Kelly Fisher says, “the new Tiguan is the glow-up we didn’t know we needed”
You don’t always realise how dated a car is until you drive its replacement. I had just come back from a trip to Johannesburg where I spent a few days with the outgoing Tiguan, which — while solid — was showing signs of age. Then I slid into the new Tiguan, and let me tell you, it felt like switching from an iPhone 7 to a 15 Pro Max.
The design has evolved beautifully. It’s still unmistakably Tiguan, but now with softer curves, sharper lines, and a more premium stance. The slim headlights, connected by a neat LED strip, and the refreshed grille give it a bit of the Arteon and ID. family flavour — classy without trying too hard.
Inside, VW has eliminated the old-school buttons in favour of a clean, tech-heavy cabin. It’s got a 15-inch floating touchscreen, a minimalist gear selector on the steering column, and smart backlit sliders for climate control and volume (and yes, this time, they light up at night—thank you, VW). The cabin has a real Audi-lite vibe now, and while purists may miss the tactile nature of physical buttons, the overall upgrade is hard to fault.
Performance-wise, I drove the 1.4 TSI eHybrid, which pairs a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol with an electric motor. On paper, 200 kW sounds promising, and it delivers. The Tiguan feels punchy when you need it to, whisper-quiet when you don’t, and frugal enough to keep your fuel card smiling. If you’re after a more conventional setup, the 2.0 TSI will still be available, but the hybrid is undoubtedly the star of the show.
Practicality remains a core Tiguan trait. The boot has grown to a respectable 652 litres, and the cabin offers plenty of room for passengers, especially in the rear. Long road trips? Easy. School runs? No problem. A boot full of impulsive home decor purchases? Sorted.
But what stood out most is how refined the driving experience has become. It’s composed, comfortable, and just feels well-sorted. The new adaptive suspension and various drive modes let you tailor the ride to your mood — whether you’re cruising Sandton’s pothole-riddled roads or carving through the Garden Route.
Is it perfect? Not quite. The touchscreen-heavy interface has a learning curve, and the price is definitely on the premium side. But given how much you’re getting in return — design, tech, comfort, and refinement — it’s hard to argue with its appeal.
After spending time with both versions back-to-back, I can safely say: the new Tiguan is an upgrade of note.
