Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Dependable and safe, Volkswagen has done it again with its sleek yet rugged SUV, the Tiguan 2012.
Being a first-time driver of this popular marque I had a lot of questions. For example, how did it get its name?
According to Volkswagen’s German designers, the 2.0-litre four-wheel drive was a simple amalgamation of a tiger and an iguana – the former being strong and fast and the latter, an ever-changing reptile. That’s why this road beast transforms from an off-roading mean machine to a stylish four-door family SUV.
US News & World Report ranked it as the sixth most affordable compact SUV in the Best Cars for Money awards out of 20 other similar vehicles.
Ernesto, my showroom tour guide, briefed me on the latest model’s assorted features. We started off with what I think was one of the most essential requirements in an SUV ... trunk space. It was extremely spacious and the tyre compartment was easy to get to (not that I planned to be changing a tyre myself, any time soon) but it’s still good to know that I could, if I had to.
He proceeded to tell me that if I required more trunk space, for shopping bags, I could either slide the backseats forward or fold them down completely.
The back of the front seats supplied trays, similar to those found on an airplane, particularly handy for any toddlers travelling in the rear.
We then moved onto the dashboard which was elegantly designed and soft to the touch. The steering wheel featured infotainment controls for easy access. I also plugged my iPod into the USB port, found in the centre console so I could enjoy my favourite tunes on the go.
I also liked the auto hold function which prevents the SUV from moving when stopped at a traffic light. No more shifting to neutral for me.
Ironically, the climate control section featured a button which prevents outside air or ‘tear gas’ (obviously a selling point for the times we live in) from coming into the vehicle.
Another button which should be standard in every vehicle, in my opinion, de-foggs the side mirrors. I hate driving with blurred side mirrors because it makes spotting loony lane changers behind almost impossible.
The panoramic sun-roof is another great addition. I can just imagine parking in the desert one evening and looking up at the stars.
Speaking of parking, my jaw dropped when Ernie showed me how the auto-park function works. The Tiguan can parallel and reverse park itself with ease.
At the touch of the push start the engine purred and I was off. The seat was comfortable and I’d found plenty of compartments to store my girlie items.
The SUV handled beautifully, especially during a sudden downpour of rain. It glided around corners and even on uneven surfaces did not rattle or shake.
While going on the cruise I envisioned myself as a soccer-mum stylishly zipping around town in my Tiguan. Of course, in reality, I need to get married and have children first and that’s all in the future Ö but I do not have to wait for a Tiguan!
The starting price is BD11,290 with a 5+5+5 value package on offer by Volkswagen Centre Bahrain in Sitra. The promotion consists of a five-year extended warranty, five-year or 75,000km free services and five-year roadside assistance. For more information call 17459977.
