MOTOR RIVALS

The newly developed second generation VW Tiguan is the first Volkswagen Group SUV whose design is based on the MQB platform, which is future oriented in all of its aspects. For Volkswagen, the new Tiguan marks the beginning of an SUV product offensive. In upcoming years, the brand will be launching other innovative SUVs that are precisely tailored to specific markets in a wide variety of segments worldwide. Volkswagen will be extending the range of SUV vehicles it offers, especially in the USA. Forecasts indicate that the SUV share will also increase significantly in China. Additional SUV growth will also occur in Europe. Unlike in Europe, car drivers in the USA and China prefer versions with a longer wheelbase. That is why the new Tiguan was systematically developed for two different wheelbases from the start. The MQB improves all aspects of the Tiguan. The body proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are notably sporty, the design shows charisma in all respects, and the vehicle's weight was reduced by over 50 kilograms compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines. A gigantic leap forward has been made in terms of the vehicle's interior space and boot space. The Tiguan is not a crossover between different worlds - rather it has created its own new and authentic SUV world. An SUV that satisfies all expectations - both on-road and off-road. "The SUV." In the second generation Tiguan, Volkswagen designers have created an SUV that transfers a new design quality to this segment in a progressive and competitive way. The precision and logic of its lines as well as its clear and unmistakably dominant character have led to a visual profile of the Tiguan that clearly differentiates it from its competitors. The exterior and interior also form coordinated units in perfect harmony. This resulted in a new original - a masterpiece.

Powertrain

The many different equipment configurations may be combined with a total of eight Euro-6 engines. In this class, Volkswagen provides a turbocharger, direct injection, stop-start system and battery regeneration as standard. The four petrol engines (TSI) produce 92 kW / 125 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 132 kW / 180 PS and 162 kW / 220 PS of power. The four diesel engines (TDI) produce 85 kW / 115 PS, 110 kW / 150 PS, 140 kW / 190 PS and 176 kW / 240 PS of power. The base engines of the new Tiguan are launching with front-wheel drive. All of the other Tiguan versions offer all-wheel drive either as an option or as standard. Compared to the previous model with Euro-5 engines, the four-cylinder engines in the new Tiguan are up to 24 per cent more fuel-efficient.

Many drivers of a Tiguan value the possibility of driving off-road in a safe way - either in business or private use. In addition, the all-wheel drive system offers added safety in adverse weather conditions. The fact is that Volkswagen also offers the highly efficient 4MOTION all-wheel drive system in the new Tiguan, either as an option or as standard, depending on the engine selected. The ground clearance of all Tiguan 4MOTION versions is 11 mm higher (200 instead of 189 mm).

Chassis

The MQB architecture improves all aspects of the Tiguan. The proportions of the latest Volkswagen SUV are even sportier, the design is truly charismatic, and the vehicle's weight was reduced by more than 110 pounds compared to the previous model. A gigantic leap forward has been made in terms of the vehicle's interior and trunk space: the capacity of the trunk has increased by 1.8 cubic feet, to 18.4 cu ft, and the load space can be enlarged to 21.8 cu ft by sliding the rear bench seat forward, by up to 7.1 inches. When the rear seat is folded, the cargo capacity is 58.5 cu ft, a gain of 5.1 cu ft.

Technology

The new Tiguan is one of the world's most advanced A-SUVs with an impressive array of innovations. These innovations enhance the vehicle's safety, convenience, infotainment and dynamism. First, there are technologies like the 12.3-inch Active Info display (interactive, fully digital main instruments with five information profiles) and the head-up display that is being offered for the first time in a Volkswagen SUV that forge new paths for user operation and information channels. In the Trendline equipment version, the Tiguan is equipped with the Composition Touch radio system (5.0-inch monochrome touchscreen) as standard. The Tiguan Comfortline and Highline get the Composition Colour radio system (5.0-inch colour touchscreen) at no extra charge. The Composition Media radio system (8.0-inch colour touchscreen) is also available. Other option levels are the Discover Media and Discover Pro radio-navigation systems (both also have 8.0-inch displays). All of these systems are part of the second generation modular infotainment matrix (MIB II).

The MIB II creates the proper conditions for connecting the Tiguan with today's Apple and Android smartphones via App Connect. In addition to MirrorLink™, App Connect also integrates CarPlay™ (Apple) and Android Auto™ (Google) into the infotainment systems. The Media Control app makes Volkswagen one of the first automakers to also offer an interface to the infotainment system for tablets. On-board once again is the Volkswagen online service Guide & Inform, which lets users access services such as latest traffic jam warnings, information on available parking spaces in nearby car parks (number of spaces and address) and information on filling stations (fuel prices and addresses).

Safety

New standard systems of the base version (Trendline) are the mentioned Front Assist surroundings monitoring system including City Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Monitoring as well as the active bonnet. A new standard feature is the Lane Assist lane departure warning system. In addition, the safety equipment is completed by a network of seven airbags, including a knee airbag on the driver's side. Another general feature of all Volkswagen vehicles based on the MQB is the Automatic Post-Collision Braking System; it helps to avoid hazardous secondary collisions. A standard feature from the middle equipment level (Comfortline) is the Driver Alert System.

The top version (Highline) is also equipped with adaptive cruise control (ACC), which utilises radar-based control to accelerate the Tiguan or brake it and thereby always maintain the correct distance to traffic ahead. If the SUV is equipped with DSG in addition to ACC, it automatically handles stop-and-go traffic as well (traffic jam assist). Other Tiguan systems that assist in active or passive safety include the optional Side Assist (lane-changing assistant), Pre-Crash proactive occupant protection (detects elevated collision potential, tensions the front seatbelts to preventively restrain the driver and front passenger and closes open windows and the sunroof to just a small gap), Emergency Assist (recognises if the driver is no longer responsive and brakes the car to a stop) and Area View (360 degree all-round view using four cameras) that is especially useful off-road.

After a major refresh for 2015 that brought a new powertrain, significantly enhanced exterior and interior styling and a long list of new standard and available features, the 2016 Honda CR-V returns with a new Special Edition (SE) trim and a lineup with a starting Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $23,595. The new Special Edition CR-V is positioned above the LX trim by adding larger 17-inch alloy wheels with an exclusive two tone finish, second-row and rear privacy glass, and security system. With only an $800 premium over the LX, the SE represents a high-value proposition for the premium look and additional feature content. The new Special Edition (SE) trim is positioned between the LX and the EX and is available in front-wheel drive (FWD) and all-wheel drive (AWD) versions. Together with the top-of-the-line Touring version introduced last year that includes the Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive technologies, CR-V is now available in 12 trim/wheel drive versions.

The bold front fascias unified design blends the solid grill and upper air intake with the four-lamp, multi-reflector halogen headlight arrays in a smart upward sweep. This dynamic grill shape is inverted below by the aggressive-looking lower air intake/skid plate design, in contrasting silver, and fog light pods to create a deep, multi-dimensional look. Commanding horizontal lines at the rear and the contrasting silver colored skid plate design continue the wide, planted look of the new CR-V. The CR-Vs body retains the aerodynamic efficiencies of the previous version, with numerous design elements such as a long roofline and integrated rear spoiler that assist in producing a low coefficient of drag. The EX-L and Touring trims are equipped with roof rails that start at the A-pillars and sweep along the roofline toward the rear end of the vehicle (available as an accessory on CR-V LX and EX). These rails provide an attachment point for an accessory rack, while also providing a dramatic visual element. The rails are fully functional, with three anchor points per side. The Touring trim also receives special badging with black debossing on a chrome background.

Powertrain

The 2015 CR-V's new Earth Dreams Technology™ 2.4-liter direct-injected DOHC i-VTEC inline 4-cylinder engine produces 181 lb-ft of torque, an 11-percent increase over the previous engine's 163 lb-ft while making the same 185 horsepower. The new lighter-weight engine is mated to a new continuously variable transmission (CVT) with G-design Shift that provides smooth, seamless ratio changes and contributes to increased EPA fuel economy ratings of 27/34/29 mpg (city/highway/combined) for front-wheel-drive models and 26/33/28 mpg for the Real Time AWD models.

For drivers who desire the four-season confidence of all-wheel drive, the CR-V is available with Real Time AWD with Intelligent Control System to help provide power to those wheels with traction in low-grip driving conditions such as snow, rain and unpaved road surfaces. The electronically controlled all-wheel-drive system provides a fast, intuitive initial response when a loss of traction is detected and minimizes the negative effect on fuel efficiency.

Chassis

The fundamental goodness of the CR-Vs packaging is retained for the 2015 model, with ample room for five, including generous headroom of up to 39.9 inches and passenger volume of up to 104.1 cu-ft. The comfort provided by these interior dimensions is accomplished in concert with an aerodynamically efficient body design. The 2015 CR-V rides on the same 103.1-inch wheelbase as the previous model but is 1.1 inches longer at 178.3 inches. Width is the same as the 2014 CR-V, at 71.6 inches, but track is slightly wider for all trims, beginning with 62.1 inches front/62.2 inches rear for the LX FWD. Height remains the same at 64.7 inches for the FWD models and 65.1 for AWD models.

An updated suspension design, and features such as Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) and Motion-Adaptive Electric Power Steering (EPS) all contribute to the CR-V's quality driving experience, which is enhanced further on the EX and above trims with wider front and rear track dimensions due to wider wheels (+0.5 inches). The CR-V uses front MacPherson strut and rear multi-link suspension systems that benefit from tuning changes. The rear multi-link system helps maximize rear seating and cargo space while providing stable and comfortable handling and ride quality. Newly revised shock absorber tuning helps deliver a refined driving feel.

Technology

The 2015 CR-V includes easy-to-read instrumentation and, for the first time on CR-V, Honda's new 7-inch touchscreen Display Audio telematics interface. Display Audio, standard on EX and above trim levels, allows the user to tap, pinch, and swipe – just like on a smart phone or tablet – to control audio and other telematics features, including the available next-generation HondaLink™ and the Honda Satellite-linked Navigation System™. All CR-Vs retain the full-color intelligent Multi-Information Display (i-MID) that offers a range of customizable features via fingertip controls on the steering wheel. The CR-V's audio and telematics systems offer a high level of connectivity, including a standard Pandora® internet interface and SMS text messaging function, Bluetooth® HandsFreeLink® phone interface.

Safety

As with all Honda vehicles, safety is a primary focus, starting with the CR-V's next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure that helps make the CR-V highly effective at absorbing and dispersing the energy of a frontal collision crash. Overall, the body receives more than 60 changes to improve stiffness and collision performance, and the 2015 CR-V is targeted to achieve top safety ratings, including a TOP SAFETY PICK+ rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and a NCAP 5-Star Overall Vehicle Score from the NHTSA. Standard safety equipment on all models include Vehicle Stability Assist™ (VSA®) electronic stability control system, Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Brake Assist, frontal airbags, side-curtain airbags, SmartVent® front-side airbags, and a front seat design that can help reduce the severity of neck injury in the event of a rear collision. The newly available Honda Sensing™ suite of safety and driver assistive features includes Honda LaneWatch™, Forward Collision Warning (FCW), Collision Mitigation Braking System™ (CMBS™), Lane Keeping Assist System (LKAS) and Lane Departure Warning (LDW). These systems benefit from the adoption of new sensor fusion technology that integrates the capabilities of a windshield-mounted monocular camera and millimeter wave radar to provide enhanced sensing with ability to identify and anticipate multiple collision scenarios, including a pedestrian collision, and initiate warnings and, in some cases, emergency braking.