The all-new Volkswagen Tiguan has been updated for 2023, offering a range of powertrains, including traditional diesel engines and a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) option. Here's an in-depth comparison of the diesel and PHEV variants, including performance, efficiency, pricing, and other key factors.
1. Powertrain and Performance
Diesel Variant
Engine: The diesel version of the Tiguan typically comes with a 2.0-liter TDI engine available in different power outputs, usually ranging from 150 hp to 200 hp.
Performance: The diesel Tiguan is known for its strong torque, providing excellent pulling power, especially useful for towing and highway driving. The 0-60 mph acceleration times vary by the specific engine but generally fall between 8 to 9 seconds.
Transmission: The diesel models are often paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and efficient power delivery.
Drive Options: Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD), offering versatility depending on your driving needs.
PHEV Variant
Engine: The Tiguan PHEV combines a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 245 hp.
Performance: The PHEV variant offers brisk acceleration, with 0-60 mph times in the region of 7.5 seconds, thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor. It’s slightly faster off the line compared to the diesel due to the electric boost.
Transmission: The PHEV comes with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, optimized for the hybrid setup.
Drive Options: Typically available with front-wheel drive only, as the battery and electric motor layout limit AWD options.
2. Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range
Diesel Variant
Fuel Economy: The diesel Tiguan is highly efficient on long journeys, with fuel consumption figures typically ranging from 40 to 50 mpg (WLTP combined cycle), depending on the specific engine and driving conditions.
Range: With a large fuel tank, the diesel Tiguan can achieve a driving range of around 600-700 miles on a full tank, making it ideal for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.
PHEV Variant
Fuel Economy: The Tiguan PHEV offers excellent efficiency, particularly on shorter trips where you can rely more on the electric motor. Combined fuel economy can reach over 150 mpg (WLTP), assuming regular charging.
Electric-Only Range: The PHEV version can drive up to 30-35 miles (50-55 km) on electric power alone, which is sufficient for most daily commutes.
Hybrid Range: When operating as a hybrid, the total range combining petrol and electric power can extend to around 400-500 miles, depending on driving habits and the use of electric-only mode.
3. Driving Experience
Diesel Variant
Driving Dynamics: The diesel Tiguan is well-suited for long-distance cruising and offers a robust driving experience, particularly with AWD. It handles well on highways and rough terrain, making it versatile for different driving conditions.
Noise and Vibration: Modern diesel engines are much quieter than older models, but they still produce more noise and vibration compared to the smooth and silent operation of the PHEV.
PHEV Variant
Driving Dynamics: The Tiguan PHEV provides a more refined driving experience in urban settings, with near-silent operation in electric mode and smooth acceleration. It’s particularly well-suited for city driving, where the electric motor can be fully utilized.
Regenerative Braking: The PHEV features regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery, enhancing overall efficiency.
4. Pricing
Diesel Tiguan:
Starting Price: Depending on the trim level and engine choice, the diesel Tiguan typically starts around £33,000 (€36,000 or $38,000) for the base model.
Higher Trims: The price can increase to £45,000 (€50,000 or $52,000) or more for higher trims with more powerful engines and additional features.
Tiguan PHEV:
Starting Price: The PHEV variant generally starts higher, around £38,000 (€41,000 or $42,000).
Higher Trims: For fully loaded models, the price can exceed £48,000 (€53,000 or $55,000), reflecting the advanced hybrid technology and additional equipment.
5. Practicality and Running Costs
Diesel Variant
Maintenance: Diesel engines typically require more regular maintenance, including oil changes and particulate filter maintenance, which can add to the running costs.
Taxation: Diesel vehicles may face higher taxes or restrictions in some regions due to stricter emissions regulations.
PHEV Variant
Maintenance: The PHEV has fewer moving parts in its electric components, potentially reducing some maintenance costs. However, battery maintenance and replacement can be expensive.
Incentives: Many regions offer incentives for PHEVs, such as lower road taxes, grants, or rebates, which can offset the higher purchase price.
Running Costs: The PHEV can significantly reduce fuel costs if you regularly charge the battery and primarily use electric power for short trips.
6. Conclusion
Choose the Diesel Tiguan if:
You often drive long distances and need a vehicle that excels on the highway.
You require AWD for off-road or inclement weather conditions.
You prefer the robustness and range of a traditional diesel engine.
Choose the Tiguan PHEV if:
You do a lot of city driving or have a short commute where electric-only mode can be fully utilized.
You want a more environmentally friendly option with lower emissions.
You can take advantage of incentives and lower running costs through regular charging.
Both variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan have their strengths, with the diesel offering traditional power and long-range capability, while the PHEV provides a more modern, eco-friendly alternative with electric driving benefits. Your choice will depend on your specific driving needs, environmental considerations, and budget.
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1. Powertrain and Performance
Diesel Variant
Engine: The diesel version of the Tiguan typically comes with a 2.0-liter TDI engine available in different power outputs, usually ranging from 150 hp to 200 hp.
Performance: The diesel Tiguan is known for its strong torque, providing excellent pulling power, especially useful for towing and highway driving. The 0-60 mph acceleration times vary by the specific engine but generally fall between 8 to 9 seconds.
Transmission: The diesel models are often paired with a 7-speed DSG automatic transmission, ensuring smooth gear shifts and efficient power delivery.
Drive Options: Available in both front-wheel drive (FWD) and 4MOTION all-wheel drive (AWD), offering versatility depending on your driving needs.
PHEV Variant
Engine: The Tiguan PHEV combines a 1.4-liter TSI petrol engine with an electric motor, producing a combined output of around 245 hp.
Performance: The PHEV variant offers brisk acceleration, with 0-60 mph times in the region of 7.5 seconds, thanks to the instant torque from the electric motor. It’s slightly faster off the line compared to the diesel due to the electric boost.
Transmission: The PHEV comes with a 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, optimized for the hybrid setup.
Drive Options: Typically available with front-wheel drive only, as the battery and electric motor layout limit AWD options.
2. Fuel Efficiency and Electric Range
Diesel Variant
Fuel Economy: The diesel Tiguan is highly efficient on long journeys, with fuel consumption figures typically ranging from 40 to 50 mpg (WLTP combined cycle), depending on the specific engine and driving conditions.
Range: With a large fuel tank, the diesel Tiguan can achieve a driving range of around 600-700 miles on a full tank, making it ideal for long-distance travel without frequent refueling.
PHEV Variant
Fuel Economy: The Tiguan PHEV offers excellent efficiency, particularly on shorter trips where you can rely more on the electric motor. Combined fuel economy can reach over 150 mpg (WLTP), assuming regular charging.
Electric-Only Range: The PHEV version can drive up to 30-35 miles (50-55 km) on electric power alone, which is sufficient for most daily commutes.
Hybrid Range: When operating as a hybrid, the total range combining petrol and electric power can extend to around 400-500 miles, depending on driving habits and the use of electric-only mode.
3. Driving Experience
Diesel Variant
Driving Dynamics: The diesel Tiguan is well-suited for long-distance cruising and offers a robust driving experience, particularly with AWD. It handles well on highways and rough terrain, making it versatile for different driving conditions.
Noise and Vibration: Modern diesel engines are much quieter than older models, but they still produce more noise and vibration compared to the smooth and silent operation of the PHEV.
PHEV Variant
Driving Dynamics: The Tiguan PHEV provides a more refined driving experience in urban settings, with near-silent operation in electric mode and smooth acceleration. It’s particularly well-suited for city driving, where the electric motor can be fully utilized.
Regenerative Braking: The PHEV features regenerative braking, which recaptures energy during deceleration and feeds it back into the battery, enhancing overall efficiency.
4. Pricing
Diesel Tiguan:
Starting Price: Depending on the trim level and engine choice, the diesel Tiguan typically starts around £33,000 (€36,000 or $38,000) for the base model.
Higher Trims: The price can increase to £45,000 (€50,000 or $52,000) or more for higher trims with more powerful engines and additional features.
Tiguan PHEV:
Starting Price: The PHEV variant generally starts higher, around £38,000 (€41,000 or $42,000).
Higher Trims: For fully loaded models, the price can exceed £48,000 (€53,000 or $55,000), reflecting the advanced hybrid technology and additional equipment.
5. Practicality and Running Costs
Diesel Variant
Maintenance: Diesel engines typically require more regular maintenance, including oil changes and particulate filter maintenance, which can add to the running costs.
Taxation: Diesel vehicles may face higher taxes or restrictions in some regions due to stricter emissions regulations.
PHEV Variant
Maintenance: The PHEV has fewer moving parts in its electric components, potentially reducing some maintenance costs. However, battery maintenance and replacement can be expensive.
Incentives: Many regions offer incentives for PHEVs, such as lower road taxes, grants, or rebates, which can offset the higher purchase price.
Running Costs: The PHEV can significantly reduce fuel costs if you regularly charge the battery and primarily use electric power for short trips.
6. Conclusion
Choose the Diesel Tiguan if:
You often drive long distances and need a vehicle that excels on the highway.
You require AWD for off-road or inclement weather conditions.
You prefer the robustness and range of a traditional diesel engine.
Choose the Tiguan PHEV if:
You do a lot of city driving or have a short commute where electric-only mode can be fully utilized.
You want a more environmentally friendly option with lower emissions.
You can take advantage of incentives and lower running costs through regular charging.
Both variants of the Volkswagen Tiguan have their strengths, with the diesel offering traditional power and long-range capability, while the PHEV provides a more modern, eco-friendly alternative with electric driving benefits. Your choice will depend on your specific driving needs, environmental considerations, and budget.
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