The Volkswagen Tiguan I (facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT (150 Hp) represents a significant iteration of Volkswagen’s entry into the burgeoning compact SUV market. Introduced as a more accessible and fuel-efficient option within the Tiguan range, this variant was primarily sold in Europe and other international markets. While the Tiguan was eventually offered in North America, this specific engine configuration was not. The Tiguan I, launched in 2007, aimed to blend the practicality of a small family car with the elevated driving position and perceived robustness of an SUV. The 2011 facelift brought styling updates and, crucially, revised engine options, including the 1.4 TSI BMT, designed to meet increasingly stringent European emissions standards.
Volkswagen Tiguan I (Facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT: An Overview
The Tiguan I, positioned below the larger Touareg in Volkswagen’s SUV lineup, was intended to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile vehicle for both urban commuting and weekend adventures. The facelifted model, produced from 2011 onwards, featured revised front and rear styling, updated interior materials, and improvements to the chassis for enhanced ride comfort and handling. The 1.4 TSI BMT engine, a key component of this update, focused on delivering a balance of performance and fuel economy through the implementation of BlueMotion Technology (BMT), which included start/stop functionality and regenerative braking.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tiguan I (facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated CZDA, utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 150 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 250 Nm (184.39 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. The engine’s power-to-liter ratio is a respectable 107.5 hp/l. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.3 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 8.8 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 198 km/h (123.03 mph). The engine’s design prioritizes fuel efficiency, achieving combined fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, meeting Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Tiguan I (facelift 2011) is a five-door, five-seater SUV characterized by its relatively compact dimensions and practical interior layout. The body style is a traditional SUV shape, offering a commanding driving position and good all-around visibility. The 2011 facelift brought subtle but noticeable changes to the exterior, including a revised front grille, headlights, and bumper. Inside, the cabin features a functional dashboard design with a focus on ergonomics. Standard features typically included air conditioning, power windows, and a basic audio system. Safety features, crucial for a family vehicle, included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and multiple airbags. The rear seats can be folded down to increase cargo capacity, ranging from a minimum of 470 liters (16.6 cu. ft.) to a maximum of 1510 liters (53.33 cu. ft.) with the seats folded. The vehicle’s kerb weight is 1424 kg (3139.38 lbs), with a maximum permissible weight of 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs).
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI BMT (150 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2015 |
| End of production | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 7.8 l/100 km (30.2 US mpg, 36.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.6 l/100 km (42 US mpg, 50.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg, 44.1 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 8.8 sec |
| Maximum speed | 198 km/h (123.03 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.5 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.7 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (184.39 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZDA |
| Engine displacement | 1395 cm3 (85.13 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 74.5 mm (2.93 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| 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 | 1424 kg (3139.38 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2050 kg (4519.48 lbs.) |
| Max load | 626 kg (1380.09 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%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1800 kg (3968.32 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 750 kg (1653.47 lbs.) |
| Permitted towbar download | 100 kg (220.46 lbs.) |
| Length | 4426 mm (174.25 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 2041 mm (80.35 in.) |
| Height | 1703 mm (67.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2604 mm (102.52 in.) |
| Front track | 1569 mm (61.77 in.) |
| Rear track | 1571 mm (61.85 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension, Transverse stabilizer |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| 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 (facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT offered a compelling package for buyers seeking a practical, fuel-efficient, and reasonably well-equipped compact SUV. While not initially sold in the US market in this specific configuration, it represented a significant step in Volkswagen’s efforts to expand its global presence in the competitive SUV segment.
