The Volkswagen Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT (122 Hp) is a compact SUV produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen between 2010 and 2011. Representing the first generation of the Tiguan model, it was designed to compete in the burgeoning compact SUV segment, offering a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and Volkswagen’s typically understated styling. While not initially offered in the North American market during this specific generation, the Tiguan has since become a significant player in the US SUV landscape. This particular variant, powered by the 1.4 TSI BMT engine, was primarily aimed at European markets where smaller displacement, turbocharged engines were favored due to tax regulations and fuel economy concerns.
Volkswagen Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT: An Overview
The Tiguan I, launched in 2007, was Volkswagen’s first dedicated compact SUV. It was positioned as a more versatile and modern alternative to traditional hatchbacks and estates. The 1.4 TSI BMT version, introduced in 2010, featured Volkswagen’s BlueMotion Technology (BMT) package, focusing on improving fuel efficiency through engine modifications and aerodynamic enhancements. The “BMT” designation signifies these efficiency-focused improvements. This model offered a balance between performance and economy, appealing to buyers seeking a practical and relatively affordable SUV.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated CAXA. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler to boost power output. It produces 122 horsepower at 5000 rpm and 240 Nm (177 lb-ft) of torque between 1500 and 4000 rpm. This torque curve provides good low-end responsiveness, making it suitable for everyday driving. The engine is transversely mounted at the front of the vehicle. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.4 seconds. The top speed is rated at 184 km/h (114.33 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 11.8 kg/Hp, and its power per liter is 87.8 Hp/l.
Design & Features
The Tiguan I features a relatively conservative and functional SUV design. Its body style is a five-door SUV with seating for five passengers. The exterior design is characterized by clean lines, a prominent grille, and relatively modest wheel arches. The interior is well-built, reflecting Volkswagen’s reputation for quality, and offers a comfortable and practical cabin. Key features of the Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT include the Start & Stop System, which automatically shuts off the engine when the vehicle is stationary to save fuel. Safety features, typical for the era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). The vehicle offers 470 liters (16.6 cu ft) of trunk space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1510 liters (53.33 cu ft) when the rear seats are folded down. The Tiguan I’s design prioritized practicality and usability, making it a versatile vehicle for families and individuals alike.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI BMT (122 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.3 l/100 km (28.3 US mpg, 34 UK mpg, 12 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.5 l/100 km (36.2 US mpg, 43.5 UK mpg, 15.4 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 152 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.4 sec |
| Maximum speed | 184 km/h (114.33 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 122 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CAXA |
| Engine displacement | 1390 cm3 (84.82 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 76.5 mm (3.01 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1437 kg (3168.04 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2080 kg (4585.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 643 kg (1417.57 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 470 l (16.6 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1510 l (53.33 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 64 l (16.91 US gal | 14.08 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (8%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1600 kg (3527.4 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4427 mm (174.29 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2041 mm (80.35 in.) |
| Height | 1686 mm (66.38 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2604 mm (102.52 in.) |
| Front track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Rear track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 215/65 R16 |
| Wheel rims size | 6.5J x 16 |
The Volkswagen Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT represented a significant step for Volkswagen in the compact SUV market. Its blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and build quality made it a popular choice in Europe, and paved the way for the more widely available second-generation Tiguan that followed.
