Team-BHP - Volkswagen Tiguan : Official Review

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4661809)

Wow! thats a bummer. If there is one thing I hate about this car, it is the ride comfort. Suspensions are definitely not tuned for Indian conditions. I am running with 29 psi, much lesser than the recommended 33 psi.

I can't really commend about the tyre size change. If there a chance to drive comfortline, you should try it before you decide to change the rim size.

You could also try something like a TATA HEXA. It is very comfortable on bad roads. Most German cars will have a stiff suspension unless you spend on more expensive ones with an adaptive suspension.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sj_koova (Post 4661822)

I am running with 29 psi, much lesser than the recommended 33 psi. If there is a chance to drive comfortline, you should try it before you decide to change the rim size.

I am going to try the comfortline if I get a chance, dont think our local dealer has one for TD. May be some ones private car if I get a chance.

I tried 29 psi, but it shows that check tyre pressure error message. So increased it to 30, sometimes I think my TPMS is wrong and its showing incorrect tyre pressure, as in lesser number inspite of having enough pressure. Doesnt it give you that error message (brown color tyre) on the infotainment when its 29 psi?
Also do you use the regular air or nitrogen? Mine is nitrogen.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4661826)

I tried 29 psi, but it shows that check tyre pressure error message. So increased it to 30, sometimes I think my TPMS is wrong and its showing incorrect tyre pressure, as in lesser number inspite of having enough pressure..

Not sure if you had a chance to check this post in the Long term ownership threads --> Here.

Running it at recommended pressure seems to actually improve the ride quality! Are you sure 33 is the recommended pressure? If it is and it is still uncomfortable, then best is to check some you tube videos on how to set up your seat to avoid back pain. there is one old one from UK by a famous ortho doctor who also consults with many big auto makers for making drivers seats. That video is immensely helpful and helps you set up your seat for a pain free experience. Not sure if you have already done that but worth a try.

Quote:

Originally Posted by abhinav.s (Post 4661859)

Thanks for the link, I checked it out on 6th September post 30 psi helped him get a better ride quality than 38-40 which he had earlier and then on 10th September changing it back to 38 psi helped him get better, not sure what to make of that. But I can try removing the self sealing liquid (if any remaining) from the tyre and see if that helps. For Tiguan its 33 psi for normal load. It errors out on mine if its 29 psi and anything above or equal to 30 psi doesnt show any error. Sometimes the TPMS shows a different pressure than what it was like an hour ago. This usually happens when I'm on really bad road which in my city is almost all the time.

Yes I've seen all the videos on youtube for seat positioning, cushion, lumbar support, etc. Already tried a few stuff and about to try 2 more which I recently ordered to see if it helps. I really dont want to sell this car, not only because I bought it 20 days ago, its because it has everything I want except the ride comfort.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4661809)

Unfortunately I am in a situation where I might end up selling the 1 year old Tucson which I bought 20 days ago. My city is full of potholes, infact my city is potholes. The ride quality of the Tiguan is hard and its hurting my lower back. I have a L4-L5-S1 disc bulge and my highline with its 235/55 R18 and hard suspension is making it worse.

I just love everything about the car, but I cant continue to drive it this way, it really hurts my lower back.

Things I've tried so far
-fego air cushion (works perfect in my sedan)
-gell mesh cushion
-lumbar support of the car is already set to high
-30/32 psi air pressure
-seating lower
-seating higher
-90 degree seat (makes it worse)
-100 to 120 degrees doenst work (works perfect in my sedan)

things to try
-ordered a foam sheet to increase the lumbar support without any alteration to the seat
-ordered memory foam cushion which might help (not sure)

As another slip disc patient with L4-L5 and L5-S1 bulge, can relate with all of it. I have tried all these hacks at some point or the other. I’ll suggest

1. Please see a good chiropractor and have your spine adjusted.

2. Ditch the VW and invest in a Tata Hexa automatic. Best seats, best ride comfort.

Also, seating lower will aggravate the issue. Try setting the seat high, and close to the steering. The idea is to sit in such a way that the shape of your arms forms an L, shoulder to forearm, when you hold the steering. Similarly, your legs should also form an L, like how when you sit on a chair. This position is naturally more ergonomic and puts less strain on the lower back and the neck and shoulder.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4661809)

Unfortunately I am in a situation where I might end up selling the 1 year old Tucson which I bought 20 days ago. My city is full of potholes, infact my city is potholes. The ride quality of the Tiguan is hard and its hurting my lower back. I have a L4-L5-S1 disc bulge and my highline with its 235/55 R18 and hard suspension is making it worse

Sorry to hear, but did you buy a Tucson or Tiguan, your post starts of on a confusing note!!??

Quote:

Originally Posted by Durango Dude (Post 4661937)

Sorry to hear, but did you buy a Tucson or Tiguan, your post starts of on a confusing note!!??

How on earth did that become Tucson :D I bought the Tiguan. Although now I wish I bought the Tucson.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shreyans_Jain (Post 4661901)

1. Please see a good chiropractor and have your spine adjusted.

2. Ditch the VW and invest in a Tata Hexa automatic. Best seats, best ride comfort.

Also, seating lower will aggravate the issue. Try setting the seat high, and close to the steering. The idea is to sit in such a way that the shape of your arms forms an L, shoulder to forearm, when you hold the steering. Similarly, your legs should also form an L

Not sure if there are good Chiropractors in India, they are usually physio therapist. I was never able to find an actual chiropractor in Maharashtra who did spine adjustment. Did you go to any? If yes where, whom? I was always afraid of Chiropractors to be honest.

Yes, I'm already sitting in the required position. The Tiguan has really good seating and loads of adjustment to make it perfect, nothing wrong with the seats, I would prefer a little bit more cushioning specially on the bottom but I've substitutes for that. Its the stiff suspension and low profile tyres that makes the ride hard.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4662064)

I struggled with physios and orthos for years, till I found the right person. I am based in Faridabad, I’m sure you’ll find good chiropractors and sports injury specialists in Mumbai. PMing you the details of my doctor.

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4661809)

Tyre/rim options

235/60 R17 gives tyre height of 141mm
235/65 R16 gives tyre height of 152.75mm

the current highline is 235/55 R18 has a tyre height of 129.25mm, the comfortline is 215/65 R17 which has a tyre height of 139.75mm

Wondering if it makes sense to do the tyre/rim change since the suspension is on the stiffer side or just sell it. I bought it used 20 days ago, its 1 year old, 14k kms run and as far as I know the owner transfer is still under process.

Hey Sreejinair! Wish you a speedy recovery!

I believe charging to a comfort tyre ( say Michelin) even in the stock size will improve the ride quality. I believe the Hankook tyres installed are of the sporty type and contribute to the stiffness. Else if you are ready, the comfortline wheels should do, again considering they are soft comfort tyres.

Tire sidewall stiffness is key here. Softer ones absorb more imperfections while the stiffer ones aid in better handling by reducing flex and giving better feedback.

If you can, please test drive a Tiguan which has comfort tyres like Michelin or an equivalent brand. Please look up reviews of tyres to understand what each one offers. There are plenty online.

Wish you the best! :thumbs up

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamakaze (Post 4661755)

I have booked a Tiguan Highline. Just need to be clear about the issues mentioned here and other fora.

1. Sunroof is supposed to have ambient lighting. Does it work? Heard it was deactivated because it could be a fire hazard.

2. Some people have had sunroof leaks and moisture getting in the cabin, leading to mould in some cases. If you own one, have you faced issues with this?

3. In the infotainment system, does the voice command system work? Dealer says it requires a key and that's extra cost. Internet says it can be jailbroken via OBD and an smartphone app.

4. Has proximity sensors on all sides. Is it useful or a distraction considering our traffic conditions.

5: I read conflicting things about the ground clearance. Is it 190 or 200, unladen? Has it affected your driving? Do you have to be sedan-level careful or you can drive with SUV-level confidence? I am coming from a Koleos that has great clearance and can drive over Haryana speed-breakers without the fear of scraping the belly.

1. No. It's disabled in all new deliveries. Mine is one month old and came factory disabled. You won't see that option too in the settings panel.

2. None yet but then, haven't really faced a heavy downpour yet.

3. Came disabled by default.

4. In a heavy traffic where two wheelers occupy every space in front and back of your car, you'll find it annoying. Otherwise, it's pretty useful.

5. Coming from an XUV, I had to adjust quite a bit. Though no ground scraping you still have to be careful at times and cannot simply drive like a big SUV. Came out of 3M Sarjapur Road show room a bit relaxed and lazy. The platform is quite high from the road, at-least a good 8 inches. Back tyre landed hard and the jump broke the mud flap.

Quote:

Originally Posted by lamborghini (Post 4663210)

Take a test drive of a Tiguan Comfortline, and see if that will do the trick.

If so, you have your answer - tyre swap, or sell it!

I really wish that was the case, but the highline comes with 18" and the comfortline comes with 17", so if at all helps it would be changing tyres and wheels both.

The closest to my highline which has the stock 235/55 R18 would be the 235/60 R17, although the comfortline comes with the 215-65 R17

Quote:

Originally Posted by sreejinair (Post 4663409)

I drive a Comfortline and do feel that it rides better than the Highline. I haven't driven the Highline much though. Max around 20 KMs. In Comfortline, I do not feel any discomfort as such. Yes, the ride is a bit stiff at lower speeds. I have driven around 9-10 hours in a day with atleast 4 hours at a stretch. Until now I do not feel any discomfort. Maybe you should also look at adjusting the steering position along with the seats to find a comfortable position. I know you would have done all that could be done, just thought of suggesting :)