While not a hybrid, Plugin hybrid or all electric, the VW 2017 Tiguan SEL SUV packs some surprises for the present and the future.

To start with an MPG of 33.9 overall was quite pleasing. Combining a 200-horsepower turbocharged engine with precision engineering. Because the VW Tiguan SEL ups the bar for driving enjoyment in the compact SUV segment. Its solid construction. Also premium craftsmanship and upscale features. For they add an element of refinement to the versatile vehicle.

Bigger than some SUV

Given it is bigger than a Ford Escape and packs the same MPG with so much more makes you wonder.

Even Cars.com rated it as one of the Top Compact SUV’s for 2018.

Cars.com

“We are delighted that the 2018 Tiguan has been recognized by Cars.com as one of the best compact SUVs on the market,” said Derrick Hatami, Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Every aspect of the Tiguan is designed to cater to the needs of American drivers and their families—from standard driver assist technologies to an optional third row—and this award validates the All-New Tiguan is a serious competitor in the segment.”

 

 

 

 

 

Starting at $25,195, the 2018 Tiguan is available in four trim levels: S, SE, SEL, and SEL Premium. we drove the SEL Premium!

It carries a six-year/72,000-mile New Vehicle Limited Warranty that includes coverage of powertrain components. That’s including the engine, transmission and optional 4Motion® all-wheel-drive system.

Major competitors to the Tiguan—such as Ford Escape, Honda CR-V, and Toyota RAV—offer a three-year/36,000 mile basic warranty with a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

Not only does the Volkswagen SUV bumper-to-bumper New Vehicle Limited Warranty offer longer coverage than its main competitors, all of its elements can be transferred to subsequent owners—up to 6 years or 72,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Fuel Economy

So of course I wonder how in the heck does an SUV like this one get fuel economy better than the Ford Escape.  According to VW, the all-new 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL arrived in dealerships this past summer powered by the most advanced version ever of Volkswagen’s EA888 four-cylinder engine. The updated version of the benchmark EA888 four-cylinder, turbocharged and direct-injection engine uses an innovative modification to the conventional four-stroke cycle to offer an improved combination of power, efficiency and responsiveness.

First introduced in the 2009 CC, the EA888 continued Volkswagen’s move toward smaller, turbocharged engines that offer the fuel economy benefits of downsizing with the power of a larger-displacement unit. Though EPA estimates are not yet available, compared with the 1.8-liter EA888 Gen 3 engine that is fitted in the current Passat, Jetta, Beetle, and Golf family models, the new 2.0-liter EA888 Generation 3B is expected to offer improved fuel efficiency along with a 20 percent boost in maximum torque to 221 pound-feet. The majority of the engine—from the cast-iron block to the aluminum-alloy pistons and cylinder head to the valve springs—has been updated along the way.

Exterior

The S trim is distinguished by halogen headlights. Also LED daytime running lights and taillights. Furthermore fog lights with cornering function. Moreover heated exterior mirrors with integrated turn-signal indicators. Finally and 17-inch “Montana” wheels.

The SE trim wears 17-inch “Tulsa” wheels and features heated exterior mirrors. Also a chrome exterior package. The Tiguan SEL includes 18-inch “Nizza” wheels. Moreover a power liftgate, and silver roof rails.

Interior – one of the best parts 

The top-of-the-line SEL Premium trim is shod. That’s with 19-inch “Victoria Falls” wheels. Also LED headlights with the Adaptive Front-lighting System (AFS). Furthermore rain-sensing wipers, and power-folding exterior mirrors with puddle lights.

Liftgate

Moreover, the SEL Premium also features a hands-free Easy Open power liftgate. One which is foot-activated on opening to make Tiguan’s cargo space more accessible. Especially when customers’ hands are full. The liftgate also includes an Easy Close feature. Two buttons give owners the option to close the liftgate with the touch of a button. For that’s one to close it immediately and one to automatically close once you step away from the vehicle.

An R-Line® package will be available later in the model year for the SEL and SEL Premium. It also includes R-Line-specific aluminum-alloy wheels. Finally 19-inch “Trenton” wheels for the SEL and 20-inch “Braselton” wheels. All for the SEL Premium.

Further design elements specific to the R-Line are a revised high-gloss front bumper. That’s with large air inlets and a unique rear bumper. Also wheelarch extensions and R-Line side skirts with exterior badging.

Next time just add some decent battery to the car for a Plugin hybrid.  Then you’re into BMW territory on their performance Plugin hybrids. We shall see!