Snazz up the already pretty snazzy 2012 Volkswagen Tiguan SEL 4Motion with standard navigation and a premium Dynaudio stereo to behold this top-shelf trim in its Tiguan SEL 4Motion with Premium Navigation and Dynaudio iteration. Of course, the 4Motion designation means standard full-time all-wheel-drive (AWD) traction, and this 5-passenger compact crossover also packs the added utility of 56.1 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded, while a sport-tuned suspension gives the commute an extra kick.
Standard appearance features include 19-inch alloy wheels, a roof rack, upgraded exterior trim pieces, trailer wiring, heated power-adjustable mirrors and a power rear liftgate. Delivered cabin bling, meantime, includes leather upholstery, heated height-adjustable front seats, a power-adjustable driver’s seat with memory features, a fold-flat front passenger seatback, sliding and reclining rear seats and, of course, full power accessories.
Convenience-wise, this pint-size ute sports cruise control, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror and a tilting and telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel mounting redundant audio controls. A leather-wrapped shift knob adds some extra class, while folks are kept cool with dual-zone auto climate control.
Bluetooth hands-free calling is once again standard aboard this flagship trim, with the aforementioned Dynaudio system boasting 300 watts of power, an MP3-capable 6-CD changer, 8 speakers, satellite radio, auxiliary iPod interface and a memory card slot. Additionally, the delivered upgraded flash-memory-card navigation suite boasts a larger in-dash touchscreen display.
A panoramic power sunroof is optional aboard this already well-endowed crossover, as are splash guards, upgraded floor mats, a trailer hitch and side steps.
The standard powertrain aboard the 2012 Tiguan SEL 4Motion with Premium Navigation and Dynaudio is a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder (I4) engine mated with a 6-speed shiftable automatic transmission. Look for some 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque out of this hefty combo, with variable-valve-timed (VVT) mileage estimated at 21 mpg city/27 highway. Additionally, when properly equipped, this mini-ute can haul up to 2,200 pounds of trailer.
Meantime, the 4Motion AWD allows normal cruising with a 50/50 torque split between the front and rear axles. When roads get slippery, however, the 4Motion automatically and instantaneously transfers torque from the wheels that slip to the wheels that grip.
Finally, standard safety equipment aboard this top-shelf VW crossover includes 4-wheel antilock brakes (ABS), traction and stability control, front side-mounted airbags and front and rear head airbags. Further safety features include LED daytime running lights, front fog/driving lights, turn-signal-integrated mirrors, a post-collision safety system, adaptive xenon headlights and a remote antitheft alarm.
