Early Scoop on Volkswagen Tiguan’s U.S. Launch, Diesel Delayed? Not Coming?
For some time now, reports and rumors had us believing that a U.S.-market diesel variant of the Volkswagen Tiguan was a done deal. Today at the Boulder, Colorado launch of VW’s new compact softroader, we were reminded that you can’t always believe what you hear—and you can’t always get what you want. The first 2009 Tigs are rolling into dealerships as you read this, but all of them will be powered by the same 2.0-liter turbocharged four that’s found under the hood of the GTI hot hatch. In U.S.-spec guise, that means an even 200 horsepower and 207 pound feet of torque, yoked to either a 6-speed manual or automatic with a manumatic gear lever. EPA mileage figures range depending on transmission choice and the number of driven wheels, but a front-drive manual S model receives a rating of 19 city / 26 highway. The full-boat SEL with 4Motion and automatic transmission returns 18 city / 24 highway.
According to Tom Ellis, VW’s vice president of marketing, the company wants very much to bring a TDI Tiguan to the States, but they’re still trying to determine whether they can do so and still sell it at a reasonable price point that will ensure profitability. Further complicating matters is that the Tiguan is proving to be a hot seller in Europe, where it has been on sale for some time now. Ellis quotes customer wait times as being “several months,
Comments
Cicero
Yeah, why wouldn't we in the USA want something with great torque and milage right away
Mena
I actually thought this would cost more. I'm surprised! Also, $27k for the diesel isn't too much, IMO. $30k for a nicely equipped one still isn't that bad.
Michael
I have to agree. Granted, I won't buy a vehicle brand new, but still that isn't a bad price, especially for a diesel.
Nickel
I don't understand, people are routinely paying thousands more for a hybrid in order to get questionable increases in fuel economy-this could be VW's hybrid killer. Come on VW, get in the game!
OPF
I have this peaceful message for all automakers of the world:
DAMMIT BRING THE DIESELS TO AMERICA ASAP!!!
There's a demand, and its far from polluting as much as it did years back. VW is a pioneer in America for diesels. Europe is SO in advance on us for this!
JAPAN, wake up to te market opprtunities and bring not only diesel Maximas or Accord, but give the Versa, Yaris, Fit, etc..., the chance to have the diesels!
I have friends waiting for the first automaker to bring an affordable and reliable diesel SUV.
Why wait longer!?!?! :mad:
mbslrm
$30k for a loaded TDI isn't that bad.
Russ Bellinis
One thing about the new CAFE standards is they will either bring in diesels, pay the gas guzzler tax, or try to sell a car so slow it would lose in a race with a slug! The diesel may be more expensive than the gas models, but it is probably competitive with a hybrid.
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Needer of MPGs
I would definately buy it for $27,000. I am with you, Mena, I thought this was going to be a $27,000 car with the gasoline engine - BRING THE DIESEL!!!!!!!!!
Mena
OPF,
Diesel Accord is on the way. 2009 model.
Ducati Minor
$27K is entirely speculation. Don't get your hopes up.
So is the 30% overall increase.
BigWill
At the moment, a gas SE is $27K, an SEL is $31K and an SEL with 4Motion is $33K. Adding the estimated $3K premium for a diesel plus the inevitable dealer markup, it's easy to see why VW isn't enthused about offering a diesel. It also highlights VW's bigger problem - their cars are overpriced. As it is, I have a REAL hard time justifying why a SEL 4Motion is worth $3K more than a 2009 Subaru Forester XT Turbo with nav. And that's ignoring the VW vs. Subaru reliability comparison.
Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? - Autom
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Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? | 9auto
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Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? | Autos
[...] the Tiguan is just one more of the many mediocre-mileage tall wagons from which to choose. [Source: Winding Road] addthis_url = [...]
jay
the tiguan has a 6 speed automatic.not a 5 speed as stated above
Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.? | Cars
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Volkswagen Tiguan diesel launch delayed in the U.S.?
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bmwloco
I'm in VW sales. I was told by the regional that it would be "18 months out for the TDI"
After a couple years of selling VWs, I believe it when the semi pulls in and drops them off.
Terry
Just visited local VW dealer for service on my 2005 Jetta TDI. Looked at the Tiguans in showroom & was very disapointed at the 18/24 MPG. Don't think they will sell. Nice looking vehicle, but I am waiting for the diesel version. Not sure why VW is waiting, even at $4.899 per gallon I am very happy with Jetta TDI. 60,000 miles, consistent 38 mpg around town & 45-48 on highway. BMW, Volvo, Benz all have diesel scheduled for US market. Maybe Honda will put a diesel in their CRV.
j
We were going to buy a Tiguan but have decided to hold for better mileage. If the turbodiesel comes we would consider buying 2 Tiguans as we like the size and prefer AWD for Montana. Jetta Sportswagen TDI would be great but w/o 4motion reluctant to get one here. Again if the Jetta Sportswagen TDI had 4motion we would consider getting 2. We have an Audi A4 Avant (Quattro) and a Honda Pilot (selling presently because of poor mpg), Mercedes M350 (selling as well), and a Scion Xa which has good mileage but front drive - we want good mileage and AWD. I hope VW is reading this. We spend part of our time in the UK where 4motion + diesels are offered on almost everything. The timing is good for VW to offer diesels and 4motion.
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