The good: The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S packs the performance of a sport compact car into a small SUV. Neat Auto Hold option keeps the vehicle stationary on steep hills and at long traffic lights.
The bad: The interior lacks excitement. Cabin tech is virtually nonexistent at this trim level. Sound quality on the audio system is poor at higher volume levels.
The bottom line: Former VW GTI owners who need more space for a family will absolutely love the performance of the Volkswagen Tiguan S, but those looking for high-tech options will want to look further upmarket.

One of the first things we noted about the 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan S is its similarity to Volkswagen's hot hatch, the GTI MkV. Both vehicles have 200 horsepower 2-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Both have about the same amount of passenger space and a similar wheelbase and track width. Aside from the Tiguan's taller stance, you'd be hard pressed to note any difference between the two vehicles when driven with a degree of civility.
However, when driven aggressively, the differences become more apparent. The Tiguan's taller ride height and ground clearance translate into a higher center of gravity and more body roll through hard turns. The Tiguan's extra 271 pounds over the four-door GTI equals a 0 to 60 time of 7.8 seconds versus the GTI's 6.9 seconds.
The GTI could beat the pants off of the Tiguan on a track, but that's not really the point. Consider that the Tiguan is a compact SUV packing performance that's only slightly bested by Volkswagen's hottest sport compact, but with more cargo volume and a smoother ride quality, and the Tiguan is all the more impressive.
Test the tech: Mountain road exploration
With specifications that rival those of a sport compact car and a transmission that boasts a Sport mode, we decided to see if the Tiguan S could put its money where its mouth is on a twisty mountain road. After finding an appropriately serpentine course for our test, we had to print directions because of our Tiguan's lack of a navigation system. Hopping behind the wheel, we studied our course and hoped we wouldn't get lost.

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The Tiguan is on fire here in Australia. 12 month wait for a diesel!

But I don't understand why. It looks so blah.

If the production MINI crossover ends up looking anything like the concept I suspect life will be quite tough for the Tiguan. Though there's a very real possibility I may be alone on that one.

Yeap, I don't understand why as well, They are extremely popular, I saw 2 on the road even before the official on sale date. It seems to be a good car though, both Drive and Wheels have rated it the best small SUV around.

It did do well in the comparisons to come out on top. But then again the competition isn't particularly strong.

But it looks like a bar of soap externally and the interior doesn't even look or feel German anymore.

I think people regard the VW as prestigious alternative to the Rav4, Forrester and CRV. And that is doesn't cost any more helps it immensely. The dealer mentioned to me that VW was considering a price hike of up to 6k.

Wow what an ugly car