Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Long Term Report: End of Term - Time to Bid Goodbye

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line wraps up its stint in our long-term garage this month, and we bid it a fond farewell. Over the past few months, it served as our go-to vehicle for shoot and tracking duties, while also proving to be a fun and enthusiastic daily driver. If there’s one standout trait that defined its time with us, it was performance.

In our first long-term report, we noted that the Tiguan’s cabin has finally shed the undercooked, rather plain feel of earlier generations. The large central touchscreen, ambient lighting, and a noticeably more premium design approach instantly lift the overall experience. It feels modern, well-thought-out, and more in line with what buyers expect from a premium SUV today. However, our second-month observations also highlighted some tech-related irritations. There were a few feature quirks and software inconsistencies, suggesting that the polish hasn’t quite caught up with the hardware. Certain infotainment behaviours and system responses felt less intuitive than they should, serving as a reminder that flashy screens don’t always guarantee seamless usability.

By the third month, efficiency showed improvement. Daily commutes that struggled to exceed 7.5 km/l earlier climbed to around 9 km/l, largely thanks to more mindful throttle inputs. The 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine remained smooth and responsive throughout, delivering effortless performance in the city and confident pace on the highway.

Ride quality, however, continued to be the Tiguan’s biggest drawback. Despite being a CBU unit, it doesn’t get adaptive suspension, which results in sharp-edged bumps felt quite distinctly inside the cabin and broken roads that unsettle the otherwise premium experience. Looking ahead, the Tiguan R-Line will soon face a serious challenge from within Volkswagen’s own stable. Enter the upcoming three-row Volkswagen Tayron R-Line. The Tayron brings significantly more space and an added layer of usability. With its longer body, extended wheelbase, and 5+2 seating layout, it is aimed at families seeking greater flexibility. It also boosts the comfort quotient with features such as power-adjustable, ventilated seats with massage functions, and more.

In conclusion, the Tiguan R-Line remains a compelling contender in the mid-size premium SUV segment, offering solid performance, an upgraded interior, and improved real-world efficiency. However, with the Tayron set to arrive soon with a stronger family appeal, the Tiguan’s relevance may narrow. It will continue to appeal to buyers who prioritise sporty dynamics, but for those seeking maximum practicality and flagship-level comfort, the Tayron could soon steal the spotlight.