Compact MAV Segment
Highest Ranked: 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan
The 2009 Volkswagen Tiguan is the most appealing compact MAV according to the results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL Study, ranking ahead of the No. 2-ranked 2009 Saturn Vue and the No. 3-ranked 2009 Mazda CX-7 , in its first year of inclusion in the study. Last year, the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser was the top-ranked compact MAV.
The Volkswagen Tiguan is equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder engine sending power to the front or all four wheels through a manual or automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy ratings range from a low of 18 mpg city to a high of 26 mpg highway. It is offered in S, SE and SEL trim levels, and may be equipped with features such as leather, a panoramic sunroof, premium Dynaudio sound system, navigation, and bi-Xenon headlights with active cornering.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ( NHTSA ), the Tiguan receives 5-star crash-test ratings for frontal and side impacts, and a 4-star rollover rating with front- or all-wheel drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety ( IIHS ) calls the Tiguan a “Top Safety Pick,” and says it had the strongest-rated roof in the agency’s roof strength rollover test.
In the 2009 APEAL Study, the Tiguan performed particularly well in the Exterior, Driving Dynamics and Interior categories. Owners say the Tiguan’s top three attributes are passing power at highway speeds.
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