Volkswagen Tiguan, One Tough Little Beast

VW’s Tiguan, their still new small-ish SUV has a lot going for it. Everyone who’s driven it says it’s well screwed together, and the size is right for more driving situations than say, a Hummer. You wouldn’t think that an SUV the size of a Tiguan would check out that well in the crash department, but it turns out that it just passed with flying colors.

The 2009 Tiguan just earned a 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), as part of the government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). NCAP was originally responsible for setting up front and side crash test ratings, and of late added a rollover rating into their overall report. In short NHTSA and NCAP are the people that came up with the multiple star rating system.

“Volkswagen is thrilled that our Tiguan has earned the highest crash test rating, 5-star, by the government — providing further validation that Volkswagen produces some of the safest vehicles in the industry. Our vehicles have numerous safety technologies that work to help prevent accidents whenever possible, and help protect our occupants when an accident is unavoidable,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. ”

VW says that “the Tiguan also features the fun-to-drive handling and performance expected from a Volkswagen. ” Which is probably true enough, given that it’s an SUV. VW’s have been a hoot to drive for a couple of decades now, so it stands to reason that they could even make an SUV funner to drive than normal. After all, BMW was able to do it with their X series of SUVs, so why not VW?

Speaking of fun, in the engine room, the Tiguan has a 2.0-liter turbocharged TSI engine, which should motivate it down the road quick enough. The chassis is described as being “European tuned” by VW, but that’s sort of pointing out the obvious, coming from a European car manufacturer. Of note in the chassis department though, is the standard electronic stability control system that Volkswagen calls Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP). That will probably come in handy for your typical ham-fisted American suburbanite driver that thinks trucks should handle like cars. Not that the Tiguan is necessarily truck like, but don’t expect it to win any fastest time of day trophies and your next Auto-X. But the Tiguan could be a great crew support vehicle, if you’re into club racing.

I wonder what it’s like towing a flatbed trailer with a formula Ford on it?

Here’s VW’s press release:

Volkswagen Tiguan Earns 5-Star Crash Test Rating

HERNDON, Va., July 8 /PRNewswire/ — Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today the 2009 Tiguan has earned a 5-star crash test rating from the government’s New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). NCAP is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is affiliated with the U.S. Department of Transportation, and they have provided consumers with vehicle safety information since 1978.

NCAP has primarily provided front and side crash test ratings, and more recently added a rollover rating — all aimed at helping consumers in making their vehicle purchasing decisions. The rating results are relayed to consumers using an easily recognizable star rating system from 1 to 5, with 5 being the best a vehicle can achieve.

“Volkswagen is thrilled that our Tiguan has earned the highest crash test rating, 5-star, by the government — providing further validation that Volkswagen produces some of the safest vehicles in the industry,” said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “Our vehicles have numerous safety technologies that work to help prevent accidents whenever possible, and help protect our occupants when an accident is unavoidable,” added Barnes.

Along with being one of the safest compact SUVs currently available in the marketplace the Tiguan also features the fun-to-drive handling and performance expected from a Volkswagen. The Tiguan comes with the award winning 2.0-liter TSI engine that delivers turbocharged acceleration and responsible fuel efficiency. European tuned suspension enables precise handling, while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Just like all 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, the Tiguan includes a standard electronic stability control system that Volkswagen brands Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP).

Tiguan, like all 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is also included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of Tiguan’s scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance book, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Limited Warranty — three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.

Photo from Flickr user Michi1308

Filed Under: Car News • VW