Skip advert
Advertisement

New Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 BiTDI 2017 review

The punchy 2.0 bi-turbo diesel is the most powerful VW Tiguan available, but is it worth the extra money?

Overall Auto Express rating

4.0

How we review cars
Avg. savings
£2,919 off RRP*
Find your Volkswagen Tiguan
Compare deals from trusted partners on this car and previous models.
Or are you looking to sell your car?
Value my car
Fast, no-nonsense car selling
Value my car

This BiTDI is the most powerful Volkswagen Tiguan on sale and packs quite a punch, marrying performance with the usual refinement and high-tech ambience we’ve come to expect from VW’s mid-size SUV. However, in £37,080 SEL trim it’s pricey when a two-wheel drive 2.0 TDI 150 DSG in the same spec costs £5,240 less, is more efficient and does pretty much everything this car can do. However, if four-wheel drive and grunt are essential, then this Tiguan ticks the box.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Volkswagen’s Tiguan SUV has been on sale for a number of months now, and as models flood our roads, bosses are looking to maintain interest by introducing an new top-of-the-range 237bhp 2.0-litre bi-turbo diesel to the range.

But to mark the motor’s exclusivity, it’s only available in two trim levels: the £37,080 SEL model we test here and an even pricier £39,270 R-Line model for those wanting something sportier. Whichever way you cut it, though, that’s quite the sum of money – but this Tiguan justifies its price tag with some impressive performance figures.

Alongside the power output, the twin-turbo motor serves up 500Nm from just 1,750rpm, so with launch control from the standard-fit seven-speed DSG auto gearbox the Tiguan sprints from 0-62mph in an impressive 6.5 seconds. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Used - available now

Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen

Tiguan

25,150 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £28,076
View Tiguan
Tiguan

2023 Volkswagen

Tiguan

13,917 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £29,988
View Tiguan
Tiguan

2020 Volkswagen

Tiguan

45,099 milesAutomaticDiesel2.0L

Cash £18,422
View Tiguan
Tiguan

2024 Volkswagen

Tiguan

21,370 milesAutomaticPetrol1.5L

Cash £19,500
View Tiguan

That torque output means its extra performance over the 187bhp 2.0 TDI (which boasts 400Nm of torque) is more noticeable once the car’s rolling. The gearbox swaps ratios smoothly, but with lots of mid-range punch you don’t need to stamp on the throttle, which quickly causes the gearbox to kick down.

Best 4x4s and SUVs on sale right now

You can make smoother progress and easy overtakes in-gear by being gentle on the accelerator, while the quick steering means the Tiguan is surprisingly agile given its high-riding crossover stance.

There’s lots of grip and not too much roll, although the chassis setup does feel firmer than rivals as a result. At least it gives the Tiguan a composed feel in corners, and with VW’s 4MOTION four-wheel drive system (fitted as standard here) you’ll rarely see the traction control light blinking under power.

There are drawbacks, however. Claimed efficiency stands at 44.1mpg, with CO2 emissions of 167g/km. While that may not seem to bad, it’s a drop compared to the 148bhp 2.0 TDI 4Motion DSG auto’s 49.6mpg and 149g/km. Go for a two-wheel drive version of that car and this improves even further to 57.6mpg and 125g/km. 

Best crossovers on the market

Herein lies the BiTDI’s problem. While there’s no doubting the performance it serves up, it comes at quite a price – even on a monthly PCP deal.

Given most Tiguans won’t venture off-road, a lower-powered two-wheel drive 2.0 TDI DSG does everything the high-power car does, save for the slightly snappier performance. 

With a 615-litre boot it’s just as practical, and the same high-tech options are available. Quality is still first rate and there’s no compromise when it comes to refinement. Only there’s a big saving to be had, too.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric. 

New & used car deals

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £35,385Avg. savings £2,919 off RRP*Used from £14,600
Mercedes GLB

Mercedes GLB

RRP £38,340Used from £20,995
Nissan X-Trail

Nissan X-Trail

RRP £36,225Avg. savings £6,353 off RRP*Used from £8,995
Skoda Kodiaq

Skoda Kodiaq

RRP £38,140Avg. savings £3,019 off RRP*Used from £11,895
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel
Opinion - VW ID.7 GTX

Electric car drivers won’t ever go back to petrol or diesel

Editor Paul Barker thinks the EV transition is coming whether we like it or not
Opinion
28 May 2025
It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA
Opinion - Jaguar

It's only a matter of time before Jaguar Land Rover builds a factory in the USA

Mike Rutherford thinks Jaguar's 'Reimagine' strategy will result in the company exploring further opportunities in the USA
Opinion
25 May 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Bag the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI for under £300 a month
Volkswagen Golf GTI - front cornering left 1

Car Deal of the Day: Bag the iconic Volkswagen Golf GTI for under £300 a month

It’s arguably been the daddy for 50 years, and can be snatched for a low price right now. The VW Golf GTI is our Deal of the Day for 27 May
News
27 May 2025