VW Tiguan 2.0 TDI
There are few people that really need a Chelsea tractor but the extra height,
4WD and perceived sense of safety appeal to many. Some will buy one even
if doesn’t make total sense, while others will say the sheer size and
profligacy of a big 4x4 is too great to justify owning one. Ah, but what
if you could take the Golf and Touareg, VW’s star performers and create
a lovechild that marries their most popular traits?
For most, the Tiguan is a much more practical option – a compact 4x4
that combines the best of both worlds. It’s actually close to the height
of a Touareg but its footprint is somewhere between a Golf and Passat. Inside
it’s light and airy (especially with the full length sunroof) and you
don’t feel at all short-changed on space.
On the move, the first thing that strikes you is just how nippy it feels. OK,
I was expecting to feel less wary of its size but I wasn’t expecting
it to have the agility of a small family hatch. That came as a pleasant surprise – the
result of a combination of a well-sorted chassis and lower weight, as well
as the smaller size. Around town its slimline form makes manoeuvring easy,
as is meeting on-coming traffic and parking, especially if you have the excellent
parking aid. It’s both comfortable and civilised, no doubt assisted by
its use of suspension from the Passat.
The other big benefit of the smaller size and weight is in performance - smaller
engine, better mpg and sprightly enough for all but the most dedicated speed-junky.
With 140bhp (and a 170bhp due soon for said speed-junkies) VW’s redesigned
2.0 TDI is more powerful and more refined than its predecessor and as comfortable
on the motorway as it is nipping round country lanes.
It’s interior is well-appointed, comfortable and, as one would expect
of a VW, well made and it showed good residuals too. In addition, you get the
high driving position, high ground clearance, and improved traction in poor
conditions of a 4x4. The Escape version also offers hill-descent.
The result of all this is a car that successfully bridges the gap between 4x4
and family hatch, genuinely offering the benefits of both with the added comfort
of the VW badge.
Top speed: 115mph
0-62: 10.5secs
Price: from £20,500
Saab 93 Aero TTiD Convertible
Saab’s renaissance continues apace with the latest incarnation of the
93. The 2007 launch of the new shape 93 was a massive step forward, significantly
narrowing the gap with the mainly German premium competition. With a reworked
front-end, numerous revisions under the skin and a fabulous new diesel engine
this version represents further impressive progress for a marque on the up.
The big news for most is the new 1.9 TtiD diesel engine which uses two turbos – one
large and one small. The large turbo provides the main boost at higher revs
whilst the smaller one kicks in immediately to give instant response with plenty
of low-rev power and without any turbo-lag. The result is truly petrol like
levels of response and refinement – so much so, you have to be careful
not to regularly red-line the revs. With 180bhp and masses of torque, performance
is excellent and it’s low-pitch throb and lack of diesel clatter makes
it sound like a petrol too. Probably the best mid-sized diesel we’ve
driven.
Handling is safe, predictable (thanks to front wheel drive) and good fun when
you press on. The old bug-bear of torque steer is non-existent with the steering
nice and direct. It’s a civilised, refined and comfortable cruiser and
a pleasant and spacious place to be, front or back. Standard spec has been
improved too and unsurprisingly for a Saab all the controls are well placed,
intuitive to use (especially the voice controlled phone system) and well made.
Saab’s progress isn’t at the expense of their slightly quirky character
and traditional virtues. The ignition key is still in the centre console, the
fascia is curved around the driver (a throwback to Saab’s jet-fighter
heritage), the seats are still the most comfortable in the game, the trademark ‘clamshell’ bonnet
has returned and official stats support the view that it’s the safest
car in real-life accidents.
Of course, the convertible (Saab still sell more than any other premium brand)
adds a whole lot more feel-good factor. It’s shake free and feels taut
as a bowstring with no compromise on handling.
Future plans for 2008 include state of the art four-wheel drive and a 300bhp ‘black’ version
but for many the 1.9 TtiD will be just fine - a well conceived and genuinely
interesting all-rounder with a cracking engine.
Top speed: 137mph
0-62: 8.7secs
Price: £32,510
Breathe fire into your driving with these beauties
RALLY IMPRESSIVE