The Volkswagen Tiguan I 2.0 TSI (200 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, capable character. While not initially sold in the United States during this first generation, the Tiguan was a significant model in Europe, offering a premium feel and available all-wheel drive in a relatively small package. It served as a key competitor to vehicles like the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, and Nissan Qashqai in the European market.
Volkswagen Tiguan I: An Overview
The Tiguan I, built on the PQ35 platform shared with the Volkswagen Golf Mk5 and Audi TT, was designed to appeal to buyers seeking a versatile and modern SUV. The “Tiguan” name itself is a portmanteau of “tiger” and “iguana,” intended to convey a sense of both power and agility. The 2.0 TSI 4MOTION variant, equipped with a turbocharged direct-injection engine and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, was a popular choice for those prioritizing performance and all-weather capability. This model offered a balance between fuel efficiency and spirited driving, making it a practical choice for daily commutes and longer journeys.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tiguan I 2.0 TSI 4MOTION is a 1.984-liter (121.07 cubic inches) inline-four cylinder engine. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and is equipped with a turbocharger and intercooler, allowing it to produce 200 horsepower at 5100 rpm and 280 Nm (206.52 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1700 and 5000 rpm. This configuration delivers a power-to-liter ratio of 100.8 hp/l. Power is delivered to all four wheels via a six-speed manual transmission and Volkswagen’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system. The 4MOTION system is a permanent all-wheel-drive system, meaning it continuously distributes power to all four wheels, enhancing traction and stability, particularly in adverse weather conditions. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 7.9 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 7.5 seconds. The vehicle boasts a maximum speed of 210 km/h (130.49 mph).
Design & Features
The Tiguan I features a contemporary SUV design, characterized by its relatively compact dimensions and clean lines. It’s a five-door vehicle with seating for five passengers. The exterior styling is understated yet modern, with a focus on functionality and practicality. The interior is well-appointed, offering a comfortable and spacious cabin for its class. Key features of the Tiguan I 2.0 TSI 4MOTION include its all-wheel-drive system, which provides enhanced grip and stability on various surfaces. Safety features, typical for the era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis design. The interior offers a practical layout with a focus on ergonomics and usability. Trunk space is a notable feature, offering 470 liters (16.6 cubic feet) with the rear seats up and expanding to 1510 liters (53.33 cubic feet) with the rear seats folded down. The vehicle’s ride height of 200 mm (7.87 inches) provides adequate ground clearance for light off-road use.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I |
| Type (Engine) | 2.0 TSI (200 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) | 11.6 l/100 km (20.3 US mpg, 24.4 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 6.7 l/100 km (35.1 US mpg, 42.2 UK mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 8.5 l/100 km (27.7 US mpg, 33.2 UK mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 199 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 7.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 7.5 sec |
| Maximum speed | 210 km/h (130.49 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 5 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 7.9 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 200 Hp @ 5100 rpm |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 1700-5000 rpm (206.52 lb.-ft. @ 1700-5000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CAWB, CCZA |
| Engine displacement | 1984 cm3 (121.07 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 82.5 mm (3.25 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 92.8 mm (3.65 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 9.6:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Valvetrain | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity | 4.7 l (4.97 US qt | 4.14 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1578 kg (3478.89 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2210 kg (4872.22 lbs.) |
| Max load | 632 kg (1393.32 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%) | 2200 kg (4850.17 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 2200 kg (4850.17 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.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | All wheel drive (4×4) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Tiguan I 2.0 TSI 4MOTION represented a significant step forward for Volkswagen in the compact SUV market. Its combination of performance, practicality, and available all-wheel drive made it a compelling choice for European buyers, and laid the groundwork for the continued success of the Tiguan model line.
