Good review Matt and nice car! Agree, compared to the competition you mentioned, the calibration of all the tech is so easy to live with. It's there to assist in the background, not aggressively take over. Great to drive too. 👍
We were on a budget for a 7 seater and looked at this, X-Trail/outlander, CRV and the Sorento. Ended up buying a CX-8 sport. Can't beat quality, features, reliability, space and value for money with that base model.
@@telostia I agree, it looks old, I don't think the current version is not too bad. I like the design philosophy though - no distractions and minimalist. Its form over functionality - it does everything you need it to do without looking flashy.
Annoying bit is that the steering safety features always come back on after your restart the car. Mazda's old aged dashboard. The stop start cannot be disabled, where the VW can be through OBD11 APP. PLus, the benefit of having an indicator on the left hand side and..... real leather interior. MAzda is not leather.
After looking at the alternatives we bought one of these in Elegance trim. 162kw motor and all the tech and luxury make it a joy to drive. Dont need the dicky seats but wanted the big boot.Sure there is better value for your dollars out there but you are going to be dead for a long time.
I am glad to see the sunroof as a $2,000 option instead of like it or lump it like other vehicles. As a VW Touareg owner, high service costs are the penalty you pay for these great cars. 😊
I often think why heated seats and steering wheels are rated high in the order of things on new cars here in Australia, me not a fan of hot car seats and hot steering wheels it results in uncomfortable sweaty bums and hands after owning Kingswoods and early Commodores steering wheel and seat coolers would of been a welcome addition back about 30 years ago. Another great review.
They are bundled in high spec Euro so that’s what you get. And once you’ve had your digits and derriere warmed up on a cold morning, it’s hard to go back to a car without it. In Europe they are increasingly having the tech fitted standard on grades due to the fact it helps lower emissions as it puts less load on the engine with heating the cabin.
Nice one Matt. It would’ve been nice to have the full R spec engine and active rear differential. But, hey, you can’t have everything ticked and I do understand why they only offer it with 5 seats. Also, getting mixed rumours about if we will see another Tiguan R. My money is on VW releasing it in 2026/7. Similar to this generation.
Thanks mate. Yeah I think VW Australia might be upset if there's no new-gen Tiguan R. It has been their most successful and most profitable R model EVER!
As someone who owns a large 7 seater SUV. Kia Carnival is a much better rig to cart several meat bags in comfort. Plus sliding doors mean your spawn won't ding another vehicle.
Very popular car plenty of parts after market service. Good versatility tune ability Plastic water pumps aren’t real great but 4 or 5 years trade and go again.
VW in Australia is just way too expensive for what it is. The oz car market has been zero competition for way too long. Good to see Chinese cars come in and give the market a kick.
@@therightcar As a 4-year passat and a 9-year golf owner. Yes, VW is too expensive in Australia for what it is. First of all, have a look at what you get from the two base grade you mentioned? Secondly, do you know how much the VW costs me when I send it to service every year? The ownership of a VW is huge. Also, VW doesn't even bring the proper 7 seater - Atlas to Australia and put 7 seats in Tiguan, which is even a smaller car than Touareg. VW is put here and set the price to allow Audi charge a even higher price that's all. As a car reviewer, I assume you know you can't compare two cars just base on the price? So 'yet the base grade is similar to a base grade Chery 7 seater…?' is just arguing for the sake of arguing I reckon?
@@klausschroiff4405 This is the problem. Why cars sold in Australia should be on par with the US? Take a minute to think about it please. The States have their own car manufacturing industry; thus, it is reasonable and logical to introduce a tariff to protect it against all the imported cars and what not(which is what they are doing). And guess who is going to pay for the tariff? Bingo, consumers! But, we don't have any local car manufacturer now!!! Holden(though it is a sub from GM-US)is long gone. We don't have any reason and incentive to put a tariff in place coz there is no local car manufacturer to protect! Therefore, cars sold in Australia should be cheaper if not much cheaper than the ones sold in the US. Definitely should not be on par. EU, well, they've got even higher tariff and more things to protect.
@@ThereisnofateRyan A Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWS base model - manufactured in the US thus not subject to tariffs - is slightly more expensive (before taxes) than the equivalent RAV4 here in Oz ... A VW Golf - made in Germany - is much more expensive in Germany than here . It is a myth that our car prices are high. You just want them to be cheaper - we all do - but that doesn't change realities.
Hey Matt! Another great review 👏 on the skoda kodiaq as an alternative, have Skoda after sales improved? Just a year back, owners weren't happy at all! What say?
I can’t speak on behalf of either the brand or the owners but Skoda Australia has told me they know they need to be better with aftercare and that they have made the 7 warranty and service packs as clear as they can be.
First the aircon compressor will go. Then the water pump. Then the transmission. All good under warranty. Or you could buy Chinese and be confident. Seriously. But it is good to drive. And yes. I know.
Sadly … you nailed it. So many consumers will still be blinded by the “German engineering” (what DOES that mean anyway???) marketing and don’t realise they are exposed to a far higher risk of things going wrong and wearing out much earlier than an average well designed and built car would. But people blinded by the badge won’t have time beyond the marketing …
It's crazy, the front dash/cockpit/gear knob shape is almost identical to the MG ZST... It makes me think the shell is from the same manufacturer.... Does anyone else see the similarity? Even the two cushions on either side of the centre console are almost identical!
@@mvnorsel6354 I don’t think so This current model / shape / series of Tiguan got released back in 2016… Yes, it’s had updates since then, and that’s why an all new model Tiguan is not far away from getting released…
Love people thinking German cars are expensive. Go look at the Japanese cars?? I reckon peipl eare gettibg ripped off big time when they buy Japanes and Korean
I like a car that drives well, is built and engineered properly and is reliable, and a manufacturer that backs the product with reasonable customer service. I’ve owned a VW and I received non of these. You don’t expect a new car to be in the workshop for many months in the 1st 3 years of ownership, so regularly and for so long that the dealer can’t provide a loan car. During that time there was over $30k of engine repairs and the dealer detuned the car so it lost performance and was a shadow of the car I bought (it was a warm hatch that turned cold)- of course VW denied detuning the car. Every step of the way, despite the car being in warranty, VW questioned every warranty claim making out like they were doing me a favour. From dealer the words “good news, VW has approved the warranty claim” every time, as if it was ever in question. I owned the car for 3 years and replaced it with a warm Mazda…… 11 years later and I can’t fault the ownership experience.
Good review Matt and nice car! Agree, compared to the competition you mentioned, the calibration of all the tech is so easy to live with. It's there to assist in the background, not aggressively take over. Great to drive too. 👍
Thanks mate! Yep. It’s just such a liveable car!
We were on a budget for a 7 seater and looked at this, X-Trail/outlander, CRV and the Sorento. Ended up buying a CX-8 sport. Can't beat quality, features, reliability, space and value for money with that base model.
Great buy. Sad to see the CX-8 go by the wayside.
@@therightcar only because the current line of products are good enough to jeopardize their new "premium" ones.
Cx-8 infotainment system is old and outdated
@@telostia I agree, it looks old, I don't think the current version is not too bad. I like the design philosophy though - no distractions and minimalist.
Its form over functionality - it does everything you need it to do without looking flashy.
Annoying bit is that the steering safety features always come back on after your restart the car. Mazda's old aged dashboard. The stop start cannot be disabled, where the VW can be through OBD11 APP. PLus, the benefit of having an indicator on the left hand side and..... real leather interior. MAzda is not leather.
After looking at the alternatives we bought one of these in Elegance trim. 162kw motor and all the tech and luxury make it a joy to drive. Dont need the dicky seats but wanted the big boot.Sure there is better value for your dollars out there but you are going to be dead for a long time.
Nice!
Nice review. Definitely considering rhe 162 Elegance.
I am glad to see the sunroof as a $2,000 option instead of like it or lump it like other vehicles. As a VW Touareg owner, high service costs are the penalty you pay for these great cars. 😊
Wait. That’s a positive comment with no nitpicking🙏😂
@@therightcar
You occasionally review decent vehicles. 😊
Nice review mate
Glad you enjoyed it
I often think why heated seats and steering wheels are rated high in the order of things on new cars here in Australia, me not a fan of hot car seats and hot steering wheels it results in uncomfortable sweaty bums and hands after owning Kingswoods and early Commodores steering wheel and seat coolers would of been a welcome addition back about 30 years ago. Another great review.
They are bundled in high spec Euro so that’s what you get. And once you’ve had your digits and derriere warmed up on a cold morning, it’s hard to go back to a car without it.
In Europe they are increasingly having the tech fitted standard on grades due to the fact it helps lower emissions as it puts less load on the engine with heating the cabin.
@@therightcar Makes sense that them soft Euro bottoms got to be looked after. Thankyou.
When you love where it's cold it's nice. That's why. Not all of Aus is 50deg heat
Nice one Matt. It would’ve been nice to have the full R spec engine and active rear differential. But, hey, you can’t have everything ticked and I do understand why they only offer it with 5 seats. Also, getting mixed rumours about if we will see another Tiguan R. My money is on VW releasing it in 2026/7. Similar to this generation.
Thanks mate.
Yeah I think VW Australia might be upset if there's no new-gen Tiguan R. It has been their most successful and most profitable R model EVER!
Great review Matt❤
The fact that vw doesn't offer hybrid, gear box being DSG, are off putting.
I hear you mate. I’d be hopeful that the DSG is past any concerns!
As someone who owns a large 7 seater SUV. Kia Carnival is a much better rig to cart several meat bags in comfort. Plus sliding doors mean your spawn won't ding another vehicle.
Of course. Any SUV is considerably less practical than a Carnival. In fact - all other vehicles are arguably less practical than the Carnival!
Very popular car plenty of parts after market service. Good versatility tune ability Plastic water pumps aren’t real great but 4 or 5 years trade and go again.
Nice one!
Great value! Great review!
Thanks for watching!
The Elegance is a great spec. Would help if had Hybid tec though.
If you're not an enthusiast, the Elegance would be a charmer of a thing to live with.
Add $5k to the price too if it had hybrid tech! Ouch.
What puts me off is the DSG, I wish it had the 8 speed Aisin auto.
If you don't need 7 seats get the closely related Skoda Karoq, I can recommend it! Aisin 8 spd auto and a longer (7 yr) warranty too!
@@rickb314 100%
Yep, great point about the Karoq. Review of it soon too!!
VW in Australia is just way too expensive for what it is. The oz car market has been zero competition for way too long. Good to see Chinese cars come in and give the market a kick.
You’re saying VW is too expensive and yet the base grade is similar to a base grade Chery 7 seater…?
@@therightcar As a 4-year passat and a 9-year golf owner. Yes, VW is too expensive in Australia for what it is. First of all, have a look at what you get from the two base grade you mentioned? Secondly, do you know how much the VW costs me when I send it to service every year? The ownership of a VW is huge. Also, VW doesn't even bring the proper 7 seater - Atlas to Australia and put 7 seats in Tiguan, which is even a smaller car than Touareg. VW is put here and set the price to allow Audi charge a even higher price that's all. As a car reviewer, I assume you know you can't compare two cars just base on the price? So 'yet the base grade is similar to a base grade Chery 7 seater…?' is just arguing for the sake of arguing I reckon?
Cars are dirt cheap here in Australia compared to Europe and about on par with the US ...
@@klausschroiff4405 This is the problem. Why cars sold in Australia should be on par with the US? Take a minute to think about it please. The States have their own car manufacturing industry; thus, it is reasonable and logical to introduce a tariff to protect it against all the imported cars and what not(which is what they are doing). And guess who is going to pay for the tariff? Bingo, consumers! But, we don't have any local car manufacturer now!!! Holden(though it is a sub from GM-US)is long gone. We don't have any reason and incentive to put a tariff in place coz there is no local car manufacturer to protect! Therefore, cars sold in Australia should be cheaper if not much cheaper than the ones sold in the US. Definitely should not be on par. EU, well, they've got even higher tariff and more things to protect.
@@ThereisnofateRyan A Toyota RAV4 Hybrid AWS base model - manufactured in the US thus not subject to tariffs - is slightly more expensive (before taxes) than the equivalent RAV4 here in Oz ...
A VW Golf - made in Germany - is much more expensive in Germany than here .
It is a myth that our car prices are high. You just want them to be cheaper - we all do - but that doesn't change realities.
Can you a review of the Cupra Ateca V which is on the same VW platform
I sure will mate. A few months away.
$700+ service fee per year, why too much?
Hey Matt! Another great review 👏 on the skoda kodiaq as an alternative, have Skoda after sales improved? Just a year back, owners weren't happy at all! What say?
I can’t speak on behalf of either the brand or the owners but Skoda Australia has told me they know they need to be better with aftercare and that they have made the 7 warranty and service packs as clear as they can be.
I own two Skodas (Octavia RS and Karoq) and can't say I've required any after sales assistance. They've both been faultless tbh...
First the aircon compressor will go. Then the water pump. Then the transmission. All good under warranty. Or you could buy Chinese and be confident. Seriously. But it is good to drive. And yes. I know.
‘Or you could buy Chinese and be confident’ ? 😂
@@jonlbdg yep. Like the rest of the World. And mt.
I dare say a Chinese car will probably be more reliable than this
Yep,imo even more reliable than their Japanese counterparts - Long live Chinese vehicles in Australia 👍👍
Maybe!
Sadly … you nailed it. So many consumers will still be blinded by the “German engineering” (what DOES that mean anyway???) marketing and don’t realise they are exposed to a far higher risk of things going wrong and wearing out much earlier than an average well designed and built car would. But people blinded by the badge won’t have time beyond the marketing …
😮 Hey !
I own 3 Volkswagens and I resemble that remark.
😅😅😅
It's crazy, the front dash/cockpit/gear knob shape is almost identical to the MG ZST... It makes me think the shell is from the same manufacturer.... Does anyone else see the similarity? Even the two cushions on either side of the centre console are almost identical!
MG copied VW
Its 2024 ,VW copied MG.
I think shared parts component suppliers are clever to make money from more than just one brand.
@@therightcar Exactly! That’s probably the main reason for it!
@@mvnorsel6354
I don’t think so
This current model / shape / series of Tiguan got released back in 2016…
Yes, it’s had updates since then, and that’s why an all new model Tiguan is not far away from getting released…
Lack of knobs n dials will be a deal breaker for many
I still prefer knobs n dials too, but you get used to these real quick 👍
Yep; it isn’t ideal but there are plenty that do it worse than this car.
Love people thinking German cars are expensive. Go look at the Japanese cars?? I reckon peipl eare gettibg ripped off big time when they buy Japanes and Korean
Yeah but it’s a VW.
Vw reliable than any chinese brand
Would you prefer a car you like, or a car you tolerate….?
I like a car that drives well, is built and engineered properly and is reliable, and a manufacturer that backs the product with reasonable customer service. I’ve owned a VW and I received non of these. You don’t expect a new car to be in the workshop for many months in the 1st 3 years of ownership, so regularly and for so long that the dealer can’t provide a loan car. During that time there was over $30k of engine repairs and the dealer detuned the car so it lost performance and was a shadow of the car I bought (it was a warm hatch that turned cold)- of course VW denied detuning the car. Every step of the way, despite the car being in warranty, VW questioned every warranty claim making out like they were doing me a favour. From dealer the words “good news, VW has approved the warranty claim” every time, as if it was ever in question. I owned the car for 3 years and replaced it with a warm Mazda…… 11 years later and I can’t fault the ownership experience.
Matt help i think im being censored!!!
I can’t see any censored or blocked comments from you?
@therightcar oh ok as long as your getting my fisting comments its all good
Or you could not give your money to criminals.
Judging by other comments here plenty of Aussies seem keen to give it to the Chinese Communist Party instead...
*Searches for nearest prison to make a donation*
I used always VW.But When I see,cheapest China cars with full technology,I do not want give money much yet.I left VW ,they cheat us.