Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium 163 AWD VS Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 140 4Motion Sportline

The modular way MPV Tiguan still
commands respect. But the ...

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium AWD 163 Against Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4Motion Sportline 140? Hundred times on the job ...

Although qu'affûté the first Kuga has failed to shake the VW Tiguan in Europe. Never mind: revised from top to bottom, finally has a spacious trunk and boasting an aggressive price, the Ford SUV intends cutting cruppers its older rival.

Launched in May 2008, the Kuga has always had the Tiguan in the legs ... without ever managing to really worry about. Yet this is not what motivated Ford to put early retirement. But demand from the U.S. market in search of a larger SUV with a safe and high capacity. And thus was born the Kuga "global" extended 8 cm for a good cause. With 4.52 m long, so that's that exceeds the Tiguan 9 cm (4.43 m). What finally offer a spacious trunk, announcing a volume of 456 dm3 close to that of VW (470 dm ³). And add an adjustable boot floor on two levels. One trick welcome to the Kuga, which is accompanied by another novelty: the now adjustable rear seats tilt. On long rides, passengers enjoy the bench. However, it remains insufficient to delight in the palm of the Tiguan more family SUV. Having largely inspired by the world of MPVs - file before folding right to take long objects, aviation shelves on the back of seats, sliding seat into two parts, storage everywhere ... - The SUV VW puts children and bargain hunters on his side. Especially since it is always the larger of our two friends, especially at the rear.

Ford leg recognizes this board nice side,
but nothing ...

Ford Kuga 2.0 TDCi Titanium AWD 163
Benefits
    Good level of comfort
    Effective frame
    Price-equipment ratio
Pitfalls of
    Habitability back
    Percussion at low speed
    Usability complicated

Volkswagen Tiguan 2.0 TDI 4Motion Sportline 140
Benefits
    Quality workmanship
    Diesel alert
    Modularity minivan
Pitfalls of
    Perfectible soundproofing
    Rather clumsy frame
    Pretentious Price

The Kuga is proving a little less generous armholes, even revealing ratings down from its predecessor. If legroom is correct, the thickness of the rear pillars resulting in a loss of 8 cm in width at the shoulders. The measured 131 cm (138 in the Tiguan) are just a little to accommodate three adults, as well as the central place is hardly enviable. If the Kuga has less sense of family, it is still pleasant. The dashboard, largely inspired from recent productions of the brand (C-Max, B-Max), not lacking in character or quality, or storage. However, it sports a GPS screen (optional) too small and is not an example of ergonomics: buttons abound on the steering wheel and console, and drop-down menus of the onboard computer is not instinctive for two As. His rival tamed easier, thanks to the presence of a GPS touch. That said, if the dashboard of the Tiguan, finely crafted, is generous spaces and containers of all kinds, it borders by the gloom, clad all in black.

The Tiguan shows some wrinkles, and was less sharp,
more clumsy than s ...

Kuga was first known for its driveability, the latest is no exception. It takes obvious pleasure in bringing this attractive SUV that does not look heavier than previously. Featuring a front efficient and ever well calibrated, despite now electrically assisted steering, it reveals both very stable and quite incisive in the genre. However, we must deal with sockets marked roll and heaviness in the change of support, while the 2.0 TDCi disappointed by his lack of range. Timid in 1500 r / min, the diesel 163 hp is more appreciated for its flexibility at half speed for the acceleration sensations it provides. Suddenly, the Tiguan 2.0 TDI, "only" 140 hp, manages to keep the comparison in performance. Better filled the bottom of the tachometer, more alert spent 3500 r / min, the four-cylinder VW requires, however, a much more marked acceleration roar, especially when reminders low speed in town. This less cozy atmosphere on board is accompanied by rolling noise and air also more present.

The sliding seat adds to the versatility of the Tiguan

In short, the Tiguan shows some wrinkles against his young rival. And then, dynamically, it is less sharp, more clumsy. But no concern in quiet use where VW never worry in this 4Motion version that optimizes traction. At least in the dry, because on wet roads (and all-wheel drive can not do anything), the Tiguan slides early nose, waiting for the ESP stability control intervenes ... Under the same conditions, the Kuga makes him perfectly confident. Add a comfortable ride - at low speeds, the large wheels are nevertheless responsible for percussion - and the Ford SUV reveals clearly the most pleasant daily. Especially in refining its turning radius (11.1 m, 11.6 m instead of before), it is more manageable in parking garages that the Tiguan (12 m). Undoubtedly, this Kuga mark real progress.

Significant financial benefit,
driveability much higher, conf ...

Which could allow him to shake the Tiguan, especially since Ford has the good taste of its moderate prices. This TDCi 163 bhp version, only available in 4x4 version associated with the upscale Titanium finish, appears to € 32,250 (April 2013 prices). Is almost the price of the Tiguan 2.0 TDI Sportline 140 (€ 32 800) ... but in two wheel drive! For declination 4Motion AWD SUV VW, do not count on less than € 34,850. A gap therefore reduces net of CO2 penalty (€ 1000 for Ford, € 400 for the VW), but absolutely not justified by a device that would provide significantly better side of the Tiguan or appetite actually more measured (5.8 l/100 km claimed in mixed use, against 5.9 in the Kuga). VW logo is the price to pay, even objectively, the most successful of the two, and certainly the most recent is the Kuga: better suspension, more efficient and comfortable to drive, the Ford performs better synthesis. Tiguan remains a last financial asset: its diesel range starts at € 26,690 (2.0 TDI 110), when the Kuga starts at € 27,750 (2.0 TDCi 140).