Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline 2019 review: snapshot

The entry-level of two permanent members of the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan range is the 132TSI Comfortline.

As with the more expensive 162TSI, the 132TSI model has a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DSG) transmission and 4Motion all-wheel drive, but uses a less powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, producing 132kW and 320Nm.

The 132TSI Comfortline lists at $42,490, and has a lengthy standard-features list, including 18-inch alloy wheels, LED headlights with LED daytime running lights, front fog lights, a power tailgate, keyless entry and push-button start, three-zone climate control air conditioning, cruise control, auto headlights and auto wipers, electric folding side mirrors, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, cloth seat trim and a tyre-pressure-monitoring system.

Multimedia needs are met through an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with GPS sat nav, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto - so you can plug your iPhone or other device in to mirror its screen -three USB ports, and of course there’s Bluetooth phone and audio streaming as well. No Tiguan has digital DAB radio capability, nor a DVD player, but there is a CD player to pump the tunes through eight speakers.

Explore the 2019 Volkswagen Tiguan Range

Volkswagen Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline 2019 review: snapshot Volkswagen Tiguan 162TSI Highline 2019 review: snapshot Volkswagen Tiguan Wolfsburg 2019 review: snapshot

Safety equipment includes a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, auto emergency braking (AEB), manoeuvre braking (where the car can brake if the rear sensors detect an obstacle), self parking (parallel and perpendicular bay park assist), driver-fatigue detection, lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance (the car will steer you into your lane if it needs to), plus multi-collision brake (a system that applies the brakes if you have an accident, lessening the chance of further damage). There’s also lane-changing assistant, a system called 'Emergency Assist' that can stop the car if the driver is unresponsive, and rear cross-traffic alert.

For the 132TSI there’s a 'Driver Assistance' pack for $1400, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane-changing assistant, a system called 'Emergency Assist' that can stop the car if the driver is unresponsive, and rear cross-traffic alert. The 162TSI has all of that as standard.