tiguan 1.4 tsi

Ahead of a 6-month stint as custodians of Volkswagen’s best-selling global product, we sat down with this particular vehicle’s specification list. 

Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI Life long-term stats

Time spent: 4 weeks of 6 months

Distance covered to date: 1 150 km

Driver: Ian McLaren

Average fuel consumption: 8.9 L/100 km

We like: Comfort; versatility

We don’t like: Conservative styling

It’s been interesting over the past few years to follow the trends linked to how mainstream automotive brands in South Africa have packaged the respective optional extras lists associated with a new car purchase.

Related: Electrified Tiguan test mules spotted in South Africa

While not too long ago these lists were filled with lots of intricate modifications that could be added to make your car feel “distinctly yours,” as with most things in life, having too many choices can also sometimes prove tricky. I would suggest that, ultimately, many customers prefer the now popular shorter options lists that instead bundle nice-to-have items or, indeed, themes together for a more stress-free, not-so-easy-to-get-wrong purchasing experience.

And even then, how do you decide what options are essential and what would be nice-to-have inclusions?

The Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 TSI that recently joined our long-term fleet got the team thinking about what each member would indeed spend their respective money on when purchasing this vehicle.

Related: Next-generation VW Tiguan spotted without camo during tests

Our Pure White (a no-cost exterior colour) example is Life specification (R677 900), one above the base version (from R606 700) and below the R-Line derivative (R744 000). Without the popular R-Line cosmetic upgrade, this derivative includes 18-inch wheels and tyres and black plastic lower sections on its bumpers, front and rear. While I don’t mind the black trim on the bumpers – the younger members of the team noted that its presence makes the vehicle look “entry-level.”

While styling is subjective, I would argue that the “plump” 235/55 R18 rubber fitted as standard to this vehicle lends it one of the best default ride qualities of any vehicle in this segment, more premium or otherwise.

I don’t personally understand the obsession that our market has with sunroofs, but let’s assume that this (R17 500) option is one of the first boxes ticked by a VW salesperson. Next, do we need leather upholstery (another R17 500), or am I once again in the minority in preferring cloth upholstery?

Related: Volkswagen Tayron will reportedly replace Tiguan Allspace in future

A reverse parking camera (R6 600) will likely come in handy in a vehicle of this size, while keyless entry (R5 650) is a nice-to-have, so long as you’re still able to make sure that your Tiguan is, in fact, locked as you walk away from it (achieved via the standard folding mirror function). I wouldn’t choose the inductive mobile phone charging dock (R4 300) and instead rely on an “old-fashioned” USB cable.

I’m undecided on whether they’re a must-have just yet (this will depend on how often, and on what routes you travel at night), but once you’ve experienced the impressive range of intuitive ability that a modern matrix LED headlamp setup offers, you’re unlikely not to spec these on any future purchase. Volkswagen charges R15 250 for its IQ.Light LED Matrix upgrade.

The 110 kW, 1,4-litre TSI drivetrain present in “our” Tiguan is a proven, familiar quantity, and remains one of the best in the business at combining adequate go-forward with relative frugality.

Further updates on our time spent with Volkswagen’s best-selling global vehicle to follow.

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