CAR REVIEW: We drive the all-new Volkswagen Tiguan

Sara-Jayne Makwala King gets the latest motoring news from Melinda Ferguson on Car Talk.

Volkswagen's all-new Tiguan has landed in South Africa, after its launch globally in 2023.

Motoring journo Melinda Ferguson took the R-Line 1.4 litre turbo petrol model on a 500 km test drive in the Eastern Cape.

Up against increasingly cheaper Chinese vehicle brands in South Africa, it seems that Volkswagen has made a point of coming to the table with more competitive pricing, she notes.

"Some of Volkswagen's third generation is cheaper than the second generation! In South Africa, I think especially the German manufacturers have to wake up to the Chinese cars selling mainly due to pricing."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The third generation Tiguan has forged ahead 'in leaps and bounds' especially when it comes to high tech, Ferguson reports.

Among the features she loved are the car's softer lines, its luxury interior, 7-speed DST transmission and the to-be-expected smooth VW drive.

"It has beautiful luxury massage seats this time... The tech is really good, with lots of soft new lights... I think they've done a very good job with this car."

"The drive was as usual fabulous - stable, no road noise, very good suspension. You go 'ok, here's a German car and this is why they're so popular and often so expensive'."

Melinda Ferguson, Motoring Journalist

The new Tiguan is initially available in six models, with three trim lines.

The diesel version is expected to reach SA in November, and the 2 litre turbo petrol version early next year, Ferguson says.

The R-Line 1.4 TSI 110 kW 7-speed DSG that Ferguson drove sells for R651 500.

The price range reaches up to R835 900 for the top-end 2 litre turbo petrol line.

Scroll up to listen to Ferguson's review (skip to 4:40)