW variant is mated to a six-speed DSG transmission. There is a 2.0 TDI diesel with three power output: 81kW, 105kW and 130kW which will be introduced in the last quarter of 2016 along with a 2.0 TSI engine producing 162kW (this is the same engine as a GTI Golf). The high-powered engines (2.0 TDI with 105kW and 130kW, as well as the 2.0 TSI engine) will be fitted with Volkswagen's 4MOTION drive system. These will be your best bet for some off-roading. 

If you're not that adventurous, the front wheel drive variants are all that you'll need. I had the 1.4 TSI (110kW) version to review. It was mated to VW's 6-speed double-clutch automatic. It has a good city drive despite its taut suspension setting - not so good for poor road quality, but perfect for some dynamic sprints and quick cornering. The model tested was also kitted with an R-Line Exterior Package. This package essentially garnishes your standard Tiguan. This host of additions adds sex appeal to the Tiguan and worth considering adding R18 000 to the car’s purchase price of R457 680. 

The Tiguan is will get from 0 to 100 km/h in just over 9 seconds and top out at 200 km/h. Fuel consumption is fair to good with urban driving cycles of around 9l per 100 km while on-and-off highway drives drops to around 6.5l. 

The interior of the Tiguan is a leather-ensconced environment with light gray piping details. The overall look is smart. You're left with the sensation that the Tiguan offers high quality and a solid finish. 

Likes 

Looks: no longer a girly car. The new Tiguan is now quite boyish.

All round quality feel of the vehicle.

Dynamic drive. 

Refined.

Quiet.

Dislikes

Jerky automatic gearbox.

Competition 

Hyundai Tucson, KIA Sportage, Honda CR-V and Toyota RAV4.

Pricing

1.4 TSI 92kW Trendline Manual R378 000.

1.4 TSI 92kW Comfortline Manual R419 000.

1.4 TSI 110kW Comfortline DSG R457 680.

2.0 TSI 162kW Highline DSG R542 179.

2.0 TDI 130kW Highline DSG 4Motion TBC.

Service and warranty 

The new Tiguan comes standard with a 5 year/90 000km Service Plan, 3 year/120 000km warranty and a 12-year anti-corrosion warranty. Service Interval is 15 000km.

My choice

1.4 TSI 110kW Comfortline DSG R457 680

www.volkswagen.co.za