The Volkswagen Tiguan I (facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT (125 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 between 2015 and 2015. The Tiguan, in general, aimed to blend the practicality of a hatchback with the elevated driving position and perceived safety of a small SUV, appealing to a broad demographic seeking a versatile vehicle for both urban and occasional off-road use. This specific 1.4 TSI BMT model focused on balancing performance with economy, utilizing Volkswagen’s advanced engine technology to deliver a competitive driving experience.
Volkswagen Tiguan I (Facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT: An Overview
The Tiguan I, launched in 2007, was Volkswagen’s first dedicated compact SUV. The 2011 facelift brought styling updates, improved interior materials, and refinements to the engine lineup. The 1.4 TSI BMT (BlueMotion Technology) variant, equipped with a 125 horsepower turbocharged engine, was designed to meet increasingly stringent European emissions standards while providing adequate performance for everyday driving. The “BMT” designation signifies the inclusion of fuel-saving technologies like start-stop functionality and regenerative braking. While not officially sold in the United States, the Tiguan was a popular choice in Europe, offering a compelling alternative to rivals like the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage.
Engine & Performance
The heart of the Tiguan I 1.4 TSI BMT is a 1.4-liter, inline-four cylinder gasoline engine, designated CZDB. This engine utilizes direct fuel injection and a turbocharger with an intercooler to produce 125 horsepower at 5000-6000 rpm and 220 Nm (162.26 lb.-ft.) of torque between 1500-3500 rpm. The turbocharging system provides a broad torque curve, enhancing drivability in various conditions. Power is delivered to the front wheels via a six-speed manual transmission. Acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h (0-62 mph) takes 10.6 seconds, while 0-60 mph is achieved in approximately 10.1 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 186 km/h (115.58 mph). The engine’s specific output is 89.6 horsepower per liter, demonstrating Volkswagen’s focus on maximizing efficiency. The inclusion of BlueMotion Technology contributes to a combined fuel consumption of 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg), and CO2 emissions of 149 g/km, aligning with Euro 6 emission standards.
Design & Features
The Tiguan I (facelift 2011) features a classic SUV silhouette with a five-door body style and seating for five passengers. The exterior design is characterized by its relatively conservative styling, reflecting Volkswagen’s design philosophy of understated elegance. The facelift brought revised front and rear fascias, updated headlights and taillights, and new alloy wheel designs. Inside, the cabin is functional and well-built, with a focus on practicality. The interior materials were upgraded in the facelifted model, offering a more premium feel. Key features include a comfortable driving position, ample headroom and legroom for passengers, and a versatile cargo area. The trunk offers 470 liters (16.6 cu. ft.) of space with the rear seats up, expanding to 1510 liters (53.33 cu. ft.) when the rear seats are folded down. Safety features, typical for a vehicle of this era, include ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and a robust chassis designed for stability. The vehicle’s kerb weight of 1416 kg (3121.75 lbs) contributes to its balanced handling characteristics.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Volkswagen |
| Model | Tiguan |
| Generation | Tiguan I (facelift 2011) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.4 TSI BMT (125 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) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.4 l/100 km (36.8 US mpg) |
| CO2 emissions | 149 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed | 186 km/h (115.58 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.4 kg/Nm |
| Power | 125 Hp @ 5000-6000 rpm |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1500-3500 rpm (162.26 lb.-ft.) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | CZDB |
| 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.) |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 |
| 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 | 1416 kg (3121.75 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 2040 kg (4497.43 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) |
| Length | 4426 mm (174.25 in.) |
| Width | 1809 mm (71.22 in.) |
| Height | 1703 mm (67.05 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2604 mm (102.52 in.) |
| Number of gears | 6 |
| Type of gearbox | Manual transmission |
The Volkswagen Tiguan I (facelift 2011) 1.4 TSI BMT, while not a high-performance vehicle, offered a compelling package of practicality, fuel efficiency, and Volkswagen build quality. It served as a popular choice for buyers seeking a versatile and economical compact SUV in European markets.
