Volkswagen Tiguan 110 R-Line
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 110 TSI R-Line is a variant of Volkswagen’s popular compact SUV that combines a turbocharged engine with sporty R-Line styling. The 110 TSI refers to the 110 kW (kilowatt) 1.4-liter turbocharged petrol engine, which delivers a good balance between performance and efficiency. The R-Line trim adds sporty design elements and enhanced driving dynamics. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications and a comprehensive review.
Volkswagen Tiguan 110 R-Line Key Specifications
Engine and Performance
- Engine Type: 1.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine (TSI)
- Power Output: 110 kW (150 hp) at 5,000-6,000 rpm
- Torque: 250 Nm at 1,500-3,500 rpm
- Transmission: 6-speed DSG (Dual-clutch) automatic transmission
- Drive Type: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
- Fuel Economy:
- Combined: 6.2-6.5 L/100 km (42-45 MPG)
- Top Speed: ~200 km/h (124 mph)
- Acceleration (0-100 km/h): ~9.2 seconds
Dimensions
- Length: 4,486 mm (176.6 inches)
- Width: 1,839 mm (72.4 inches)
- Height: 1,632 mm (64.3 inches)
- Wheelbase: 2,681 mm (105.6 inches)
- Ground Clearance: 201 mm (7.9 inches)
- Curb Weight: Approximately 1,580-1,620 kg
Interior and Comfort
- Seating Capacity: 5 passengers
- Upholstery: R-Line-specific sports seats with fabric or optional leather upholstery
- Infotainment: 8-inch touchscreen display with Volkswagen’s Composition Media system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility
- Bluetooth Connectivity
- USB and AUX inputs
- Audio System: 8-speaker standard sound system (upgrade options available)
- Climate Control: Dual-zone automatic climate control
- Cargo Space:
- 615 liters (rear seats up)
- ~1,655 liters (rear seats folded)
Safety Features
- Airbags: Dual front airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags
- Driver Assistance:
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Lane Assist (Lane Departure Warning)
- Front Assist (Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian detection)
- Park Assist (semi-automated parking)
- Rearview Camera
- Additional Features:
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
- Traction Control System (TCS)
- ISOFIX child seat anchors
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
R-Line Specific Features
- Exterior Styling:
- R-Line bumpers with a sportier, more aggressive design
- Gloss black grille, side skirts, and larger rear spoiler
- 19-inch or optional 20-inch R-Line alloy wheels
- R-Line badging
- Interior Enhancements:
- R-Line sports steering wheel with paddle shifters
- R-Line aluminum pedals
- R-Line branded scuff plates
- Sports front seats with extra bolstering for better support
Volkswagen Tiguan 110 R-Line Review
Pros:
- Stylish Design: The R-Line trim adds a dynamic and sporty appearance to the Tiguan. With exclusive design elements like sportier bumpers, larger alloy wheels, and R-Line badging, it stands out on the road.
- Turbocharged Performance: The 1.4-liter TSI engine is both responsive and efficient. While it’s not a performance powerhouse, the turbo provides a good amount of torque low in the rev range, making it nimble around town and comfortable on highways.
- Interior Comfort and Tech: The R-Line sports seats provide excellent comfort and support. The 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is intuitive, and the Apple CarPlay/Android Auto integration is a big plus for modern drivers who want seamless smartphone connectivity.
- Cargo Space: For a compact SUV, the Tiguan offers a generous amount of cargo room. With 615 liters of space behind the rear seats and 1,655 liters when the seats are folded, it’s practical for families or those needing extra luggage capacity.
- Safety: Volkswagen’s driver assistance features are a highlight. The inclusion of adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist, and emergency braking enhances the overall safety of the vehicle, making it a reliable family car.
Cons:
- Performance Limitations: While the 1.4-liter engine is adequate for most driving situations, it might feel underpowered for those who expect more dynamic acceleration or frequently drive with heavy loads. It doesn’t provide the same level of power as some of its larger competitors or even other Tiguan variants with bigger engines.
- FWD Only: The 110 TSI R-Line comes only with front-wheel drive, which limits its capability compared to AWD variants, especially for those living in areas with challenging road conditions (snow, rough terrain, etc.).
- Price for R-Line Additions: The R-Line trim is visually appealing and adds some sporty elements, but it also comes at a premium. For some, the extra cost may not justify the primarily cosmetic upgrades, especially since the engine remains unchanged from other non-R-Line models.
- Firm Ride Quality: Due to the larger wheels and sporty suspension setup in the R-Line trim, the ride quality can feel firm, particularly on rough roads or uneven surfaces. Those looking for a softer, more comfort-oriented ride may prefer other Tiguan trims.
- Fuel Efficiency Can Vary: While official numbers suggest decent fuel economy, in real-world conditions (especially with more spirited driving), the turbocharged engine may consume more fuel than expected, particularly in urban environments.
Driving Experience
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 110 TSI R-Line offers a well-balanced driving experience, particularly for city driving and highway cruising. The 1.4L turbocharged engine, combined with Volkswagen’s DSG transmission, provides smooth and quick gear changes. The torque is accessible from lower RPMs, making it responsive in stop-and-go traffic or when overtaking at moderate speeds. However, for drivers looking for thrilling performance, the 110 kW engine may feel somewhat restrained.
The R-Line’s sports suspension and large wheels give the vehicle a sporty feel, but this also makes the ride a bit firmer than the standard Tiguan, particularly on less-than-ideal roads. However, the handling is precise, and the Tiguan remains composed, with little body roll in corners.
Interior and Technology
Inside, the Tiguan 110 TSI R-Line is well-equipped with modern tech and high-quality materials. The seats are comfortable for long journeys, and the driving position is excellent, offering good visibility. The dashboard is clean and user-friendly, with the touchscreen infotainment system being a standout feature. The Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility make it easy to connect smartphones and use apps like navigation and music streaming.
While the cabin is spacious enough for passengers in both the front and rear seats, it’s worth noting that taller passengers might find the rear seats a bit cramped, particularly for long trips.
Competitors
- Mazda CX-5: Offers more engaging handling and a more powerful engine option, though its interior space is slightly less.
- Honda CR-V: The CR-V excels in interior space and practicality, but it doesn’t offer the same sporty look and feel as the R-Line.
- Hyundai Tucson: Offers better value for money and a longer warranty, but its performance might not be as sharp as the Tiguan’s.
Verdict
The 2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 110 TSI R-Line is a stylish and well-equipped compact SUV with a sporty edge. Its turbocharged engine offers a good balance of performance and efficiency for daily driving, and the R-Line trim adds visual appeal and some sporty interior features. It’s a great option for those who want a versatile and well-built compact SUV with an upscale look, but it may not be ideal for those seeking top-tier performance or all-wheel drive capability.
For drivers prioritizing design, safety features, and tech over raw power and off-road capability, the Tiguan 110 TSI R-Line makes a compelling case.