Car Auto Magazine

Equipped with an electronic parking-brake system, like those found on most current high-end sedans, the Tiguan off-road package also includes a hill-hold feature that automatically disengages when the clutch is depressed. When the off-road button is activated, the driver can floor the throttle while the computer limits engine speed to 3500 rpm, allowing the driver to concentrate on clutch engagement with maximum torque availability. Combined with electronic diff lockup, this compensates quite a bit for the absence of low-range gearing.

Other noteworthy technical aspects include an electromechanical steering-assist mechanism mounted to the rack rather than the column, virtually eliminating kickback shock at the wheel. There’s a huge glass roof panel with a generous sliding sunroof and powered interior shade. The rear seats feature fore-and-aft and seatback-rake adjustments yet allow more than 16 cubic feet of cargo space before their 40/20/40 fold-forward capabilities are exploited.

The Tiguan also introduces Volkswagen’s RNS 510 touch-screen navigation and entertainment system, which utilizes a 30-GB hard drive and state-of-the-art interfaces. There’s even an automatic park-assist system available on the Tiguan, similar to that of a Lexus LS460, only simpler in principle. Obviously, when the Tiguan goes into production late this year, with prices starting at about $24,000, it will bring some serious techno-muscle to the compact-SUV scene, although buyers will pay a premium over a RAV4 or CR-V.