Volkswagen Tiguan 2011 review

In 2011 comes the discontinuance of the Wolfsburg trim level for the Volkswagen Tiguan. With small exterior renovations, new grille and upscale interior design, the 2011Tiguan competes among some of the best brands such as the Audi.

For 2011, the Volkswagen Tiguan in three trim levels, all with a standard front wheel drive: S, SE and SEL trim levels.  The SE and SEL trim level have an optional all-wheel drive. Standard features in the S version include full power accessories, cruise control, sixteen-inch alloy wheels, keyless ignition, tilt/telescoping steering wheel, cloth upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity, adjustable front seats, auxiliary audio jack and an 8-speaker CD player system.

The SE model adds chrome exterior, 17-inch wheels, a roof rack, heated washer nozzles, foglights, leather decorated steering wheel, electronic adjustable driver seat, leatherette vinyl upholstery, heated front seats, roof storage console, trip computer, iPod interface and satellite radio with a touchscreen stereo. The 18-inch wheel SE model comes with a navigation system and a panoramic sunroof.

In addition to the above features, the SEL model will have rain-detecting wipers, dual-xenon headlights, automatic dual-zone climate control, 12- way power driver seat, ambient interior lighting, leather upholstery and a keyless ignition. The SEL all-wheel drive 4Motion comes with a premium navigation that includes rearview camera and Dynaudio an eight-speaker sound system. Optional features in all the Tiguan models include: side steps, trailer hitch, 19-inch wheels and a set of body pieces

The 2011 Tiguan is equipped with a turbocharged 2-liter 4 cylinder engine that generates 200 horsepower. The 2011 Tiguan S is fitted with a 6-speed manual transmission with the option for the six-speed automatic transmission. The SE and SEL come fitted with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

According to EPA, the fuel efficiency for the 2011 Volkswagen is estimated at 20 miles per gallon in the city and 25 miles per gallon on the highway. For the automatic front-wheel and all-drive trims fuel efficiency is estimated at 22 miles per gallon. The S trim has a fuel efficiency rated at 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 miles per gallon on the highway.

The 2011 Tiguan’s interior has a well styled cabin designed from high quality material.  The seats are comfortable and suited for long trips. Sliding back seats help increase legroom or cargo area. Cargo space is estimated at 23.8 cubic feet with all seats in use.  Cargo volume of 56.1 cubic feet can be obtained with second row seats folded down. The second row can be split 60/40 to provide a luggage through-pass in the center.

The 2011 Tiguan is equipped with standard safety features that include traction control, stability control, antilock disc brakes and airbags (front-seat side and side curtain airbags).  According to the government crash test, the 2011Tiguan received all five stars in the front and side collision test.

The Volkswagen Tiguan 2011 comes with a 3-year basic warranty and a 5-year 60,000 powertrain warranty. The average price may range between $23,415 and $36,566.