Skip advert
Advertisement

New Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line review – a rewarding SUV - Performance and 0-60 time

VW’s best-selling SUV is competent and refined, but it lacks its own clear personality

Evo rating
RRP
from £23,255
  • Sophisticated feel, base models look classy, satisfying to drive
  • Petrol engine feels more like a diesel, interior isn’t as premium as price tag might suggest

No one’s going to buy a Tiguan based on its 0-60mph dash, so an over seven second time is unlikely to put anyone off. Still, no one wants a car that’s too slow now, do they?

The Tiguan, in its fastest set-up – with four-wheel drive, a 237bhp diesel engine and a DSG transmission – is certainly not slow. It will get from 0 to 62mph in 6.5sec, the exact same time as a Peugeot 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport – our current supermini of the year.

However, such pace rapidly diminishes as you take away power, all-wheel-drive traction and swift automatic gear changes. A front-wheel-drive, manual Tiguan with a 113bhp diesel engine takes a lazy 10.9sec to get to 62mph.

Advertisement - Article continues below

It’s the same two set-ups that span the Tiguan’s top speed range, too. The least powerful diesel is able to reach 115mph, while the all-wheel-drive 237bhp car can reach 142mph – just 1mph shy of that champion Peugeot hot hatch. Eerie.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Lotus Esprit (1976-1987) review – from James Bond's icon to the Esprit Turbo
Lotus Esprit Turbo
In-depth reviews

Lotus Esprit (1976-1987) review – from James Bond's icon to the Esprit Turbo

The delicate but delicious Esprit was a supercar like no other. Here's everything you need to know and our drive of the Esprit Turbo
7 Sep 2026
The incoming BMW 3-series M350 will come with a straight-six and M3 power
2027 BMW 3 series testing
News

The incoming BMW 3-series M350 will come with a straight-six and M3 power

We all know the BMW 3-series is going electric with the new i3, but the combustion-powered model certainly hasn’t been forgotten… 
8 Sep 2026
Is it finally time for Honda and McLaren to build the ultimate hypercar?
Honda McLaren hypercar
Opinion

Is it finally time for Honda and McLaren to build the ultimate hypercar?

Driving a Honda NSX took Meaden right back to his earliest road-testing days, and inspired an idea...
8 Sep 2026