VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI: Golf GTI engine gives this SUV a dark side

It is defined as a “dissociative identity disorder” whereby a person “exhibits two distinct personalities”, according to the Oxford Dictionary. In other words, a split personality.

As much as this aspect of the human psyche appears bizarre in the context of cars, it is nothing new. Although more commonly associated with BMW M-cars, Mercedes-AMGs or Audi RS’, it can lurk in vehicles seemingly mundane in appearance and focus. Case in point, the recently updated Volkswagen Tiguan.

Back in 2018, I found myself behind the wheel of then still new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace. About as ordinary as one would expect, this particular model, aside from having seven seats, lacked the R-Line styling package and came decked-out in a very unassuming white paint finish.

Cautious re-meet

At first glance, it appeared anything but intimidating or saddled with a split personality. However, a quick glance at the badge on the tailgate changed all that.

Small yet not so discreet, the “2.0 TSI” nomenclature with the “S” and “I” highlighted in red provided the only external clue. The second being the moment you stepped onto the accelerator.

In effect what I was driving was a Golf GTI masquerading as a family SUV with all-wheel-drive, a top speed of 223 km/h and a claimed 0-100 km/h sprint of 6.8 seconds.

ALSO READ: Facelift Volkswagen Tiguan spoiling for a fight

It might have been the perfect weapon for giving hot hatches a scare at the lights, but GTI power left exploited just didn’t make any sense.

It was, therefore, with a sense of interpretation, that I took on the role of minder of the updated VW Tiguan 2.0 TSI R-Line in late December. Not simply because of its Dr Jekyll and Mr Hide personality, but because it was to be my companion over the festive season.

The look

Refreshed in 2020, its first major update since debuting four years prior, the touched-up Tiguan touched down in South Africa last year with styling derived from the Golf.

While always a subjective point, the redesign didn’t draw acclaim from yours truly, who still prefers the angular look of the pre-facelift Tiggie. The same applies to the dull Oryx White Pearlescent paint finish, which at R6 000, is an option box best left unticked as it does the Tiguan no aesthetic favours.

Aside from the R-Line package though, my companion, whom I dubbed Tiggie 162 in reference to its power output, came equipped with the absolute yes that is the stunning Matrix I.Q LED headlights and the black styling package, which is a must if you are heart-set on not wanting a more vibrant hue.

Together with the optional graphite Suzuka 20-inch alloy wheels, it added a touch of menace to the VW Tiguan that became more appropriate as its light and sensible made way for the black, other side.

On the inside

The interior, however, remains a contentious issue from a quality perspective.

While Tiggie 162 had been extensively specced with a wireless smartphone charger, panoramic sunroof and the upgraded 9.2-inch Discover Media infotainment system with satellite navigation, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, it still sported cheap-to-the-touch materials on the doors, dashboard and centre console not befitting of a modern Volkswagen model.

Just as the bizarre was the infotainment system itself, which would freeze and not react to any inputs despite the display being crystal clear and the traditional vehicle turn-off-and-then method applied.

Left for a few hours with the ignition turned off, it would automatically reset itself and work without a hitch, fortunately not becoming worse or too repetitive.

A constant item of criticism by passengers was the optional Head-Up Display. Still projected into a piece of glass feeling plastic, it provided the biggest clue of the Tiguan’s six-year-old age as it looked decidedly aftermarket and brittle despite working well.

These foibles aside, the rest of the interior is typical Volkswagen with the R branded leather electric and heated seats being comfortable and the new touch-sensitive climate control panel and doddle to use.

Tenure begins

During its tenure, which lasted a month and 5 184 km, Tiggie undertook a prolonged stay down at the coast as it had to ferry its minder to Despatch in the Eastern Cape, Mossel Bay along the Garden Route, and then back to Despatch until the return run to Johannesburg.

Throughout this time, the VW Tiguan didn’t put a foot wrong on the open road with the ride being surprisingly comfortable in spite of the sport suspension and those 20-inch alloys.

What’s more, little to no road noise crept into cabin and while the optional Harman Kardon sound system didn’t elicit a live concert experience, it did prove adequate in alleviating the monotony of the highway.

The biggest concern though was Tiggie being more in-tune with his other side, i.e. inclined to imitate brother Golf GTI than being sensible TSI.

Although detuned to 162 kW from the Golf 7.5 GTI’s 169 kW, the 2.0 TSI’s thirst had been prevalent during my time with the Allspace.

While lighter thanks to having only five seats, the output, plus the 350 Nm of torque, had me worried the moment Johannesburg disappeared in the rear-view mirror.

That engine

As it tuned it, sensible Tiguan was largely present throughout with a best indicated consumption of 7.2 L/100 km, and a very respectable overall readout of 8.5 L/100 km.

What didn’t surprise though was witnessing Tiggie 162’s other side. With the Dynamic Chassis Control switched to Sport mode and the paddles for the seven-speed DSG taken to hand, it becomes a complete animal.

Despite weighing 1 579 kg, the acceleration, accompanied by a T3 Caravelle-inspired five-cylinder soundtrack, borders on brutal as all four wheels grip and propel the Tiguan forward with only a touch of lag as the transmission sorts itself out.

Intoxicating in a completely unassuming package, it had this writer wondering about the prowess of imminent Tiguan R that will sit above it in the range.

Off the beaten track

Although not razor sharp, the steering provided enough feedback with the added security of the 4Motion system contributing to the Tiguan feeling planted and inspiring confidence to be hurled into a corner.

Back in Normal mode, sensible Tiggie prevailed, though, with a prod of the accelerator, it still showed a small side of its other side as the pull is still swift.

While largely slick, the DSG still exhibited a drag sensation when setting off in Drive, and on more than a few occasions, would get confused and change its mind too often when shifting down.

Away from the tar, which involved a blast up the Outeniqua Pass outside George, Tiggie 162 also had to traverse the powdery stuff to farm over Christmas.

While the five kilometre road was in impeccable condition, the thought of a puncture lingered with each “harrowing” pass.

Fortunately, this never materialised and despite feeling out of place, the Tiguan took the road in its stride as the suspension made the terrain feel almost tar-like. What’s more, no rattles were detected afterwards.

Conclusion

As hesitant as I was spending the festive season behind the wheel of the range-topping Volkswagen Tiguan given my previous experience, the month or so was largely positive.

Surprisingly frugal, spacious and comfortable, it is nonetheless showing its age inside. While perfectly nondescript Q-car in appearance, like the Allspace, it still grapples with the idea of wanting to be a sedate family SUV with Golf GTI ambitions.

Together with its rather uneasy price tag of R720 700, or an eye-popping R893 200 with all of the various options fitted, it, in this writer’s option, is not worth the R38 000 premium over the more powerful, if less capable, but still fast Golf 8 GTI.