The latest Tiguan R is fast and offers secure handling and easily accessible performance, but you can explore other, better, options. It doesn’t offer the same level of engagement as some of its rivals at this price.
There are a few chassis tweaks to control the extra power. It has also got smarter seats and sportier touches to the interior. It has also got the same R-Performance Torque Vectoring driveline and go-faster interior. It’s also 195kg heavier and with the center-of-gravity a bit higher than the original version. It will assure you that this current model is a different offer from its range mates. But, whether you get the extras or not, be sure that it’s the most ambitious SUV from the firm after the 2008 R50 Touareg.
Its price, however, is not cheap, or even moderate, considering the specs it offers. This puts it closer to other vehicles like base-spec 2.0-litre Porsche Macan, Alfa Romeo Stelvio Veloce, and the top-spec Cupra Ateca VZ3. But, it’s fast enough to compete with any of these vehicles, as it can reach 61mph in 4.8 seconds, which is also quicker than the Mercedes-AMG GLB 35, thanks to the launch-control program. The Audi’s RS Q3 is definitely the outlier in this niche and offers five cylinders, but it’s also significantly more expensive.
The difference between the Golf R and the Tiguan is not just the weight gain, the latter is also spacious inside. But, it has always been so even when compared with its peers.
The ride is sometimes busy, maybe that’s why it has got Dynamic Chassis Control adaptive dampers as standard. But, even if you set them on comfort mode, they are not enough for your comfort on bumpier roads. But that doesn’t make it one-dimensional. If you are a concerned driver, you would prefer the Golf R over the Tiguan. The car does have some attractive features, but it’s not the best, not by far, in this niche, in this price range. There are other better alternatives that you can explore.