By Prashirwin Naidu
For most people, Valentine’s Day—just a month ago—is already a blur. The
chocolates, the expensive dinner, and the mood they were meant to set have faded from memory. Some felt love in the air, while others simply hugged a pet or a pillow. For me, there is no chance of forgetting this day of love simply because I had an epiphany.
Life has a way of working things out, what’s meant to stay will return in time, and what isn’t will make way for something new. So, smile, wish them well, and move forward with grace. As my quirky Uncle Buddy always says, “The doors are always open.” During Valentine’s week, I had a stunning set of wheels to lift my jaded spirits – a car whose name takes inspiration from a tiger and an iguana. Yes, it’s none other than the new Volkswagen Tiguan Life.
Priced at R702,800, the Tiguan Life is a seamless blend of style, practicality, and
suburban charm. It strikes the right balance, simple yet solid in all the ways that
matter. On the road, it delivers a smooth drive, while the interior remains minimal yet functional — right up my alley.
I’ve always been #TeamTiguan, having compared the classic 1.4 TSI Allspace I
drove back in the day to the sleek R-Line 2.0 TDI in 2023. With over 7.4 million units sold globally and 41 000 in South Africa, the Tiguan has earned its best-seller status. But competition is fiercer than ever. It’s no longer just up against the Toyota RAV4, Kia Sportage, and Hyundai Tucson. It now faces challengers like the Haval Jolion Pro, Chery Tiggo 8 Pro and a wave of other Chinese contenders – not to mention premium rivals such as the Audi Q3 and BMW X1.
First look:
When my test unit arrived, it looked rather understated, finished in white with subtle
body cladding and 17-inch Bari alloy wheels wrapped in chunky rubber. As for the
new design? It’s more refined. The softer lines give it a stylish appeal, and while it’s
no longer as sharp or boxy as before, the Tiguan has matured beautifully. It’s slightly longer and wider, with a marginally bigger boot. But make no mistake—it still looks sharp and well-proportioned.
Key design updates include a clean, horizontal LED strip integrated into the front bar, replacing the traditional radiator grille for a sleeker look. Volkswagen refers to the sculpted lines above the wheel arches as “athletic shoulder sections,” adding to its beefier stance. At the rear, a modern horizontal LED strip enhances the futuristic
feel, subtly nodding to the brand’s ID.4 electric SUV.
Interior:
The interior is minimal yet spacious, with a modern layout. The gear selector is now
positioned near the steering wheel, much like in the electric ID.4 Pro. While I do miss
the traditional centre console gear lever, it’s a sign of the times. In the centre, a small touchscreen knob allows you to swipe through functions, from adjusting drive modes to controlling the volume and ambient lighting.
Front and centre is a crisp 12.3-inch infotainment screen—sharp, responsive, and
intuitive. Apple CarPlay connects seamlessly, making for a hassle-free experience. While I still prefer traditional physical controls, adapting to the new tech is part of the evolution. The multi-functional leather-wrapped steering wheel feels fantastic in hand, offering a premium touch. Just above it, a customisable digital display keeps key information within easy view.
As for creature comforts, Volkswagen has stepped things up. Heated and ventilated seats are now part of the package, along with massaging seats, pure indulgence. I had them on for most of my time with the Tiguan, making traffic jams a little more
bearable. The seats are more comfortable than ever.
A personal favourite? The sunroof. It’s a must-have in any Tiguan, adding to the airy
and premium feel of the cabin. The Tiguan Life is packed with features like Park Assist Plus with Park Distance Control, Light Assist (main-beam control), electrically adjustable mirrors, exterior ambient lighting (illuminated door handles and motif projection from the mirrors), and an electronically operated tailgate.
Performance:
Under the bonnet, it’s powered by a 1.4L TSI engine that is paired with a 7-speed DSG. It offers plenty of power for daily drives, shifting smoothly with ease. It’s comfortable too, and I managed 6.9L/100km in Eco mode on highway commutes, keeping a light foot. City and suburban trips saw it rise to 8.7L/100km – you’ll need to drive intentionally to keep it efficient. Thanks to the updated platform, handling is
refined and composed, ensuring a smooth ride wherever you go. For what it is, the Tiguan remains a solid choice. The evolution is clear, but its core appeal? That’s still very much intact.
