Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI 131 hp Life review

Unlike the usual press-fleet car, the Volkswagen Tiguan tested here is neither a range-topping model nor loaded with every possible extra. The Tiguan 1.5 TSI (131 hp) Life is, in fact, the most affordable version of the SUV on sale in Portugal.

Volkswagen asks just over €34,000 for this very roomy family SUV, although our Tiguan came closer to €35,000. That difference comes down to its options list, which is limited to just two items: white paint and the Digital Cockpit digital instrument display.

Its list price is higher than those of its closest rivals, but the Tiguan Life becomes more competitive once equipment levels are matched. It may be the entry-level version, yet its specification is far from basic.

Quite the opposite: the Tiguan Life is generously equipped and includes some unexpected treats for an entry-level model. These range from three-zone climate control and a cooled glovebox to a comprehensive suite of driving aids, including adaptive cruise control and even self-parking capability.

A richer standard specification across the Tiguan range was among the changes introduced with its recent facelift. As well as gaining more equipment, it received styling updates at both ends, with redesigned bumpers, standard LED headlights, grille and LED rear lights. Most of the attention, however, went to the new Tiguan eHybrid - which we have already driven - and the sportier Tiguan R.

Does the entry-level engine match the equipment level?

The short answer is no, not really. The Volkswagen Tiguan is neither among the smallest nor the lightest vehicles in its class. Weighing more than 1,500 kg with only the driver aboard, its 1.5 TSI engine's 131 hp and 220 Nm feel slightly insufficient. That soon becomes clear in several situations, whether dropping down a gear to maintain speed on certain inclines or needing to overtake.

Performance is merely modest, although there is nothing inherently wrong with the 1.5 TSI itself. As in other models and versions in which we have tested it - including the 150 hp variant alongside this 130 hp version - it remains a highly capable and efficient engine. Its sweet spot lies between 2,000 rpm and 4,000 rpm, where it is at its most responsive, with virtually no turbo lag, and feels eager. Work it harder and it is equally willing to go beyond 5,000 rpm, where it reaches maximum power.

The engine is well paired with the six-speed manual gearbox. Its ratios are suitably spaced and, while its shift action is not class-leading for travel, speed or feel, it is still very good.

On the other hand, the 131 hp 1.5 TSI proved frugal on open roads at speeds below 100 km/h, where fuel consumption in the region of five litres per 100 km is achievable. It can also deactivate two cylinders in certain conditions, saving a few more tenths. Ask more of the engine, such as when overcoming the Tiguan's inertia in town, and consumption readily rises to eight litres per 100 km and a little beyond. In mixed driving, covering town, country roads and motorways, the final average settled between 7.0 and 7.5 l/100 km.

Volkswagen Tiguan with a French side...

The engine's limitations feel more apparent once you realise that this German SUV is a natural long-distance cruiser, able to cover lengthy journeys in a single stretch with all the comfort and refinement one could want. Yet my first few kilometres at the Tiguan's wheel were both intriguing and revealing: its smoothness, in both its controls and ride, stood out. It felt more like a French proposition than a German one.

That is quite unlike the usual perception of German cars, which seem to have been carved from one solid block of material, resulting in heavier controls and a firmer ride, especially compared with their rivals.

Not so with this Tiguan. Even when compared with the smaller, lighter Golf - which I also tested - the SUV not only has considerably lighter controls, but its damping also makes it seem as though it glides over many road imperfections. I believe much of this quality is down to the tyres it wore, or rather their dimensions.

The Tiguan Life comes as standard with 17-inch wheels shod with relatively modest 215/65 R17 tyres, rather than the substantially larger - and, admittedly, more attractive - 19-inch wheels with 255/45 tyres fitted to the Tiguan R-Line, for example. It is the generous 65-profile sidewall that provides the air cushion behind this SUV's supple ride.

...but it remains solidly German

Unlike some comfortable French alternatives, though, this equally comfortable German model has the edge in certain dynamic areas. Its comfort and softness do not result in less precision, control or dynamic effectiveness when the pace rises on more twisting roads. Push it harder and it becomes clear that, behind the apparently French-like suppleness, the expected German solidity remains.

In these conditions, it is consistently precise, progressive and predictable, responding promptly to steering inputs while keeping body movements well controlled. The only complaint is the near-total lack of seat support, both at the sides and beneath the legs - although the seats themselves are very comfortable. More effective than entertaining, the Volkswagen Tiguan is a family SUV and nothing more.

Volkswagen Tiguan: made for family life

Otherwise, it remains the same Volkswagen Tiguan we have known since 2016, retaining its excellent credentials for family use. Above all, there is the generous interior space. Access to the second row is easy, and passengers travel in comfort with ample legroom and headroom, unless they are seated in the middle, where they must contend with a firmer seat and a prominent transmission tunnel.

The rear seats also slide forwards and backwards, while their backrest angle can be adjusted. The boot remains among the largest in the segment, competing with those of some estate cars, and the rear seats can be folded from the boot, which is an especially useful convenience.

It also retains one of the most solid interiors in its class, although certain “innovations” are regrettable, including the new climate-control controls. They remain separate from the infotainment system, but now use touch-sensitive surfaces that are less straightforward to operate. They demand greater accuracy and attention than conventional rotary controls.

Is this the right car Tiguan for me?

The cheapest Volkswagen Tiguan you can buy proved a pleasant surprise, both for its standard equipment and for its comfort, smoothness and refinement. Its engine, however, prevents an unreserved recommendation. This is not because the 1.5 TSI lacks virtues - it has many - but because of this version's modest output figures. If the Tiguan is used as intended, namely as a family vehicle frequently carrying people and luggage, its 131 hp ultimately feel inadequate.

Without leaving the petrol line-up, the answer is to move up to the 150 hp and 250 Nm version. In Portugal, however, it is only available with the DSG dual-clutch gearbox, which many buyers may actually prefer in this type of vehicle. It is also more expensive, with the 150 hp 1.5 TSI starting at approximately €37,500.

The other alternative is the equivalent diesel model, the 122 hp 2.0 TDI. Despite having even less power, it delivers an additional 100 Nm of torque, which makes a difference, especially when laden. The issue is its price: the 2.0 TDI starts very close to €40,000. It is really only for high-mileage drivers.