The Volkswagen Tiguan I 2.0 TDI BMT (110 Hp) is a compact SUV produced by the German manufacturer Volkswagen from 2010 to 2011. Representing the first generation of the Tiguan model, it was designed to bridge the gap between Volkswagen’s smaller SUVs and larger crossover vehicles. Primarily sold in the European market, the Tiguan I offered a blend of practicality, fuel efficiency, and a more modern aesthetic compared to its predecessors. This particular variant, powered by a 2.0-liter TDI BMT engine, focused on delivering a balance between performance and economy, appealing to buyers seeking a versatile and efficient vehicle for both urban and long-distance driving.
Volkswagen Tiguan I 2.0 TDI BMT: An Overview
The Tiguan I was Volkswagen’s entry into the burgeoning compact SUV segment, a market increasingly popular with families and individuals seeking a vehicle that offered the space and versatility of an SUV with the driving characteristics of a passenger car. The “BMT” designation in the engine name stands for “BlueMotion Technology,” indicating the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies like start-stop functionality and optimized aerodynamics. The 2.0 TDI engine was a mainstay of Volkswagen’s diesel lineup, known for its reliability and efficiency. The Tiguan I aimed to provide a premium feel and build quality, typical of Volkswagen vehicles, at a competitive price point.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tiguan I 2.0 TDI BMT is a 1,968 cc (120.09 cu. in.) inline-four cylinder diesel engine. This engine produces 110 horsepower (Hp) at 2,750-4,200 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1,750-2,750 rpm. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. The engine utilizes a turbocharger with an intercooler to enhance performance and efficiency. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 11.9 seconds, while 0 to 60 mph is achieved in approximately 11.3 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 174 km/h (108.12 mph). The engine’s power-to-weight ratio is 75.1 Hp per tonne, and the torque-to-weight ratio is 191.1 Nm per tonne. The inclusion of BlueMotion Technology contributes to the vehicle’s fuel efficiency, with combined fuel consumption rated at 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg), and CO2 emissions of 139 g/km, meeting Euro 5 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Volkswagen Tiguan I is a five-door SUV with a seating capacity for five passengers. Its design is characterized by clean lines and a relatively understated aesthetic, typical of Volkswagen’s design philosophy at the time. The vehicle’s dimensions are 4,427 mm (174.29 in.) in length, 1,809 mm (71.22 in.) in width, and 1,686 mm (66.38 in.) in height. The wheelbase measures 2,604 mm (102.52 in.). The interior focuses on practicality and functionality, with a focus on providing a comfortable and spacious cabin. Key features include a standard anti-lock braking system (ABS), electric power steering, and a transverse stabilizer for improved handling. Trunk space is a versatile 470 liters (16.6 cu. ft.) with the rear seats up, expanding to 1,510 liters (53.33 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. The Tiguan I also offers a fuel tank capacity of 64 liters (16.91 US gal, 14.08 UK gal) and a maximum roof load capacity of 75 kg (165.35 lbs). The vehicle’s ground clearance is 200 mm (7.87 in), providing adequate capability for light off-road conditions.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TDI BMT (110 Hp) |
| Start of production | 2010 |
| End of production | 2011 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | SUV |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – urban (NEDC) | 6.3 l/100 km (37.3 US mpg, 44.8 UK mpg, 15.9 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – extra urban (NEDC) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) – combined (NEDC) | 5.3 l/100 km (44.4 US mpg, 53.3 UK mpg, 18.9 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (NEDC) | 139 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 174 km/h (108.12 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 13.3 kg/Hp, 75.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.2 kg/Nm, 191.1 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 110 Hp @ 2750-4200 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1750-2750 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1750-2750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CFFD |
| Engine displacement | 1968 cm3 (120.09 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 95.5 mm (3.76 in.) |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.3 l (4.54 US qt | 3.78 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1465 kg (3229.77 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2080 kg (4585.62 lbs.) |
| Max load | 615 kg (1355.84 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 | 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 (Back) track | 1570 mm (61.81 in.) |
| Front overhang | 925 mm (36.42 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 898 mm (35.35 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 200 mm (7.87 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 12 m (39.37 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 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 2.0 TDI BMT (110 Hp) represented a significant step forward for Volkswagen in the compact SUV market, offering a compelling combination of fuel efficiency, practicality, and a refined driving experience. While superseded by later generations, the Tiguan I remains a popular choice for those seeking a reliable and versatile vehicle.
