Faults:

Nothing.

General Comments:

I got the SE 4Motion model with panoramic sunroof and navigation in black with light tan leatherette. It is absolutely elegant inside and out, with impeccable fit and finish. The interior is gorgeous, it is of a level you would find on a much more premium European car like a BMW or Mercedes (my previous car was a Mercedes). This model is manufactured in Germany, not Mexico like the previous Jetta I had a few years ago, which I think makes a difference.

The vehicle is very comfortable, it like pretty much all VW's I have driven, it has seats that almost anyone can get comfortable in, they tend to be on the firmer side, and can adjust for someone of virtually any size. I have driven my car on all day trips and have been comfortable the entire time. The ergonomics are quite good once you learn the layout. This car is packed with electronics and advanced features, and the owner's manual is VERY long; spend some time with it up front and you will learn all kinds of cool things this car can do for you.

The Tiguan handles amazingly well for a small SUV. It basically drives like a sports car; it's like having an SUV version of the GTI. It sticks to the road like Velcro and hugs the corners at high speed. The engine can sometimes sound rough, but it delivers plenty of power when and where you need it. I drive fairly aggressively and get around 21 MPG combined, and 26 MPG in highway driving.

I absolutely love everything about my Tiguan, I thoroughly enjoy driving it, and if I had to think of one negative thing to say about it, I guess it would be that I wish it had a little bit more cargo room, but I guess if I wanted more room I could have always gotten a Touareg.

Faults:

Throttle body seal (there is none) leaked oil into the electronics and caused many weeks of insufferable driving.

Poor visibility to B pillar has resulted in many near collisions.

Components, mainly plastic clips etc in the engine bay have failed, resulting in rattles and loose parts.

Seat components fell off.

General Comments:

The car is not 'good design'; the driving position is cramped, the controls are messy and poorly laid out, the seats cannot be located in a comfortable position, doors are heavy, boot storage is totally insufficient, headlights are inadequate, front body clearance is pathetic, engine is gutless, gear change is rubbery, visibility is hopeless.

I thought much of what is incorporated into cars these days was the result of many years of design effort and reliability testing. NOT SO THIS CAR!

If you're thinking of buying one of these, good luck!