Volkswagen Tiguan test drive since 2011 crossover

PEUGEOT 3008 and Volkswagen Tiguan test drive: 2WD format

The portal Kolesa.ru decided to check the capabilities of front -wheel drive crossovers, to which most buyers are skeptical, using the example of an unusual Peugeot 3008 and the standard Volkswagen Tiguan.

Placing two similar, but ideologically different cars were not our main task. On the other hand, both 3008 and Tiguan have a lot in common. Both cars have very similar external dimensions, increased road clearance, their body around the perimeter are covered with protecting plastic body kit, and exclusively front wheels are driven in motion. And most importantly, both cars are almost the same.

The difference in ideology is that Tiguan was originally created as a more compact version of the talented all -wheel drive Touareg SUV. Even outwardly, cars are very similar.

Peugeot, working on model 3008, did not put off -road qualities in the first place. The French have chosen the main features in which they are traditionally strong: a stylish appearance, a functional and extravagant interior, as well as the honed behavior of a car on the road. The road clearance and plastic body kit increased to 175 mm appeared to justify the experimental at that time of the Hybrid4 all -wheel drive system, where the front wheels rotated the diesel engine and the rear electric motor.

Of course, no one was going to take a complex hybrid system to Russia, and stubborn statistics showed that more than 60% of such popular crossovers as Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Yeti in our country are sold in front -wheel drive.

So let's see what the buyer receives for a car that looks like a small jeep, but outside the road has the opportunity for a regular passenger car.


The fact that Volkswagen Tiguan with full -fledged SUVs has much in common visible to the naked eye. Firstly, it has a 200 mm clearance, which is 2.5 cm more than 3008. Secondly, a body kit made of unpainted plastic protects a significantly larger part of the body than that of Peugeot. A strict classic look with an elongated hood is related to him with his older brother Tuareg.

The external profile of the Peugeot 3008 has a single -volume concept, and is rather compact with an increased road clearance. However, many stylish designer delights are made by the Frenchman, despite his innate puffiness, attractive outwardly.


Moreover, the resemblance to the Wanes made it possible to very competently organize the internally space, in which there was a place for original solutions. The first sensation that arises when you fall into the PEUGEOT 3008 Salon Sensation of the Spaciousness. A huge windshield, in addition to providing an excellent view of the forward, also lets a large amount of light into the salon, subjectively making it more.

But the French divided the lower halves of the driver and the front passenger with a tall central tunnel, which smoothly flows from the front panel. It has a climate control block, a gearbox lever and one of the three (!) Mess, whose lid simultaneously serves as an armrest. On the one hand, the driver literally has the entire functional set of the car at hand. On the other hand, those who are used to sitting in a collapse or simply large people, such a move will seem uncomfortable.


The interior of Tiguan is classic. True, immediately after 3008 in the cabin of the German crossover you feel like in the Tiger tank. The amount of incoming light in Volkswagen Tiguan is less, the windshield is more vertically put, and the rectangular central console is raised high. Yes, and designer delights or original solutions in it cannot be found. But each centimeter of the salon with such zeal is verified by the German ruler that there is simply nothing to complain about. Each button and adjustment are located exactly where it should be, and not a millimeter to the side. Standard ergonomics!


In both cars it will be convenient in the second row of seats. True, in Peugeot Paul under the feet of passengers is absolutely even, and a couple more hiding places hid under the rugs. In the Volkswagen, the feet of the central rider will interfere with a tunnel designed for the cardan shaft of all -wheel drive versions.

The trunk of Peugeot 3008 by 42 liters larger than Tiguanovsky and is organized in an original way. The fifth door is divided into two parts, one of which is a folding board, withstanding, according to the assurances of the French, up to 200 kg. The cargo compartment itself, at the bottom of which is a full -size reserve, can be divided into parts that changes the height of the shelf.

The heart of the German crossover is the over -widespread 1.4 TSI turbo engine, which can be found under the hood of almost any model included in the group of Volkswagen brands. Its power is 122 horsepower, and a pair of motor can be exclusively six -speed mechanics. The Frenchman has a 1.6 engine and also with a turbine that allows you to develop 150 horses. The test 3008 was equipped with a six -speed Aisin automatic machine, although customers can also order a manual box.


It is not surprising that the Peugeot 3008 was noticeably more dynamic. The combination of a powerful motor with a quick automatic transmission gave an extremely positive result. Moreover, the settings of the chassis and steering allow the driver of the French family crossover to move in a fairly aggressive style: the steering reactions are accurate, and the behavior of the car is very stable. The only drawback that was a consequence of the driver’s settings is a hard suspension. PEUGEOT 3008 easily swallows small road hardships, but it is better to slow down before obstacles.


But Volkswagen Tiguan is not afraid of anything. And in this regard, to move along the realities of Russian roads on Tiguan is more pleasant. Of course, no dynamic records should be expected from the engine, but there are enough opportunities in the city. And on the highway, active work with a clear lever of the checkpoint will help the motor. But, thanks to a large road clearance, short overhangs and a successful form of bumper on Volkswagen, you can almost without fear of jumping around the curbs of any height. The geometric patency of the German car is noticeably better.
 

Source: Wheel magazine [March 2012]