Volkswagen introduced their new compact crossover Tiguan last fall and now UK mag AutoExpress has a first test of the diesel version. The Tiguan is available with a choice of 2.0L four cylinder engines for its European launch. A 148hp 1.4L twin charged (supercharged and turbocharged) TSI gas engine or a 138hp 2.0L TDI diesel can be selected by buyers. As usual for modern Volkswagens, the Tiguan is well equipped including a nav system and rear backup camera. It even has a parking assist system like the latest Lexus LS. The unit AutoExpress tried out was powered by the diesel engine which turns in a fairly respectable 32.6 mpg (U.S.), fuel economy on a par with the likes of the Ford Escape Hybrid. Unfortunately American buyers won’t have a chance to find out how good the Tiguan TDI is for a while. When the Tiguan launches in the U.S. in a few months, we’ll only have gas engines to choose from. Hopefully if the Jetta and Touareg diesels prove to be a success in the U.S. VW will drop the diesel into the Tiguan here as well as overseas.
[Source: AutoExpress]