2012 Volkswagen Tiguan in North Plainfield, NJ - $10,999

Billed by the automaker as "The GTI of compact Sport Utility Vehicles", Volkswagen first introduced the all-new Tiguan SUV to the American marketplace in 2009. Fun, hip, modern and upscale, the front-wheel drive Tiguan SUV was the German automaker's well-executed first attempt at a compact SUV.

Comprehensively re-designed and updated for 2012, the 2013 Tiguan brings new standards of design aesthetics, driving dynamics, safety features, and precision German engineering to one of the fastest-growing segments of the market. Available in S, SE and SEL trim levels, minor changes for the 2013 model year include an electronic parking brake, a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel, and a leather shift knob. The SE trim receives a partial power passenger seat, while the SEL gets a full power passenger seat with memory and a rearview camera.

In profile, the Tiguan is distinguished by its raked-back windscreen, rising waistline, large side windows, and an unmistakable, trademark C-pillar at the rear. On SE and SEL trims, a distinctive ring of chrome around the side windows, coupled with black-painted window frames, works to visually enhance the car. The Tiguan's design reflects its ability to conquer all weather conditions. The squared-off wheel arches feature plastic surrounds to protect the paintwork, while the short overhang at the front allows a 28-degree approach angle.

Power for the compact Volkswagen SUV is generated by the soul of the iconic Volkswagen GTI - a 2.0L turbo-charged four-cylinder prime mover that is bolted to a precise-shifting six-speed manual transmission, standard on the Tiguan S. The rest of the Tiguan line-up comes standard with a six-speed automatic with Tiptronic® manual shifting, Sport mode, and Dynamic Shift Program (DSP). 4Motion permanent all-wheel drive models feature a Haldex center differential.

Mounted in a lightweight, one-piece aluminum subframe, the Tiguan's strut-type front suspension has lower control arms and long-travel coil springs. At the rear, the robust four-link system was designed to cope with the rigors of off-roading and to accommodate the Tiguan's available 4Motion all-wheel drive. So it is mounted in a high-strength steel subframe and features a broad lower control arm on each side, located by a trailing link, with the coil spring bearing directly on the trailing link and the damper on the wheel hub assembly. Among the benefits of this almost neutral layout is excellent straight-running stability on highly-uneven surfaces and reduced tire wear.

For the driver looking for even sportier handling, the Tiguan SEL model features a sport-tuned suspension with firmer settings together with 19-inch "Savannah" wheels shod with lower-profile 255/40 R19 all-season tires.

Inside the passenger cabin features rich, soft-touch plastics on the fascia, beautifully-stitched cloth on the seats, and crisp, brushed-metal-style trim surrounding the eight dash-mounted air vents and gear shift. The speedometer and tachometer are oversized and have clear markings that can be read at a glance. Between them is a multi-function trip computer that monitors everything from fuel consumption, to trip distance, to setting the clock.

Interior flexibility means spacious seating for five adults, easy step-in through the wide-opening doors, and generous legroom and headroom. But the versatility of the Tiguan's seating sets it apart and makes it the perfect lifestyle vehicle. The rear seat has a 40/20/40 split to fit an owner's load-carrying needs. Fold down the wide center section and it can accommodate skis, or fishing gear, or rugs, while still having space for passengers on either side.

With the rear seats in place, there is still impressive space in the load area. For the ultimate in load carrying, the available folding front passenger seatback also folds forward and flat to accommodate loads up to 98 inches long. The rear seat can also slide forward six inches to increase luggage space in the back, and for a little extra comfort on road trips, each of the rear seatbacks can be adjusted.

Dimensions & specifications

Wheelbase: 102.5; overall length: 174.5; width: 71.2; height: 65.6

All vehicle measurements are in inches

Engine: 2.0L turbo four-cylinder – 200 hp at 5,100 – 6,000 rpm and 207 lbs-ft of torque at 1,700 – 5,000 rpm.

Transmission: six-speed manual; six-speed automatic

EPA Fuel Economy: 18 city/26 hwy. (FWD/manual); 21 city/26 hwy. (FWD/automatic); 20 city/26 hwy. (AWD/automatic).

Cargo capacity: 56.1 cubic feet

Payload capacity: 1,195 lbs.

Towing capacity: 2,200 lbs.

Safety features

Dual front airbags, dual front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, dual front head curtain airbags, four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock, brake assist, electronic brake-force distribution, anti-slip regulation, electronic stability program, electronic differential lock, hill-hold control, anti-intrusion side door beams, Bluetooth hands-free phone system, tire pressure monitoring system, engine immobilizer, anti-theft alarm, remote keyless entry, central locking and automatic power door locks. SE adds fog lights. SEL adds keyless access with push button start, rain-sensing windshield wipers, Bi-Xenon high intensity discharge headlamps, daytime running lights, adaptive front lighting system, low-beam assist and rearview camera.



Warranty

Basic: 3-year/36,000 mile Bumper-to-bumper

Powertrain: 5-year/60,000 mile

Corrosion: 12-year/unlimited

Roadside Assistance: 3-year/36,000 mile 24-hour

Pricing

The base Manufacturers Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for the 2013 Volkswagen Tiguan SUV starts from $22,995 for the Tiguan S manual upto $37,130 for the SEL 4Motion. Destination charges add $825.