Friday, September 23, 2011

Volkswagen Tiguan: a new player in the camp of crossovers

In late July 2008, "Rus-Lan" launched the new compact crossover Volkswagen Tiguan. The event attracted a lot of people. Interest in the new model showed both journalists and potential buyers. On this car has been known for quite a lot, and these data are positive. Judge for yourself: 5 stars on the system EuroNCAP; SUV Year by the Professional German edition «Off Road»; motor TSI, mounted on the crossover, for the past three years received the title "Engine of the Year" in the most prestigious technical competition «Engine of the Year» . Another trump card of a new car - Kaluga assembly, resulting in the machine became more available to the buyer. At first glance it looks Tiguan is not very liked - a white car painted with "shagreen". Price starts from 900 thousand for the money you could try a little more. On the other hand, the most fierce competitor - Nissan Qashqai - painted no better. Generally, in Sunderland, this "English Detroit Japanese cars, quality paint some not reach the highest standards. I wonder, how much should cost a car to "sharkskin" on it was missing? With the metallic colors, though, things are a little better. Inside, there is no "space", but everything is clear and functional - a perfect fit of parts, a soft plastic armrest on the door precisely where needed, well-read instruments, everything is clear and predictable. Hallmark VAG fully preserved. Comfortable chairs, a few in German harsh, with pronounced lateral support. On the back row freely, two people will feel completely comfortable. Three of us will be cramped, but there's nothing to be done. There is such a thing as a size, and with him will not argue. For convenience, the rear passengers are available not only to holders, but also controls the direction of air flow. Under the front seats were discovered ducts to create a comfortable microclimate in the lower part of the cabin. Luggage enough for most potential buyers. In the end, we can expand the rear seats. In the backs of the front tables are built, with good road is quite possible to have a snack. As the spare wheel acts "dokatka" - to tire store to get enough, and luggage space is unaffected. I look forward to test-drive to see how good the Tiguan on the go. As they say, miracles do not happen, and the volume of 1,4 l engine seems a little frivolous for a car weighing more than half a ton. Of course, the system of dual injection of the working mixture in the cylinders - it's good, and direct injection adds a moment, but such a small amount! Frankly - the dynamics was surprised no hint turboyamu, supercharger does its work at lower levels, at medium speed clearly enters the turbine. When moving from place entirely absent negative feelings about the lack of momentum. In general, VAG has shown what he can do in the area of ??engine construction. More important resource of this engine. Let's hope that he is big enough. Idea with two blowers in itself is quite interesting. Compressor driven by a crankshaft running through electromagnetic coupling. To continually not "bite" the engine power is included in the most appropriate moments - when setting off and at high speeds. In the area of ??medium speed, usually enough turbines. In general, the engine control unit decides for itself how and when to use blowers. And, it should be noted, that he pretty well. Directions to the crossover was not much, but the dynamics of the powertrain, together with a manual transmission seemed to be enough. Acceleration to "hundreds" of 9.6 with speaks for itself. In this case, the manufacturer declares a very moderate fuel consumption - 8,4 l/100 km in combined cycle driving. And all this thanks to high efficiency motor TSI. On the road, the car behaves in a predictable and understandable - Volkswagen, as usual, in her repertoire. Suspension rather energy intensive, but at the same time, some harsh. Valkosti cornering there is no trace, though a very solid ground clearance - 200 mm. Had a chance to ride only on the asphalt, and all-wheel drive this car resembles a similar Subaru Forester, but only with a gun. Torque is being transferred to the rear axle only when slip the front wheels. Its value at the rear wheels up to 50%. Of course, no downshift is not provided. Generally, you should be aware of what is different or crossover SUV from a professional off-roader. Theoretically at the first cross-country can be even higher, but the storm the roads it is strongly recommended. If after this off-road feats Nissan Patrol simply wash and then the Honda CRV, will likely have to replace the entire suspension. By the Tiguan is also one of the fullest. You always have to sacrifice something - or pinpoint handling for exploits on the roads or bridges uncut for comfortable movement on the asphalt. Suspension is standard for this type of car. McPherson front and multilink independent rear, thereby demonstrating almost Tiguan passenger habits. Planting a tall, good road and far from clear, the dimensions of the car is not "strain". In the long journey on it do not get tired, have a good sound system helps you with the ability to play CD/MP3. In versions now available for Russian consumers, parking in the rear bumper are standard equipment, not an option, so set them further is not necessary. If you're not a very experienced driver, then such a thing as parking sensors, clearly useful. In Russia, the Tiguan will be available in two trim levels: «Sport & Style» and «Track & Field». «Sport & Style» designed mainly for city driving. On this front-oriented sports seats, 17-inch alloy wheels and a set of security in the form of ESP, ABS, ASR. Completion «Track & Field» more biased towards off-road. This version has a mode «Offroad», the connector electric auxiliary systems - the assistant to the movement up and down, off the accelerator mode, automatic transmission and ABS. Making the front of the machine is done in such a way that the approach angle is increased to 28 degrees. Also provides for additional protection of the engine below. Both are available as a complete engine 1.4 liter TSI, and with the 2.0 liter TSI. With an engine smaller volume is only the mechanics, with large - have automatic transmission. Both transmissions (both manual and automatic) are six steps. Fashion and practicality dictate the demand for the segment of compact crossovers, automakers and satisfy this demand. A new player in this field - Volkswagen Tiguan. Will soon be clear whether he is strong. In the meantime, you can only say that the technical characteristics of the car contributed to this.

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