Traditional medicine

Volkswagen Tiguan does not engage all-wheel drive. We test the front-wheel drive Volkswagen Tiguan with manual transmission

First acquaintance with the new VW Tiguan

Less than four years have passed since the smallest crossover of the Volkswagen brand was updated. And this is not just restyling, but a completely new model in the same base. Only some engines have not changed. And, of course, the name is short and intriguing

Perhaps no other car has such a number of options and systems, most of which are responsible for safety, per centner of vehicle weight. There are now seven engines, and only two different sizes. Three gearboxes, two drive types, several performance levels...

Mini Touareg

From a distance, the new product can be mistaken for its older brother named Touareg. It turns out that this was what was intended - to make the appearance of the company's SUVs recognizable and different from ordinary cars. The new “muzzle” gave the Tiguan solidity. Now it can be recognized even from a great distance - by its U-shaped daytime running lights. At the rear, Touareg features are also visible.

Oddly enough, the new Tiguan has not become larger than before. Contrary to the completely widespread phenomenon of a gradual increase in class from model to model, the new Tiguan turned out to be even slightly smaller than the old one - the front-wheel drive version is 17 mm shorter, and the all-wheel drive version, due to the less inflated front bumper, is as much as 171 mm shorter! The base remained the same - 2604 mm. The width and height have also remained unchanged.

You can distinguish the front-wheel drive version from the 4x4 without even bending down: the “under-drive” version has a thicker front bumper, due to which the approach angle is only 18° versus 28° for a full-fledged crossover. The remaining parameters of geometric cross-country ability - departure angle (25°), ramp angle (20°) and ground clearance (200 mm) - are the same for them and do not depend on the type of drive.

The car amazes with a surprisingly large number of equipment and various systems, many of which are installed in the basic version. The newcomer will be available in four standard trim levels - Trend & Fun, Track & Field, Sport & Style, Track & Style. But even in the simplest (Trend & Fun or Track & Field) Tiguan already has ESP, six airbags, climate control, electromechanical power steering, electric windows, multifunction display, height-adjustable front seats and alloy wheels. In addition, you can order additional driving dynamics control systems such as adaptive suspension DCC, automatic high beam Light Assist or Dynamic Light Assist, Lane Assist, driver fatigue detection function, Park Assist or Park Pilot, rear view camera, electronic locking XDS differential. I can’t even believe that all this can fit (figuratively, of course) into one, generally speaking, small car.

New songs about the main thing

If 70 years ago the Germans sang that for them Germany is above all (Deutschland, Deutschland uber alles!), now, using the example of the new Tiguan, they sang a completely different song: Die Sicherheit ber alles! - safety comes first! Therefore, in addition to six basic airbags, the new Tiguan can be equipped with two more - rear side airbags. All seats, except the rear center seat, are equipped with seat belt force limiters - in the event of an accident, they reduce the load on the chest area. The optional package includes seat belt tensioners in the outer rear seats as well. The systems are interconnected: for example, the airbag activation system exchanges information with all main control units. Thanks to this, in the event of an accident, the hazard warning lights turn on without driver intervention, the door locks are unlocked and the fuel pump is turned off.

There is nowhere more universal

Although the body type of the new Tiguan remains the same - technically it is a five-door hatchback - in essence it has become more versatile. The back of the rear seat of the car not only folds in a ratio of 3:2, but the seat itself can be moved longitudinally by 16 cm. In addition, the backrest can be adjusted in tilt - within 23°, and separately for the right and left passengers. But that's not all. In the …& Style trim levels, the back of the front passenger seat can be completely folded forward, which makes it possible to transport objects up to 2.5 m long inside the cabin. The central part of the rear seat easily turns into a table, armrest or opening for transporting long items.

There is a drawer under each front seat, and the seats themselves have lumbar support adjustment (Trend & Fun and Track & Field) or they are simply sporty (…& Style).

The luggage compartment floor is perfectly flat. Even with a full passenger load, the trunk can hold 470 liters. The maximum volume with the rear seats folded is 1510 liters, and the load capacity is 670 kg. In addition, the new Tiguan is a reliable travel companion: its towbar can handle loads of up to 2.5 tons!

City hatchback or light SUV? Both, say the folk swagenovites. Available with two types of drive, the Tiguan combines both classes, regardless of the type of drive. The only difference is that all-wheel drive will be noticeably more passable.

What's under your hood?

The new Tiguan offers as many as seven engines. All are inline-four and turbocharged. Four of them are petrol and three are diesel. Among the gasoline ones, three are completely new. All gasoline engines are TSI series. The weakest of them, with a volume of 1.4 liters, produces 122 hp. It is familiar to us from the old version of Tiguan. The next one, with the same volume, is capable of delivering 160 hp. It, like the next two, was not previously in the VW range. This engine uses Volkswagen's patented Twincharger technology (with turbocharging and compressor). The next two engines are two-liter: one produces 180, the other 210 hp. Thanks to turbocharging, their torque level is as smooth as possible in almost the entire running speed range - from 1800 to 5000. These engines will go on sale a little later.

Three diesel engines have the same volume - 2.0 liters. The base one develops 110 hp. The output of the next one is 140 hp. The most powerful one is ready to boast a figure of 170 hp.

Some may be equipped with a start-stop system. Its essence is that during even short stops the engine stalls (on the multifunction display, so that the driver does not get lost and understand the reason for turning off the engine, the Start (A) Stop message appears), and then, as soon as the driver presses the clutch (on a manual), or releases the brake pedal (on automatic), starts again. Moreover, this happens so softly, smoothly and imperceptibly that you gradually forget about this system and take it for granted. The version of this Tiguan is called BlueMotion Technology (BMT).

In Europe, the basic gearbox for all engines is a six-speed manual. As an option for two-liter engines, you can choose a new seven-speed DSG automatic transmission (robotic, with two clutches). However, it is not yet possible to buy it in Russia: instead, we will be supplied with the old proven hydromechanical six-speed automatic transmission of the classic type.

Off-road arsenal

The legend given to us included a section of light off-road terrain. It began only in Austria, after the asphalt path leaving the resort town of Elmau was replaced by gravel. It led to the top of the Hartkaiserbahn mountain, 1520 m high, where the ski lifts, idle in the summer, ended. The road went through a spruce forest and twisted heavily. The climbs were such that the driver could not see the ground - only the sky. The wet gravel from the recent rain often forced the front wheels to slip, but the rear wheels immediately came to their aid. The Tiguan's 4MOTION all-wheel drive transmission is designed in such a way that during normal driving, only 10% of the torque is transmitted to the rear axle. As soon as road conditions change, the electro-hydraulic all-wheel drive clutch integrated into the rear axle gearbox is engaged. The electric pump pumps oil into the receiver and always maintains an operating pressure of 30 bar.

Optionally, the new Tiguan is equipped with an electronic differential lock system XDS. It extends the electronic locking functions already integrated into the ESP system. When cornering at high speed, XDS improves handling and changes the car's steering towards neutral, preventing possible slipping of the unloaded wheel located closer to the center of the turn by actively braking. This improves wheel grip on the surface.

On the way to Munich on the German autobahn we managed to try out another new system for the Tiguan. Its essence is that when changing lanes without turning on the turn signal, it prevents the driver from doing this, noticeably making the steering wheel heavier. It doesn’t matter to her whether the markings on the road are intermittent or continuous. As soon as the turn signal turns on, the steering becomes light again. Tested: it works!

Some statistics

In four years, 600 thousand first-generation Tiguan crossovers were sold worldwide. It was liked not only in Russia and Europe, but also in the USA, China, Brazil and Australia. In Germany, it has firmly captured 21% of the compact crossover market, and in Europe - 12%. In Russia, only those Tiguans that are assembled at the plant in Kaluga will be sold.

Verdict

Thrust-to-weight ratio
A large number of engines will satisfy the needs of any picky person. The power of even the weakest of them is quite enough to confidently force both the urban jungle and rough terrain. And for those who like to drive, there is a 200-horsepower gasoline and a 170-horsepower turbodiesel. However, diesel engines in Russia are not equipped with mechanics.

Comfort
In fact, comfort is at the level of a good passenger car - without any hint of SUVs with their stiff suspension and jumping ability. It does not cause motion sickness, and passengers do not get very tired on a long journey.

Behavior on the road
Here the Tiguan is in its element. The fully spring suspension, tuned specifically for good roads, has led to the fact that, while in the car, you sometimes forget that you are driving something that is not quite a passenger car. He is completely obedient to the steering wheel and gas.

Off-road behavior
When driving off the asphalt even in an all-wheel drive Tiguan, one must not forget that this is still not an LR Defender or even its namesake Touareg. Yes, he can do some things there, but not everything. He can only knead the dirt that was brought onto the asphalt by trucks from a neighboring construction site, and he likes shallow snow.

In the end
A serious crossover from a prestigious family with above-average driving qualities that significantly raise it above its competitors, even despite its considerable price.

Volkswagen Tiguan 4MOTION*
Modification	1.4TSI	2.0 TSI	2.0 TSI	2.0 TDI
WEIGHT AND DIMENSIONS INDICATORS
Curb/full weight, kg	1621/2170	1667/2220	1689/2230	1679/2260
Length/width/height, mm	4433/1809/1709
Wheelbase, mm	2604
Track front/rear, mm	1569/1571
Ground clearance, mm	200
Tires front/rear	215/65R16 (27")**		235/55R17 (27.2")**	215/65R16 (27"), 235/55R17 (27.2")
Trunk volume, l	470–1510
ENGINE
Type, quantity and distribution cylinders	Petrol, turbocharged, R4			Turbodiesel, R4
Working volume, cm 3	1390	1984		1968
Power, hp (kW) at rpm	150 (110) at 5800	170 (125) at 4300	200 (147) at 5300–6200	140 (103) at 4200
Max. torque, Nm at rpm	240 at 1750–4000	280 at 1700–4200	280 at 1700–5200	320 at 1750–2500
TRANSMISSION
Transmission	MT6	AT6	AT6	AT6
All-wheel drive type	Constant
CHASSIS
Suspension front/rear	Independent/Independent
Brake. mechanisms front/rear	Ventilated disc/disc
PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
Maximum speed, km/h	192	197	N.d.	182
Acceleration time 0–100 km/h, s	9,6	9,9	N.d.	10,7
Fuel consumption city/highway, l/100 km	10,1/6,4	13,5/7,7	N.d.	9,2/5,9
Fuel/fuel tank capacity, l	AI-95/64			Dt/64
Price, rub.	1 011 000	From 1,136,000	1 283 000	From 1,177,000

*Modifications for the Russian market
** The outer diameter of the tires is indicated in parentheses

Competitors

Ford Kuga
The car has clearly sporting ambitions. Therefore, on rough terrain it is a very weak competitor to the Tiguan. The choice of engines is too poor - one petrol and one diesel. The cost of Kuga is slightly higher, and besides, it is no longer young. Price in Russia – from 1,147,000 rubles.

Nissan Qashqai
An old player in the Russian crossover market is unlikely to be forgotten after the appearance of the new Tiguan in the showrooms of VW dealers. The engine is only 2.0 liter petrol. The main attraction for many is the cost - it is perhaps the lowest for a 4x4 vehicle from a well-known company. Price in Russia – from 980,000 rubles.

SsangYong New Actyon
The classic SUV has turned into a crossover. Under the hood there is only a two-liter diesel engine (albeit with two different powers). Considering that the car is assembled in Russia, the cost is so high that even its older brother and real SUV, the Kyron, turned out to be cheaper! Price in Russia – from 879,000 rubles.

Many owners of this model, and not only this one, but also other vehicles with all-wheel drive, periodically encounter this problem. To do this, it is not at all necessary to encounter difficult road conditions; failure can occur even in a simple harmless situation. All-wheel drive can be connected, it is designated as AWD, and permanent. Plug-in all-wheel drive differs from permanent all-wheel drive; it completely lacks a central differential.

This design provides for the transfer of most of the power to the driving wheels, in this model the front wheels, and only when the need arises, the drive to the rear wheels is automatically engaged. For this, even a slight slip of the drive wheels is enough.

Drive does not work

This phenomenon causes a lot of problems for owners, so let’s try to understand a little about the possible causes of failures. There are plenty of reasons, they can start from a simple breakdown of some drive part, to failures of control sensors or electrical equipment. So, as an example, a malfunction of the oil temperature sensor in the box can be cited; the drive will no longer turn on correctly.

Similar problems can occur if there are malfunctions in the operation of control devices on the power unit, the elimination of which restores its normal operation. Modern cars are equipped with anti-lock brake systems. If its sensors incorrectly read readings from the rotating wheels, this will inevitably cause failures in connecting the all-wheel drive. Problems with the drive were noted when the outboard bearing in the propeller shaft failed.

What else should you pay attention to?

Experts have noticed that most problems arise with the hydraulic and electrical parts of this unit. The electrician in this system services control devices in the form of various sensors and actuators. The main burden of the performance of this system lies on the hydraulics, which turn on the mechanism.

The rear axle has a differential housing into which a disc friction clutch is built. This car model is equipped with a Haldex coupling, which is one of the company's latest developments. This product is very critical to the cleanliness of the working parts of the clutch and transmission oil in the system. The presence of impurities in the lubricant can cause the injection pump to fail. Therefore, for trouble-free operation of this system, all routine maintenance must be observed and performed.

Car on test drive "Avtodel":
Engine: 1.4 l TSI 122 hp
Box: 6-speed manual transmission
Equipment: Trend&Fun 1.4 TSI BlueMotion (front wheel drive)
Cost of the set: RUB 964,790
Vehicle warranty: 2 years unlimited mileage

Despite the growing popularity of automatic transmissions, manual transmissions are still most in demand among Russians. Although in large cities a whole generation of those who drive only automatic transmissions has grown up, many Russian residents are still “toad-strangled” to spend money on a more expensive mechanism, in which they are similar to thrifty Europeans. Therefore, our test drive included a manual version of the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover.

In principle, it is more profitable for automakers to sell cars with automatic transmission. They are more difficult to maintain, and concerns earn more from their after-sales service. This is to some extent beneficial for the consumer: if service networks are developed, their services are transparent and affordable, then servicing your car yourself is not so attractive. As a result, if everything is fine in the dealer network, then more and more people transfer the care of the technical condition of their cars into the hands of professionals, leaving themselves only with the pleasure of driving. As a result, the difference between servicing automatic and manual transmissions is leveled out. You can, of course, sigh about those blessed times when the driver was a jack of all trades, but driving cars with automatic transmission is really more convenient for many, and learning to drive is greatly simplified. America, for example, drives automatic cars en masse, leaving “mechanics” to lovers of antiques.

They are also trying to direct us along the path of the Americans. And almost all automakers are doing this at the moment. Concerns are following the path of soft economic coercion. Nowadays, a variety of configurations and engines for “mechanics” is a rare thing.

Volkswagen is no exception here. Moreover, the concern has its own newfangled development of a DSG automatic transmission with two clutch discs, which, according to its creators, should be a death sentence for all existing “mechanics”, “robots” and “automatic machines”. It also needs to be sold, gently but very persistently convincing the consumer that it is better.

Therefore, it is expected that in our market Tiguans with manual transmissions cannot boast of a variety of offers. At the moment, the “handle” for Volkswagen Tiguan will be available in a single version, Trend&Fun. True, it is equipped with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive versions.

It is curious that the VW Tiguan Track&Field version, which is more “tailored” for off-road use, comes exclusively with an automatic transmission. Therefore, the driver who chooses such a car will not only enjoy the benefits of better geometric cross-country ability, but will be forced to buy an automatic transmission. This logic is not very clear to a Russian. Off-road, according to the domestic driver, can be conquered exclusively with manual transmission. However, as practice shows, the Germans know what they are doing when they produce SUVs with automatic transmission. It’s difficult to break the stereotype of Russian off-road enthusiasts, but it’s quite possible - many modern “automatic machines” today really allow a lot, including the notorious “getting started.” But the argument about the impossibility of driving “in the swing” without harm to the car is one of the last strongholds of apologists for “mechanics” off-road.

But the version of the Volkswagen Tiguan we tested doesn't even have all-wheel drive. This is a front-wheel drive city car, and not in the most expensive configuration. Why put such a car on the market? Isn't it easier to install an automatic transmission and target young and active city dwellers who have long forgotten about the third pedal under their feet? Apparently, the appearance of “mechanics” in this particular configuration is due to price considerations. The resulting car has a fairly attractive price for cars of this class. This allows Volkswagen to compete for the attention of Russian buyers who are eyeing inexpensive crossovers made in China and Russia. The emphasis here is on traditional German quality and reasonable price, which is a serious bid in the fight against Chinese companies, whose products do not have the best reputation in terms of reliability.

In principle, the appearance on the market of single-wheel drive vehicles with high clearance in Russia is justified. Unlike prosperous “Europes”, where crossovers are often not in demand (minivans and station wagons are much more popular there), in Russia cars with high ground clearance are only gaining popularity. Roads made using Avtodor's innovative pothole technologies, broken yards, suddenly high curbs and winter potholes due to unremoved snow and ice - these are the true reasons why Russians love crossovers.

Ground clearance of 20 cm, which hasTiguan is a definite plus for him. Although the joy from the high ground clearance is somewhat overshadowed by the rather low front overhang, which provides only 18 degrees of approach angle (for more expensive trim levels it is 28 degrees, which is much more advantageous). However, this bumper shape improves the aerodynamic characteristics of the car, which should reduce fuel consumption and improve the car's stability on the road, thereby making the car more attractive to city dwellers.

At the rear, all Tiguans, regardless of configuration, have the same overhang with an approach angle of 25 degrees.

But the lack of all-wheel drive in the test Volkswagen Tiguan is twofold. Undoubtedly, this seriously reduces the off-road performance of the car, but it also reduces fuel consumption. Therefore, if the bulk of trips are in the city with its regular traffic jams, efficiency begins to play an important role when choosing a car.

The opinion that all-wheel drive is a panacea for all ills during winter is exaggerated. Single-wheel drive cars, all other things being equal, often exhibit more predictable behavior, especially in critical situations. Getting a four-wheel drive car out of a skid is much more difficult. That is why all-wheel drive vehicles today are packed with various technologies designed to ensure driving safety.

So the front-wheel drive crossover has a right to exist. This is a completely adequate response to our road builders and officials. The laws of the market dictate their own rules here: automakers who want to get our money are much more concerned about our comfort than those who are entitled to it due to their status and the responsibilities assigned to them.

Driving Volkswagen Tiguan

So, how does the test front-wheel drive Volkswagen Tiguan behave on the road? This is an easy to drive car with a sporty character and elastic suspension. A comfortable steering wheel with reach and height adjustment fits comfortably in your hand. The Tiguan is a pleasure to drive.

You shouldn't expect sedate behavior from the Tiguan: this car is designed to drive dynamically. Fortunately, the motor is not overly powerful, so fines will not regularly empty the wallet of its owner. Within the limits of the speeds allowed in Russia, the dynamism of the Tiguan will delight the soul both in the city and on the highway - the car has a truly light and playful disposition. But you don’t need to expect any special achievements on German autobahns - ordinary 122 hp. will not let you feel the joy of racing achievements.

Comfortable smoothness, softness and silence should also not be expected from the Tiguan. Interior sound insulation is average, and the very firm suspension can feel shaky. But the Tiguan stands perfectly on the road - you just want to rev it up once again. As a result, the older generation of drivers and passengers may irritate the car with its temper, while the younger generation will truly enjoy the ride.

But the manual transmission takes some getting used to. It all starts with the actual movement of the lever, and ends with the moments of switching. Fortunately, Tiguan helps the driver by prompting the desired gear number on the dashboard display. This makes it much easier to master the intricacies of machine control. But here’s what’s interesting: usually a manual transmission allows for much more dynamic control than an automatic transmission. In the case of the Tiguan, this number will not work: the maximum that can be achieved is to match the dynamics with the DSG gearbox. In this case, there will be much more fuss on the “mechanics”.

To reduce fuel consumption, the manual Tiguan is equipped with a Start-Stop system that turns off the ignition during stops. The impression from the operation of this system is strange: the jerking of the car in traffic jams is annoying and unnerving, so in a dense traffic jam you have to learn to press the brake pedal correctly so that it does not work. If on cars with an automatic transmission such behavior of the car makes you nervous only at first, then on a manual transmission it really gets annoying and confuses you. As a result, in most cases in traffic jams, I simply turned off this system - fortunately, this can be done by lightly pressing a button on the instrument panel.

But what requires praise is the light - it’s good in the Volkswagen Tiguan. His headlights have a warm light. They perfectly illuminate the road, they grab the side of the road well, and the absence of a sharp edge of light ensures comfort during long driving at night. During maneuvers, the headlights illuminate the direction of the turn, which is very convenient at night in Moscow courtyards.

LightVolkswagenThe Tiguan is not only practical, but also aesthetically pleasing. The latest generation of Tiguans can be easily distinguished from the previous one by their recognizable rear marker lights. In addition, the Tiguan boasts welcome lighting - lights under the mirrors illuminate the space near the front doors, which is very convenient in bad weather.

In general, the car is well prepared for the difficult Russian climate and roads. There are headlight washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, and heated mirrors. True, the mirrors can be heated at temperatures below 20C, so during a summer downpour it is impossible to dry the drops, which is somewhat annoying - large “burdocks” in a downpour are quickly covered with drops of water, and all the charm of great visibility comes to naught.

The organization of the interior space of the Volkswagen Tiguan is harmonious, and the interesting air duct system allows you to flexibly regulate the temperature in the cabin.

Surprisingly, the Tiguan's seats were not the height of perfection. Although there are enough settings to create a comfortable seating position, the minimum seat height turned out to be too high for short drivers - the hard edge of the seat cuts into the legs.

The interior lighting and dashboard lighting of the Volkswagen Tiguan are pleasing to the eye and aesthetically pleasing. Soft warm red illumination of secondary functions and pale moonlight illumination of main functions is pleasant for both the driver and passengers.

The standard Tiguan dashboard is informative and easy to read. Buttons for controlling additional functions are also standard and convenient.

Volkswagen Tiguan boasts good musical preparation. A very good radio that can easily pick up Moscow radio stations outside the Moscow region. Four speakers provide high-quality pleasant sound. The multimedia system has an AUX output and supports Bluetooth, but does not have a USB output. For some reason, the VAG concern categorically does not like this format of communication in its cars, stubbornly singling out iPhone owners as a separate caste.

The Tiguan has an enviable selection of various glove compartments, pockets and cup holders, which is very convenient on the road.

ConnectorAUX inVolkswagenThe Tiguan is located in the glove compartment along with the cigarette lighter. The glove compartment lid is well thought out - when closed, it does not cut through wires if mobile devices are located outside. But what is unusual is the electronic hand brake.

Lots of attention inVolkswagenTiguan pays attention to the organization of the rear space. Flexible seat folding system, additional dividers, central armrest, folding tables. Everything for a comfortable trip and luggage transportation.

The Tiguan boasts a spacious trunk with a wide, flat loading niche and good lighting.

But under the floor cover there is a traditional and not very practical in our conditions “dokatka”. However, judging by the height of the sides, you can try to install a full-fledged wheel. But for some money. As a consolation prize - a position lock for the floor cover and convenient niches for tools and small items.

Despite its environmentally friendly BlueMotion technology, start-stop system and regenerative braking, the small turbocharged engine of the Volkswagen Tiguan reacts very strongly to driving style. Although it allows you to drive very dynamically, as well as show very decent behavior at speeds, the price for this is fuel consumption. Indulging in the character of the car, sporty dynamic driving - this is almost two liters of fuel per 100 km.

When the car was taken for a test drive, the average fuel consumption, according to the computer, exceeded 10 liters per 100 km. Quite quickly we managed to bring the consumption up to 7.9 l/100 km, and after several tens of kilometers of quiet driving we reached 7.2 l/100 km. But in the combined cycle there is no need to expect these figures - fuel consumption will be about 8 liters. But in a traffic jam, consumption begins to increase: after half an hour of standing, consumption increased to 8.6 l / 100 km.

Another half hour in traffic jam, and by the time of refueling the fuel consumption was already quite unsportsmanlike 9.2 liters per 100 km. So, in contrast to the pleasant moderation in fuel consumption outside the city, in urban conditions the front-wheel driveVolkswagenTiguan cannot boast of super-outstanding efficiency.

Resume

Volkswagen Tiguan has a perky character. This is a car for young and energetic people. The Tiguan is easy and pleasant to drive, and its high ground clearance allows you to feel comfortable on any road.

Good maneuverability and visibility, a fairly wide and harmonious set of additional functions - all this makes travel easy and comfortable. But you shouldn’t expect a sedate and smooth ride from the car - this is an energetic car with a rigid, elastic suspension.

The lack of all-wheel drive in urban conditions will not affect driving comfort, but will reduce fuel consumption. Well, yes, you’ll have to be a little more careful when driving to your dacha in winter and in the off-season, but you won’t have to learn the intricacies of driving an all-wheel drive.

But choosing a manual gearbox will save money, but will not allow you to achieve greater dynamism than its counterparts with a DSG gearbox.

VolkswagenTiguan is the choice of the young and energetic.

Text and photos

An all-wheel drive vehicle has always been considered more powerful; just remember the SUVs of BMW, Mercedes and Toyota. But over time, all-wheel drive appeared on ordinary cars. Volkswagen cars are equipped with the 4Motion system.

What is 4Motion

In the 4Motion drive, torque is usually distributed from the vehicle unit to the wheel axles depending on the situation on the road. It often happens that the road is passable, but you come across a section with a swamp or other obstacle; in order to get through, you need all-wheel drive. The history of the first installation of the 4Motion system on Volkswagen cars begins in 1998. This system is installed both on sedan and hatchback cars, as well as on SUVs and crossovers.

Among such Volkswagen cars, it is worth remembering the Golf IV, V generations, Volkswagen Transporter minibuses and the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Now let's take a closer look at the 4Motion all-wheel drive system.

What is 4Motion all-wheel drive?

The very name 4Motion all-wheel drive suggests that the system will not be simple. Each part does the work assigned to it. A visual diagram of the 4Motion system shows that the all-wheel drive of Volkswagen cars consists of: vehicle unit (1), transfer case (2), cardan transmission (3), cardan shaft (4), cross-axle differential for the rear axle (5), rear axle engagement clutch ( 6), cross-axle differential for the front axle (7) and vehicle gearbox (8).

Let's look at the design principle of individual components and their purpose in the 4Motion system. The first on the list of work will be the front axle differential. Its purpose is to transmit torque to the driving front wheels from the gearbox. The body itself is connected to the transfer case.

Next on the list is the transfer case, which is itself a bevel gear. Thanks to it, torque is transmitted at an angle of 90°. The friction clutch and transfer case are connected to each other by a cardan transmission from the rear axle drive.

The cardan transmission consists of two shafts connected between joints of equal velocity angles. The shafts themselves are connected to the friction clutch and transfer case using elastic couplings. As you can see in the diagram above, the rear propeller shaft has an intermediate support.

Volkswagen's 4Motion all-wheel drive system uses a multi-plate friction clutch called Haldex. Due to it, torque is transmitted from the front axle of the car. The degree and magnitude of torque transmission depends on the degree of closure of the clutch. Typically, in a 4Motion system, the clutch is integrated into the differential housing of the rear axle.

The 4Motion system uses a fourth-generation clutch, most often found on the Volkswagen Tiguan crossover. Compared to the previous generation of couplings, it has a simpler design. Clutches of the first and second generation can be found on Volkswagen IV and V cars, as well as on the Volkswagen Transporter.

The design of the Haldex clutch itself consists of several friction discs, a pressure accumulator, a pump and a control system. The friction disc package consists of a set of steel and friction discs. Only friction discs have internal engagement with the hub; steel discs have engagement with the drum. The amount of torque that is transmitted will depend on the number of disks in the 4Motion system. As they say, the more discs, the more torque there will be. In turn, the discs are compressed by the pistons.

The Haldex clutch of the 4Motion system is controlled electronically; it also includes input sensors, an electronics control unit and the actuators themselves. The oil temperature sensor is used as an input sensor.

The task of the 4Motion all-wheel drive control unit, as in other vehicle systems, is to convert incoming information and transmit signals to actuators. In addition to the information received from the oil temperature sensor, the control unit pulls information from the vehicle's powertrain control unit and the ABS system.

The actuators of the 4Motion system include a control valve; it is capable of regulating the compression pressure of the friction discs from 0 to 100% of the possible value. The position of the valve determines the pressure value. As for the pressure accumulator and pump, they ensure that the oil pressure in the entire 4Motion system is maintained at 3 MPa.

As you can see, the 4Motion all-wheel drive system from Volkswagen is not quite complicated compared to other manufacturers. The Volkswagen manufacturer began to install it more often on various models of its cars, thereby increasing comfort, handling and reliability.

How the 4Motion system mechanism works

The operation of the 4Motion all-wheel drive system depends on the algorithm constructed by the control unit and the Haldex clutch. As a rule, the following operating algorithms are distinguished:

start of movement;
slipping when starting to move;
moving at a constant speed;
movement with frequent slipping;
sudden braking.

These are the algorithms that are standardly programmed into the control unit of the 4Motion system. When starting from a standstill or accelerating, the valve will usually be closed and the clutch discs will be compressed as much as possible. As a result, maximum torque will be supplied to the rear wheels.

If the 4Motion algorithm is used, when the front wheels begin to slip at the start, the control valve will immediately close and the clutch friction discs will compress. In this case, the torque will be completely transmitted to the rear axle. Regarding the front wheels, one of the wheels will be connected or disconnected in the process using the electronic differential unit of the 4Motion system.

Taking the 4Motion operating situation as a basis, when the car is moving at a constant speed, the valve will open and the discs will compress depending on the driving conditions and road surface. Torque will be transmitted to the rear axle only at the most necessary moments, and basically the entire load will go to the front axle.

The following 4Motion slip algorithm while the vehicle is moving is calculated based on signals received from the ABS system control units. The valve will open depending on the driving conditions of the vehicle. The control unit will look at which axle and which wheels are slipping, and transmit torque to those.

The last way 4Motion works is when the car is braking. In this case, the control valve will be open and the friction clutches will be completely released. Regardless of the situation, torque will not be transmitted to the rear axle during braking.

Video principle of operation of the Haldex coupling on the 4Motion system:

The Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact car with high ground clearance. This car is needed for those who appreciate German quality and for those who want to forget that they are driving a crossover. What do you need to know before you buy a Volkswagen Tiguan? Don't worry, we will tell you everything you want to know about this car as part of the new section "".

Volkswagen is believed to be selling the Tiguan as a top-of-the-range version of the VW Golf GTI. But, despite some obvious similarities in equipment (including the presence of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine, which is installed on the charged Golf GTI), this is not the case. In terms of positioning, these are two completely different cars, although the Tiguan is based on the Golf platform.

For example, those who buy a Volkswagen Golf GTI are most often young people who want a drive on weekends after hard working days at universities, institutes, etc.

If you don't want a low compact Golf, don't want to buy a Ford or any other non-German car, and can't afford a Lexus, then you should consider the Tiguan crossover.

Another comparison example between the Volkswagen Tiguan and the Golf GTI. We all know that the GTI is one of the best in its class. Tiguan no. Yes, undoubtedly, this crossover is a high-quality and comfortable car with all-wheel drive, but it is not as fast, it is more expensive, and it is not as efficient as the legendary VW Golf GTI.

People buy crossovers and SUVs, just like compact A and B class cars, guided by the same wishes, preferences, etc.

Those who want to buy a crossover think about reliability, safety and fuel economy. Most compact car buyers are thinking the same thing. Unfortunately, .

For example, the Track&Field version, which is equipped with a 2.0 TSI 125 engine with 170 hp. and a 6-speed automatic transmission, the 4Motion automatic consumes 13.5 liters per 100 km in the city, 7.7 l/100 km on the highway, and 9.9 l/100 km in the combined cycle.

Agree, such values for a compact crossover, which is based on the VW Golf and has a 2.0 liter power unit, are too unmodern. Taking into account modern standards of efficiency, if you buy this car, you will pay significantly more at each gas station compared to the owners of competing crossovers. Even the 1.4 liter 122-horsepower version of the Tiguan does not have amazing fuel consumption (city 8.3, highway 5.5, combined cycle 6.5).

Therefore, some Tiguan owners often joke that there is a carburetor under the hood of their car.

What's new in the 2015 Volkswagen Tiguan?

The Tiguan crossover has been in production since 2007. In 2011, the car received a restyling. In 2014, the German brand added a sports line of crossovers "R-Line". , releasing the second generation Tiguan. The debut of the car is scheduled for September 15, 2015.

From the very beginning, the car was produced with both front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive. The car is equipped with 1.4 TSI petrol engines with a power of 122 and 150 hp. , turbocharged 2.0 TSI with 170 and 200 hp. and a 2.0 TDI diesel engine with 140 hp. Power units are paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or 6-speed automatic transmission.

It is worth noting that the new Tiguan R-Line series, which was introduced in 2014, is equipped with an automatic seven-speed dual-clutch transmission 7-DSG 4Motion.

It is noteworthy that from 2015, Volkswagen intends to equip the new Tiguan model (for some car markets, the German brand will continue to supply crossovers with a six-speed manual transmission).

Equipment and configurations

Tiguan is presented on the Russian market in 13 different trim levels. All configurations are divided into subcategories of modifications depending on equipment. So in our country the following equipment options are available: Trend&Fun, CLUB, Track&Field, Sport&Style, Track&Style and R-line.

Unfortunately, it is not possible to describe the huge number of versions and configuration options in one article. Therefore, we offer you a description of several of the most popular versions of the crossover.

Trend&Fun: The basic configuration of the crossover is available for the following car modifications:

1.4TSI 90 kW (122 hp) 6-MT Front-wheel drive

1.4TSI 110 kW (150 hp) 6-DSG Front-wheel drive

1.4TSI 110 kW (150 hp) 6-MT 4Motion

2.0TSI 125 kW (170 hp) 6-AT 4Motion.

Starting price from RUB 1,119,000 +. For this money you can buy a 1.4 liter petrol version with 122 hp. with a 6-speed manual transmission that transmits torque only to front-wheel drive.

The machine comes with the following equipment as standard:

- Brake energy recovery

- Body paint is not metallic

- Steel 16" wheels

- Roof rails

- Upholstery - fabric

- Halogen headlights

- Headlight washers

- Fog lights

- Auto Start Stop function

- Electric drives for front windows, rear windows and side mirrors

- Heated side mirrors

- Heated front seats

- Heated windshield washer nozzles

- Dual-zone climate control

- Athermal glazing

- Radio RCD 310

- On-board computer

- Central locking with remote control

- Immobilizer

- Spare wheel - small size

As additional equipment for the crossover, you can purchase two packages of options:

Package No. 1 (Technic)

- Signaling

Leather steering wheel and gear knob

Front armrest

The cost of the package is: 15,910 rubles

Package No. 2 (Comfort)

Automatic headlight leveling

Switching off the front lighting with a delay ("Walk me home" function)

Electric folding mirrors

Rain sensor

Automatically dimming interior rearview mirror

Rear parking sensors

Upholstery

Leather steering wheel and gear knob

Pandu fabric

The cost of an additional package of options for the basic Tiguan package is: 38,800 rubles.

In this configuration, you can also buy a crossover with a 1.4 liter TSI engine with 150 hp. and a robotic 6-speed DSG gearbox. The cost of the car is from 1,253,000 rubles.

True, for this money the car will only be front-wheel drive. Including, for 1,293,000 rubles you will have access to the 1.4TSI all-wheel drive version with 150 hp. with a 6-speed manual transmission. If you want something more powerful, then in the Trend&Fun package you can buy a 2.0 liter turbocharged version with 170 hp. with a 6-speed automatic transmission that transmits torque to all four wheels. Cost from 1,399,000 rubles.

Track&Field: The next configuration after the basic one costs from RUB 1,179,000+. In this version, the Tiguan is only available with 2.0 liter turbocharged engines producing 140 hp. and 170 hp respectively, and only with a 6-speed automatic transmission.

In addition to the standard equipment, the Track&Field package comes with the following equipment:

- Driver airbag

- Passenger airbag with deactivation function

- Curtain airbags

- Front side airbags

- Seat belt pretensioners

- ISOFIX child seat mounting

- Active safety and suspension

- Anti-lock braking system (ABS)

- Brake force distribution (EBD) system

- Emergency Brake Assist (EBA)

- Stability Program (ESP)

- Anti-traction system (ASR)

- Electronic differential lock

- Hill Start Assist (HHC)

- Hill Descent Control (HDC)

- Non-metallic body paint

- Alloy 16" wheels

- Side mirrors with turn signal repeaters

- Roof rails

- Upholstery - fabric

- Halogen headlights

- Headlight washers

- Fog lights

- Adjustable steering column angle

- Steering column reach adjustment

- Lumbar support in the front seats

- Manual height adjustment of the front seats

- Rear parking sensors

- Electric drives of front windows, rear windows and side mirrors

- Heated side mirrors, front seats and windshield washer nozzles

- Dual-zone climate control

- Cooled glove box

- Athermal glazing

- Radio RCD 310

- Radio navigation system RNS 510

- On-board computer

- Central locking with remote control

- Immobilizer

As additional equipment, you can also purchase option packages: "Technic", "Comfort", "Premium" and "Technic-2" .

Technic package

Signaling

Cruise control

Leather steering wheel and gear knob

Front armrest

Multifunction steering wheel

Jack for connecting an external audio device

Price: 20,350 rubles

Comfort package

Switching off the front lighting with a delay ("Walk me home" function)

Electric folding mirrors

Rain and light sensors

Automatically dimming interior rearview mirror

Leather steering wheel and gear knob

Multifunction steering wheel

Price: 20,190 rubles

Premium package

Radio navigation system RNS 510

Rear view camera

Price: RUB 65,360

Technic-2 package

Tire pressure monitoring system

Bi-xenon headlights

Headlight washers

Adaptive road lighting system

Comfortable keyless access

Cost of additional equipment package: 52,710 rubles.

Which version of Volkswagen Tiguan to buy

Of course, first of all, it all depends on your wallet size and personal preferences. First, before purchasing, decide whether the power of the car is important to you and whether you need all-wheel drive, which will not help you even on light off-road conditions. If the main thing for you is fuel consumption, then feel free to buy the 122-horsepower version in the basic configuration, which will delight you with its acceptable efficiency. But you shouldn’t expect anything amazing from this modification.

If power is important to you, but you don’t have the funds to buy the R-Line modification, then buy the 170-horsepower version of the crossover with a 2.0-liter turbo engine. But keep in mind that, despite not very much power, be prepared to spend a lot of money on gasoline.