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

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul
Mercedes-AMG GT 43
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG GT 43 2025 review – £100k four-cylinder lacks Affalterbach soul

Affalterbach’s flagship GT range now begins with a four-cylinder, lifted straight from the A45 hot hatch. It might have reasonable performance on tap,…
15 Sep 2025
Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car
Audi R8 V8
Reviews

Audi R8 V8 (2007 - 2015) review – the Porsche 911’s equal is a bargain super sports car

The Audi R8’s launch was perhaps one of the biggest moments in 2000s performance motoring. It’s as sweet today as back then
9 Sep 2025
Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic
Mini Cooper S
Reviews

Mini Cooper and Cooper S (2001 - 2006) review – the 'new' Mini is now a classic

The ‘new’ Mini was perhaps motoring’s most anticipated sequel. BMW didn’t get it wrong – quite the opposite, as it transpired
11 Sep 2025