Overall Performance Tracking
While an SUV will never be perfect on the track – especially against a more impressive and dynamic sibling like the Golf R, which we tested on the same day – it is interesting to see how the manufacturer has addressed the inherent disadvantages, such as center of gravity and weight.
This review is about 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan CHEAP not a direct comparison to the Golf R, but it gives me a great opportunity to understand the level of thought and effort the manufacturer is putting into their product.
I’m also sure there are plenty of people out there who would love a Volkswagen Golf R, but need a little more space and practicality.
Volkswagen did not disappoint here, bringing trackable performance and dynamics to an SUV, something many of its rivals would envy.
You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to realize that it won’t catch up with the new version of the Golf R terribly quickly, but the gap may not be as great as you’d expect.
Engine
We have known from Golf R that 2.0 liter turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine is a big improvement over previous iterations, now with 235kW power and 400Nm of torque. Peak power reaches 6500 rpm, with peak torque from 2000 rpm to 5600 rpm.
The Tiguan R doesn’t quite have that kind of urgency from low to low, the extra weight only dampens the initial response you get in the Golf R. However, it’s far from disappointing, and it’s extremely easy to drive and linear.
Throttle tuning and power distribution control are excellent and even more important when you add that extra height and weight, because every input will result in more mass transfer to the chassis and suspension to control.
Again, the transmission selection doesn’t even come to mind, and the pleasure you can get from this engine in all driving styles and conditions is sublime.
As with all Volkswagens, the 0-100 time for the Tiguan R is consistent and easy to achieve. While I didn’t beat the claimed time of 5.1 seconds, I managed 5.26 seconds still very impressive and only 0.4 seconds compared to what I did in Golf R.
Brake
I was really impressed with the braking performance of both of the VW R products we tested recently, which wasn’t the standout point before.
What is most impressive with the Tiguan R is the way Volkswagen maintains stability and control when you brake hard. The numbers are good, hitting 100-0 in 2.87 seconds in 36.68m, but that’s how it performs more impressively.
There was no unwanted reliance on ABS during hard braking and I was able to manage the brake release when cornering.
This input control is again even more beneficial in an SUV. I had no problems with the brakes fading through successive laps and maintaining good feedback from the pedal.
Chassis
The Volkswagen Tiguan R’s playfulness is one of its most impressive characteristics.
I never expected to be able to control this the way I could – neutrally balanced, with easy rotation and even subtle noise when desired. Understeer is almost non-existent, with a direct and confident user interface.
Like the Golf R, the Tiguan R leaves control to the rider, rather than deciding the outcome for you.
The Tiguan R stands out even more than the Golf R in terms of how it manages weight and controls inputs. I’m never surprised and can drive with confidence that it won’t leave me.
We have to talk about weight a bit; 221kg heavier than Golf R, 1722kg v 1501kg, plus 200mm longer, wider and taller. All these downsides add up, but somehow the results aren’t detrimental to the experience, it’s just the timing results that suffer the most.
What I’m saying here is, the driving experience between the Golf R and the Tiguan R isn’t as far-fetched as you might expect.
Transmission and differential
Shifting is quick and does exactly what I wanted. Because the engine is so nimble and drivable, I have no complaints about the gear ratios on the track.
As we’ve seen with the Golf R, it looks like Volkswagen has really made some strides forward with the differential and how it all works together, drivable and free, then smooth locking. and balance as you press the throttle harder. There’s even a hint of throttle-induced overshoot on the early app if you’d like.
What’s more impressive is the stability at high speeds, which, combined with the freedom of attack, really lends itself to the basic dynamics of the Volkswagen Tiguan R.
There is virtually no intervention and the Vehicle Dynamics Manager (VDM) creates this world that feels natural, but constantly influences the situation.
Suspended
OH! I want to know who VW hired to solve this problem.
I’m super impressed with the improvement of the Golf R’s dampers, but here it is to the next level – the Tiguan R’s dampers are certainly the most impressive part of the car.
The damping control on the bumper is even better than the Golf R and supports the chassis with ease and without the harshness you might expect.
Body control is excellent and gives you a foundation from which to decide the situation. It can absorb shocks and eliminate the movement of energy from the chassis when loaded.
Volkswagen Tiguan R is agile, stable, responsive and comfort all at once! I never expected to be able to hit corners and crash into an SUV on a track, as I was able to do in this case.
The confidence inspires and almost makes you forget it’s an SUV.
Drive system
The Tiguan R’s steering lacks a bit of feedback, but it’s very precise and responsive thanks to a great suspension and chassis.
Wheels and Tires
The Volkswagen Tiguan R is actually on a very different wheel and tire package from the Golf R.
It rides on 21-inch alloy wheels that ride in 255/35 Hankook Ventus S1 tyres. They don’t quite offer the same level of grip, but still maintain a steady pace and don’t have a great deal of harshness considering the size of the rim.
Driver Assistance (Electronic)
As with all Volkswagens, launch controls are excellent and I was close to reaching the claimed 0-100 time.
I’ve got Dynamic Chassis Control (DCC) in Race mode, and while it doesn’t have the same level of tuning as in the Golf R it still performs well on the track. I also disabled ESC.
Cockpit (Ergonomics)
With the same wheels as the Golf R, it’s no surprise that I really like the steering wheel. It’s nice to have the R drive mode button on the wheel, so you can easily choose on the go.
I think the seating position is really good for an SUV, with a good balance between comfort and support. I didn’t move around too much and didn’t feel like I was sitting too high, especially considering it’s an overhead vehicle.
Overall, the interior just lacks a bit of excitement compared to the Golf R, but it’s still functional and useful.
Time ring
I never expected an SUV to be so at home on the track.
With the Volkswagen Tiguan R, the company has done a great job of managing the negative attributes inherent on the track of the SUV body and creating an impressive driving experience.
The big improvements we’ve seen in the Golf R have been sustained as you step up to the Tiguan R. bringing the best out of every package.
The ease and consistency I made during the lap time was impressive, I immediately felt comfortable hitting every corner on the track and almost immediately forgot I was in a car. SUVs.
My best ring is 61.42 seconds, but nearly every ring is the same. While not so fast, the overall experience and company that this time around, is impressive.
As we’ve seen with the Golf R, as a company Volkswagen has really upped its game and is thinking more about the driving experience, which will resonate with the old. and new customers to the brand.
Atko’s 3:
- You can really attack in the right direction, it will solve your impatience
- Drive it like a car, the dynamics are very similar
- You might surprise some people, including yourself, on the right track
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