BY KEN CHESTER JR. - MOTOR NEWS MEDIA CORPORATION

Billed by the automaker as “The GTI of compact Sport Utility Vehicles”, Volkswagen introduced the all-new Tiguan SUV to the American marketplace last year. Fun, hip, modern and upscale, the all-new front-wheel drive Tiguan SUV is the German automaker’s well-executed fi rst attempt at a compact SUV.

Available in S, SE and SEL trim levels, standard power for the Volkswagen SUV is provided by the automaker’s 2.0L TSI turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Energy is communicated to the street through either the AQ450-6F six-speed automatic transmission or MQ500-6F six-speed manual gearbox. Upmarket Tiguan models are available with Volkswagen’s tenacious all-wheel drive 4Motion system.

The Tiguan seems at times to be more of a sports sedan than a compact SUV. Nimble and fast, this Volkswagen exhibits outstanding handling and control when underway.

The suspension has been European tuned to enable connected handling while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Control hardware consists of a four-wheel independent suspension system with McPherson struts up front and a four-link rear suspension with coil springs, telescopic shock absorbers and front/rear stabilizer bars.

Inside the cabin, Volkswagen engineers designed a very comfortable, yet very functional interior space. Displays, controls and switchgear are easy to use and upscale in presentation. Seating throughout the cabin is comfortable and supportive. The interior also includes various clips and storage bins ensuring safe space for all types of items that travel in the vehicle.

Additionally, the front passenger seat folds fl at for additional cargo hauling functionality, while the trick rear 60/40 split folding rear seats also move fore/aft for added passenger comfort and cargo possibilities. Even the rear windows go all the way down.

An optional panoramic view sunroof enables almost 13 square feet of sunshine to warm the passenger cabin for all to enjoy.