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The Bottom Line: Volkswagen is the second largest car company in the world, trailing Toyota now by less than 100,000 units in worldwide sales. That said, VW took a big hit a few years back with Dieselgate, and that cost them billions of dollars in fines and customer restitution. Today they are the most competitive car company in the United States, working hard to win back consumer confidence, by building quality cars with more content, at better prices.
They also know that SUV's are a top seller in the US, and now they have several new models to choose from. This week Volkswagen sent me a 2020 Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion AWD SUV to test drive. It's a best seller for VW, and here's why.
It's not too big, It's not too small, It's just the right size. This is a compact SUV sport utility vehicle with AWD all wheel drive that Volkswagen calls 4Motion. The SEL model is the upper trim level that comes standard with the 4 Motion all wheel drive Turbo drive train, bolted to an 8 speed automatic transmission. With this set up the Tiguan has the power and poise to make every day driving safe, easy and comfortable. It has just enough of everything that a compact SUV needs.
Driving this car is effortless. The fit and feel of the interior controls are where you would expect them. Everything is labeled, in the right spot, and they work well. No hunting for symbols hidden in the center stack screen, just easy to use tabs that take you where you want to go. Many car makers think it's fun to hide the controls under several layers of screen shots, just to change the radio station. Not with VW, they have easy to operate switches, knobs and buttons. And that just makes the car easier to drive, park, and enjoy.
Now let's talk price. The Cardinal Red Metallic Tiguan they sent me came with a Titan Black Leatherette interior with a base MSRP manufactures suggested retail price of $33,545. The SEL model includes the 4Motion AWD all wheel drive option plus all the electronic safety features, technology and convenience options that are available. The only option on the test car is: A set of four Monster Floor Mats for $92.50. The total MSRP price, including the $1,020 destination charge, came to: $34,657.50 - But do they really need the extra 50 cents?
The Tiguan has been named Cars.com's Best Compact SUV for the second year in a row.
The competition knows that VW has some of the best priced, and best optioned, SUV's for sale today. Here is an overview of why the Tiguan is an award wining compact SUV.
Volkswagen has paid attention to every detail, with advanced technology that's easy to use. This is a short list of some of the best:
Volkswagen Digital Cockpit: The digital display is a true break through. Instead of the traditional instrument cluster, information can be displayed digitally in high resolution.
Driver Personalization: The Tiguan can store up to four driver profiles, remembering your personal preference, for a wide variety of settings and systems.
Full Screen Navigation View: The full screen navigation view increases the size of the map, giving you a better view of where you’re going, and how to get there.
ACC Adaptive Cruise Control: Adaptive Cruise Control helps the vehicle maintain a preset speed and distance from the car in front of you. When activated, if the car in front of you speeds up, or slows down, the sensors can detect the change, and your car follows suit.
Volkswagen Car Net: Volkswagen Car Net is a mobile app that can give you command of your car, in your pocket. With a suite of standard features plus add on benefits for your
convenience, and peace of mind.
VW Car Net Remote Access with 22 Remote Commands: You can control your car when you’re next to it, or miles away. Remote start the engine, lock and unlock the doors, honk the horn, flash the lights, and more, right from the app.
Remote power and hands free, easy open and easy close lift gate: Place your foot under the rear bumper to unlock the lid when your hands are full. And when you’re done? Just swipe your foot under the rear bumper again, and walk away.
LED light emitting diode headlights with AFS Adaptive Front lighting System: The headlights move with the steering wheel to help you see what’s ahead of the curve.
Now every 2020 Tiguan comes with a turbocharged 2.0L liter inline four cylinder engine that makes 184 HP horse power, and a strong 221 pound feet of torque.
The standard transmission is an 8 speed automatic with Sport mode: Having eight speeds means a smoother shifting experience. In Tiptronic mode you can manually shift the gears, and take control of your own driving experience.
4Motion all wheel drive: As conditions change, 4Motion distributes power between the front and rear wheels as needed, to help optimize traction and stability control.
The list goes on and on, but you get the drift. The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion AWD SUV is a quality built car, at a great price, with all the amenities that you need, and want in a compact SUV, for less then $35,000. You should visit your local VW dealer for a test drive ASAP as soon as possible. A word to the wise is sufficient. And Stay Safe.
Remember “You Are What You Drive ©”
And maybe, just for those reasons alone, you should “Drive one, Buy one, Today ©”.
This Bottom Line Review is provided by: Tony Leopardo © AutoWire.Net.
"Tony the Car Guy” is an automotive writer, editor and publisher in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you have a question, or comment for Tony, send it to tonyleo@pacbell.net or visit AutoWire.Net at www.autowire.net
Column Name: You Are What You Drive - A Bottom Line Review
Topic: The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion AWD SUV
Word Count: 1,057
Photo Caption: The 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0T SEL 4Motion AWD SUV
Photo Credits: Volkswagen Internet Media
Series number: 2020 - 08
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