Tiguan will soon be released in Korea..a versatile compact SUV
May 27, 2025
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Volkswagen already has a model that has set a record of more than 60,000 cumulative sales for the first imported SUV. It's the subcompact Tiguan. Domestic sales are currently suspended. The reason is the emergence of a completely changed model. The third-generation new Tiguan was first released in North America and Europe earlier this year. The new Tiguan, which will be released soon in Korea, is also expected to receive a good response. I met him first at Motor One, an overseas automobile media outlet.
The new 2025 Volkswagen Tiguan has improved in almost every way compared to its predecessor.It is lighter and equipped with more standard technology. The output also improved and came out at a reasonable price point in the market overflowing with expensive SUVs. The new Tiguan was developed based on the Volkswagen MQB Evo architecture, which is about 73 kilograms lighter than the previous model.
As a result, fuel efficiency has improved. It is a key factor that will satisfy buyers who value cost-effectiveness in compact crossover segments. At the same time, as it became lighter, the joy of driving was added.Tiguan boasts an elegant design in a toughness that does not look soft. Compared to the previous one, the battlefield has been shortened a little, but the wheel base is maintained, so there is plenty of indoor space. It creates a strong image with a sleeker body.
The Tiguan is the best-selling Volkswagen model in the United States. Sales rose 23.8% in 2024, despite the second-generation model being launched in 2018.Volkswagen has a lot of expectations for the new Tiguan. As a result of testing the new Tiguan SEL R line, it is expected to be very popular.
The fully changed Tiguan 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine has a stronger output than before.Volkswagen describes these output improvements as new turbochargers, fuel injection systems, and camshaft design improvements. Matched with an eight-speed transmission suitable for everyday driving. Front wheel drive is standard, but four-motion four-wheel drive is optional for all trims except the SEL R line.
SEL R line is based on 4 motion.The torque is slightly higher than the front wheel drive version. The torque, which was only about 31.6kg·m, improved to 34.6kg·m.Tiguan values efficiency over fun even in sports mode.However, potential buyers in this segment are likely not too concerned with performance specifications.
Tiguan's insufficient output will be supplemented in future turbo models. Instead, it sufficiently supplements this with new technologies and convenience. The basic infotainment screen is 12.9 inches. The Tiguan SEL R line, the top-end trim, has a large, clear 15.0-inch center display.It is fast and responsive. I had to rummage through the menu for certain settings, but with just a few taps, most of them were intuitively operable.
The 10.3-inch driver display is the default specification.There is an air conditioning system button at the bottom of the screen. At the top left is a physical button to access apps, car settings, navigation, phones, and media.
It's a good function, but on the screen, the lighting touch slider for volume control and temperature control was hard to see when the sunlight was strong toward the top. The center console has a center control knob between the start button and the park brake button. Mainly adjust the volume, but clicking the center screen allows you to select drive mode or change vehicle mood.
The vehicle mood change mode is software that synchronizes ambient lighting and audio.Volkswagen moved its Gear Shifter to the column to free up 7.6 liters of storage space on the center console.SEL R-Line features a dashboard with natural hardwood material along with a soft and comfortable quilting leather seat.
Tiguan comes with a front seat heating sheet as a basic specification. For the top trim, ventilation and massage functions are applied to the front seat.The SEL R line also includes a two-row thermostat and rear heating seat. The new Tiguan deleted the existing three-row seat option based on customer feedback.
The exterior is completely new. The overhang is shortened and the wheel moves outward to create a more angled appearance.The SEL R line features 20-inch wheels, illuminated front and back logos and light bars, side sills and side mirrors identical to the body color, and silver roof rails.
Add elegance to a stylish crossover.But a wide black glossy grill feels a bit excessive. The rear bumper is designed with a lattice style pattern.
A 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine equipped with a turbocharger is sufficient to move a vehicle weighing about 1,600 kg.The ride is firm but comfortable. The room is generally quiet. The road noise is a bit audible.The steering wheel is rather heavy. Even if you drive for a long time, you don't feel tired.
Tiguan isn't fast, but you don't have to worry about breaking through traffic jams or overtaking slow-moving cars as needed.The brake pedal takes time to get used to. You have to pedal quite deeply until you decelerate.The four-motion four-wheel drive system assists in driving without any problems with rain.
The 2025 Tiguan is lighter and has improved fuel efficiency.The four-wheel-drive Tiguan SEL R line fuel efficiency is 9.4 km/l in the city center, 12.8 km/l in the highway, and 10.6 km/l in the complex.The entry-class front-wheel drive S trim is 11.1 km/l in the city center, 14.5 km/l in the highway, and 12.3 km/l in the complex.The SE trim is 10.6 km/l downtown, 13.6 km/l highway, and 11.9 km/l complex.
The Tiguan SEL R Line 4Motion test drive is $41,180 (about 56.8 million won) in full option. To match the top trim, it comes with a variety of convenience specifications, including a 15-inch infotainment display, a three-zone automatic thermostat system, a heated rear seat, and a Harman Kardon premium audio system.The only option to choose from is the $395 (about 540,000 won) black roof and mirror cap package.
Tiguan is a versatile compact SUV that allows you to enjoy a variety of activities at a low cost. Smaller screens and smaller wheels are applied to the lower trim, but Volkswagen has designed the trim to have essential safety specifications and convenience specifications in all its lineup, so it is highly cost-effective.
The IQ Drive safety option is standard for all trims.Convenience specifications such as a 15W wireless charging system, heated front seat, rain sensing wiper, two-zone automatic thermostats, a 12.9-inch MIB4 infotainment display, and 10 airbags (including center airbags between the front seats) are also standard.
All of these specifications apply to the Tiguan entry model. It will start at $30,920 (about 42.6 million won), up only $615 from 2024.The SEL R line is $10,000 (about 13.8 million won) more expensive, but it is enough to make Tiguan more luxurious. Tiguan is also a popular imported car in Korea. The third-generation new model is expected to be available in Korea as early as the second half of the year.
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Editor Song Moon-chul mc.song@carguy.kr
This article was translated by Naver AI translator.
