2009 Volkswagen Tiguan Reviewed by Susan Frissell
	One might ask why does Volkswagen need another contender in its lineup? The obvious answer: To compete with the small crossovers already available. The Tiguan is a "purpose-built" vehicle hoping to capture the fast-growing compact crossover utility vehicle market. A mid-sized "station wagon" of the 21^st century, the compact CUV's combine the best of two worlds: SUV-like qualities-the up-high driving position, and the option of all-wheel-drive. At this time, there are about 12 CUV's competing in the marketplace, including the ever-popular Honda CR-V, the biggest seller. Representing the U.S., Korea, Japan and Europe, this is still a growing and desirable category. For those who don't want, or need to drive a large SUV, yet need a little something more than a sedan, the CUV fills the void. Unlike truck-based sport utes, the CUV's are based on car platforms, making for a smoother, more friendly ride. Most are front-wheel-drive configuration, with optional all-wheel-drive.  The Tiguan fits all specs for a compact SUV, albeit, a little pricier than some of the competition. Volkswagen's Tiguan (a cross between iguana and tiger!) is designed to compete particularly against Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4 and Saturn Vue, with projected sales of 23,000 annually. The Tiguan is available in three trim levels: S, SE and SEL, and with front-wheel-drive and a six-speed manual gearbox, starts at $23,890. The top-of-the-line SEL is equipped with VW's 4Motion AWD system and starts at $32,940. Volkswagen doesn't skimp on the amenities and loaded the SEL Tiguan with a nav system, leather upholstery, panoramic sunroof and other options. Never mind you're topping out at $37,000 for a vehicle that's smaller than a midsize SUV. Some may squawk at this. Our test vehicle was the SE model, equipped with AWD, which VW says will probably account for most of the Tiguan sales, in front and all-wheel drive.  Its base price was $29,565, and with options (navigation system, sunroof, upgraded alloy wheels, trailer-towing package, side air bags for rear seats), came to $33,565. Ouch. The Tiguan's interior is classy and features a sporty instrument panel design. Air conditioning vents number eight, and you can choose between two different cloth coverings in the S and SE versions. The SEL features leather. Our test vehicle featured one of the available cloth interiors that seemed serviceable and able to hold up to wear and tear. Volkswagen's 2-liter turbocharged, 200 horsepower engine is shared in the SE and SEL trim levels, except for the base front-drive S model. The S model comes equipped with a six-speed manual transmission; the SE and SEL, a six-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic manual shift mode. The Tiguan, VW hopes, will conjure up feelings of the VW GTI, the performance version of the VW Rabbit. Aimed at enthusiasts, Tiguan will appeal to the young and restless. The Tiguan offers lots of power, a smooth ride, and is a well-handling vehicle. It's got the get-up-and-go you'd expect from the turbocharged engine, giving it that sporty feel and fun-to-drive demeanor. Offering room for four people, Tiguan's rear seat backs recline and move back, which you'll want them to do when accommodating rear seat passengers. Our optional sunroof was used frequently during warm summer days, and the power-operated shade came in handy when temps topped 85 degrees.
SPECS MSRP: $29,565 (with destination); total vehicle price $33,565 Engine: 2-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder, 200 horsepower Wheelbase: 102.5 in. Length: 194 in. Width:  71.2 in. Weight: 3,397 lbs. Height: 66.3 in. Passenger/cargo volume: 95/24 cu.ft. EPA Fuel Economy: 18/24 mpg.