VW adds powerful new diesel engine to Tiguan R-Line range

German carmaker Volkswagen has added two new engines in its Tiguan line-up , the TDI and TSI.

After reviewing the all-new 1.4-litre turbocharged model at launch late in 2024, diesel fan Melinda Ferguson is thrilled to be able to drive the new Tiguan R-Line two-litre TDI diesel iteration (Turbocharged Direct Injection).

RELATED: CAR REVIEW: We drive the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

The engine delivers 110 kW of power and a 'fabulous' 340 Nm of torque.

"It's got the 4Motion all-wheel drive and that's where I found the difference - I drove on gravel and the performance was great. Like the other mid-sized SUVs in this segment, it's a 'soft offroader'."

Ferguson also enjoyed what she describes as the Mercedes-Benz-like transmission stalk: "Once I got used to it, I thought it's a really nice addition to this new Tiguan."

Comparing the Tiguan to the proliferation of Chinese cars on our market, she also loved the more 'user-friendly' inside tech.

"After driving a Chinese car and then getting into the Tiguan I thought 'thank goodness, I'm in a car where I don't need two-hour lessons in where everything is!'. It's got this great 15-inch infotainment screen... and you've got some lovely ability to control things on your steering wheel. I did find it so easy and just untroublesome to drive."

Ferguson's only niggle was that the car does not feature USB ports for the back seats.

The Tiguan 2.0 TDI sells for R851 500.

To listen to Melinda Ferguson in conversation with Sara-Jayne Makwala King on CapeTalk's Weekend Breakfast, click on the audio link below: