The Fashionable Esq: THE 2018 VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN REVIEW: THE PERFECT TRAVEL COMPANION

We recently took a trip up through New York, to East Hampton, Sag Harbor and Montauk. The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan accompanied us every step of the way and made for the perfect travel companion.

The 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan

Montauk

The Tiguan is VW's version of a compact, cross-over SUV; seating up to seven people when you fully utilize the the third row seating option, (although the last row of seats is much smaller in size and probably more kid friendly than adult friendly.). A variety of driving packages make it a fun car to drive. It boasts a 5-inch color touch screen that was useful on our trip as we navigated the long and windy Hamptons' roads. The Tiguan synchs to your Apple iPhone, and mirrors your phone on the dash, allowing you to select your destination from Maps and access other things like your Contacts. In addition to Apple CarPlay, it also has Android MirrorLink options. You can also opt to display your text messages or have them read to you so that you can keep your eyes safely on the road.

Easy dashboard navigation using Maps, by synching my iPhone to the Tiguan

The Tiguan is going to be your top pick when it comes to safety. It offers six airbags, automatic braking, and motion and object detection warnings (blind spot monitoring). A rearview backup camera allows full access views, as you reverse.

Another key safety feature is the Intelligent Crash Response System (ICRS) which will jump into "auto-pilot" in the event of a crash by turning off your fuel pump, unlocking doors for rescue access, and automatically activating the hazards.

iPhone dash synch on the 2018 Tiguan

The other great safety feature is the VW Front Assist System with automatic emergency braking. The Tiguan will stop, on its own, if it detects you are about to crash into something!

Easy access to phone and dashboard controls from the steering wheel

Different drive modes are accessible with just the turn of a knob. You can seamlessly transition between Sport Mode, Eco Mode, Comfort Mode, and more. The Tiguan's default is Eco Mode - which makes for notably slower pickup. If you want to feel some kick, opt for the Sport Mode and the acceleration and stiffer steering will be there. Still, there is a delay in acceleration from a standstill but the car is comfortable, reliable and has good gas mileage. We drove from JFK to East Hampton, all over and back, without gassing up once!! It does about 34 mpg on the highway.

Texts from Mom...of course!

Sightseeing is easy in the Tiguan

You can really pack this thing up, and go. You can fit your luggage, your kids, your surfboard, all your friends and your pets. You can enjoy the panoramic sunroof on long drives, and also have peace of mind when it comes to safety. Oh, and having a six year, 72,000 mile warranty and an introductory price point of about $25,000 doesn't hurt, either.