Volkswagen Tiguan plug-in hybrid long-term test: report 6
This recently refreshed plug-in hybrid SUV can travel up to 30 miles on a charge. We're living with one to see if the Tiguan should be on your new car shortlist...
The car Volkswagen Tiguan 1.4 eHybrid Elegance
Why it’s here To show that going green doesn’t mean compromising on longer journeys, even if you can’t charge at home
Needs to Be economical, both around town and on a motorway, offer a comfortable and refined experience, and function as a mobile office when needed
Mileage 3336 List price £39,640 Target Price £39,056 Price as tested £40,695 Test economy 49.5mpg Official economy 153.2mpg
6 August 2022 – Simple, but effective
A moment of praise, please, for the gear selector in my Volkswagen Tiguan. And before you think I must be the most boring man on Earth, let me explain.
You see, some of the Tiguan’s rivals take a novel approach to changing gear. In the Hyundai Tucson, for example, you press a button on the centre console, while in the Kia Niro you twist a dial. Go for the Volvo XC40, meanwhile, and there’s a stubby rocker to select your gear.
All of those methods get the job done, but I prefer the simple lever of my Tiguan. It’s easy to grip, it’s easy to shift and it feels nice to touch – which, considering it’s one of the areas of your car that you’re likely to touch a lot, is a bonus.
Call it simple, call it old-fashioned, but I appreciate that ‘normal’ design of my car. It just works – and that’s the highest praise I could give it.
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