Survey of Owners Rates Tiguan Top of its Class
Volkswagen of America, Inc. announced today that owners of their Tiguan have given it strong ratings that place it at the top of the Mid-Size Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle category in AutoPacific’s 2009 Vehicle Satisfaction Award research. AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Award (VSA) is an industry benchmark for objectively measuring how satisfied an owner is with their new car or light truck, and reflects the opinions of consumers nationwide.
‘Having our Tiguan recognized by AutoPacific and our customers for its vehicle satisfaction is a tremendous honor for us,’ said Mark Barnes, Chief Operating Officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. ‘Owner based awards such as AutoPacific’s VSA help consumers make educated decisions when purchasing a new vehicle. We believe in our products and we’re glad to see that our customers believe in them as well,’ added Barnes.
The VSA Awards summarize the results of AutoPacific’s 2009 model year vehicle satisfaction research. More than 25,000 consumers around the country participated in the survey. The VSA is derived entirely from owner satisfaction which is measured across 48 specific areas related to a vehicle’s operation, comfort, safety, and overall purchase/lease experience. The 2009 ratings reflect input from buyers and lessees of new vehicles acquired September through December 2008.
‘AutoPacific has conducted this industry research since 1997. Vehicles that score highest in AutoPacific’s Vehicle Satisfaction Awards have hit the mark delivering value and satisfaction with their buyers by performing well in 48 separate categories that measure the ownership experience,’ says AutoPacific president George Peterson.
Tiguan, the GTI of Compact Sport Utility Vehicles, features the ‘fun to drive’ handling and performance owners have come to expect from Volkswagen. The Tiguan comes standard with Volkswagen’s 2.0L TSI® engine that delivers turbo-charged acceleration while still delivering responsible fuel efficiency. This award winning turbo-charged four-cylinder power plant delivers 200 horsepower and 207 lbs. –ft. of torque. The combination of four valves per cylinder, direct fuel injection and turbo-charging delivers the optimum balance of power and economy. European tuned suspension enables connected handling, while also providing a smooth and compliant ride. Both front wheel drive and 4Motion® all-wheel-drive is available to suit any weather or road condition.
Recently the Tiguan was rated one of the top small SUVs in the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) new Roof Strength safety-test. Tiguan also received the IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK award for 2008, and top ratings in the IIHS front and side crash testing making it one of the safest small SUVs available in the market today. The Tiguan also comes standard with electronic stability control, branded ESP on Volkswagen vehicles, and six airbags, with rear seat airbags as an option.
Tiguan is available in three trim levels, S, SE, and SEL. It is based priced at $23,200, reflecting the Volkswagen brand commitment of providing both tremendous value and affordable German engineering. Tiguan offers EPA fuel economy of 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
Tiguan, like all current 2009 model year Volkswagen vehicles, is included in the no-charge Carefree Maintenance Program. Under this program all of Tiguan’s scheduled maintenance, as described in its maintenance booklet, is covered for the length of the New Vehicle Warranty—three years or 36,000 miles, whichever occurs first.
