The Volkswagen Tiguan I 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) 4MOTION is a compact SUV produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen from 2009 to 2011. Representing Volkswagen’s entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment, the Tiguan aimed to blend the practicality of a small family vehicle with a more adventurous, all-wheel-drive capability. While not initially sold in the United States during this first generation, the Tiguan was a significant model in the European market, competing with vehicles like the Nissan Qashqai, Renault Kadjar, and Hyundai ix35. The “Tiguan” name itself is a portmanteau of “tiger” and “Iguana,” reflecting the vehicle’s intended blend of strength and agility.
Volkswagen Tiguan I: Overview and Market Position
The Tiguan I was based on the Volkswagen Group’s PQ35 platform, shared with models like the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 and Audi TT. This platform allowed for a relatively lightweight and agile chassis. The 1.4 TSI 4MOTION variant, specifically, was positioned as a mid-range offering, balancing fuel efficiency with respectable performance and the added security of Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The 4MOTION system provided enhanced traction in various weather conditions, making it a popular choice in regions with inclement weather. The Tiguan I was a key step for Volkswagen in expanding its SUV lineup and appealing to a broader customer base.
Engine & Performance
The Tiguan I 1.4 TSI 4MOTION is powered by a 1.4-liter turbocharged and supercharged four-cylinder gasoline engine. This engine, designated BWK or CAVA, produces 150 horsepower at 5800 rpm and 240 Nm (177.01 lb-ft) of torque between 1750 and 4000 rpm. The combination of turbocharging and supercharging – a relatively uncommon setup – was designed to provide both low-end responsiveness and high-end power. The supercharger assists the turbocharger at lower engine speeds, eliminating turbo lag and delivering instant torque. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. This powertrain configuration allows for a 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) acceleration time of 9.6 seconds, and a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds, with a maximum speed of 192 km/h (119.3 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 10.3 kg/Hp, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 6.4 kg/Nm.
Design & Features
The Tiguan I features a traditional SUV body style with a five-door configuration and seating for five passengers. Its design was relatively conservative for the time, aiming for a sophisticated and understated appearance. Key design elements included a prominent front grille, sculpted headlights, and a relatively high ride height (200 mm / 7.87 in). The interior was designed with practicality in mind, offering a comfortable and functional cabin. The rear seats could be folded down to increase cargo space, 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. Standard features included ABS, electric power steering, and a transverse stabilizer. Safety features were becoming increasingly important during this period, and the Tiguan I offered a reasonable level of protection for its occupants. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4427 mm (174.29 in) in length, 1809 mm (71.22 in) in width, and 1686 mm (66.38 in) in height.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI (150 Hp) 4MOTION |
| Start of production | 2009 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 10.1 l/100 km (23.3 US mpg / 28 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg / 42.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8 l/100 km (29.4 US mpg / 35.3 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 185 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 9.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 192 km/h (119.3 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 150 Hp @ 5800 rpm |
| Torque | 240 Nm @ 1750-4000 rpm (177.01 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | BWK, CAVA |
| 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 | Turbocharging and Supercharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4 l (4.23 US qt | 3.52 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1546 kg (3408.35 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2170 kg (4784.03 lbs.) |
| Max load | 624 kg (1375.68 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%) | 2100 kg (4629.71 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2000 kg (4409.25 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.) |
| Gears | 6, manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Tiguan I 1.4 TSI 4MOTION, while not a groundbreaking vehicle, represented a solid and well-rounded offering in the compact SUV segment. Its combination of fuel efficiency, all-wheel-drive capability, and practical design made it a popular choice for European buyers seeking a versatile and reliable vehicle.
