In the Latvian Auto 2025 competition, the Volkswagen Tiguan emerged as a strong contender, nearly securing the top spot. Despite the rules requiring it to concede, the Tiguan’s performance was so impressive that it garnered the same number of points as the title winner, Škoda Kodiaq. The jury members were particularly impressed with the Tiguan’s overall package, making it a close second.

The Volkswagen Tiguan: A Brief Overview

The Volkswagen Tiguan has been a popular choice since its introduction in 2008. The third generation of the Tiguan, released recently, features a new design and cutting-edge technology while retaining its best qualities. The Tiguan is often referred to as the “Golden Media” because it offers a pleasant handling, comfortable ride, and practicality, making it an ideal family car.

Engine Options and Performance

One of the standout features of the Tiguan is its wide range of engine options, which is somewhat contrary to current trends. The gasoline engines include a 1.5-liter TSI engine with a mild hybrid (Mild Hybrid) in 130 and 150 horsepower versions, as well as a 2-liter TSI engine with all-wheel drive and 204 or 265 horsepower. Additionally, there is a 2.0 TDI diesel engine with 204 or 265 horsepower, the most powerful of which is all-wheel drive. The engines also include a plug-in hybrid with a 1.5-liter TSI engine in two power versions—204 or 272 horsepower.

Pricing and Incentives

The new Tiguan starts at $33,700 and can go up to $48,200, depending on the engine type and optional features. For those interested in the rechargeable hybrid versions, there is a state aid of $4,500 available.

Jury Reviews

The jury members had high praise for the new Volkswagen Tiguan. Sandris Metuzāls, a car journalist, noted, “Looking from the side, the new Tiguan seems like ‘puffier’ than the forerunner, the radiator’s grille and front finish has changed. The big and dark wheel discs also play their role here.” He also highlighted the new design solutions with illuminated panels in the door and on the front panel on the passenger side, creating a cozy mood without being overly distracting.

“The big and dark wheel discs also play their role here. The back is now more stylish thanks to a series of red diodes across the whole trunk. Sympathetic seems to Volkswagen’s new design solution with illuminated panels in the door and on the front panel on the passenger side—it creates an intimate and cozy mood in the dark, which, moreover, does not start to nerves in the long run.”

Sandris Metuzāls, car journalist

Guntars Puls, a car journalist and editor-in-chief of Profi Latvija, emphasized the Tiguan’s evolution, stating, “The second generation of Tiguan was a major leap at the time, as the Volkswagen compact SUV had become bigger and more solid. The new generation model has retained its predecessor’s good features, complemented by the new VW corporate design and technology.”

“The second generation of Tiguan was a major leap at the time, as the Volkswagen compact SUV had become bigger and more solid. The new generation model has retained its predecessor’s good features, complemented by the new VW corporate design and technology.”

Guntars Puls, car journalist

Jānis Bite, Head of the Farm Administration at “Latvian State Forests” AS, praised the Tiguan’s design and practicality, saying, “If someone Škoda Kodiaq’s length seems cumbersome, Volkswagen Tiguan is more compact than 20 centimeters with exactly the same technical ‘filling’—gasoline, diesel, diesel, PHEV and MHEV. In addition, this model is waiting for you with even a lower price of ‘dating’.”

“If someone Škoda Kodiaq’s length seems cumbersome, Volkswagen Tiguan is more compact than 20 centimeters with exactly the same technical ‘filling’—gasoline, diesel, diesel, PHEV and MHEV. In addition, this model is waiting for you with even a lower price of ‘dating’.”

Jānis Bite, Head of the Farm Administration

Viesturs Leitholds, a car journalist from iAuto.lv, highlighted the Tiguan’s technological advancements, noting, “The new generation has evolved in design and technology, but the exterior dimensions are almost identical to the second generation model. The new Tiguan exterior design has the breeze from both the new Passat design language and the electrical ID. Model family.”

“The new generation has evolved in design and technology, but the exterior dimensions are almost identical to the second generation model. The new Tiguan exterior design has the breeze from both the new Passat design language and the electrical ID. Model family.”

Viesturs Leitholds, car journalist

Technological Innovations

The new Tiguan comes equipped with several technological innovations. The adaptive suspension control system DCC Pro automatically adjusts the rigidity of the suspension to each wheel, taking into account the operation of the steering, brake, and gas pedal. The new head-up display shows navigation statements and lane designations with various animations, enhancing the driving experience. The Tiguan information and entertainment system is also available in a new version, offering more speed and intuitiveness.

Driving Experience

The Tiguan offers a comfortable and safe driving experience. The 150hp 1.5 ETSI OPF Light Hybrid is a popular choice, providing a good balance of performance and efficiency. The engine allows for confident acceleration in traffic and smooth overtaking maneuvers on the highway. For those seeking more power, there are 193, 204, and 272 horsepower engines available. The Tiguan’s balanced suspension regulation ensures good comfort and accurate handling, making it a pleasure to drive daily.

Conclusion

The Latvian Car of the Year competition has been a significant event since 1998, drawing attention to the latest achievements of automakers available in the Latvian market. The Volkswagen Tiguan’s strong performance in the competition highlights its appeal and practicality, making it a top contender in the compact SUV segment.