by 
May 20 Elkhart Lake WI: VWCA First Spins with VW’s ID. Buzz and 2025 Tiguan
The weather was wet, nonetheless, Midwest Automotive Media Association members evaluated VW’s 2025 GTI and Golf R on a slick racetrack near Elkhart Lake Wisconsin. The R’s ample brakes let you unleash a burst of turbocharged all-wheel drive forward thrust and then rein in speed before cornering. The R’s grip was secure despite racetrack rivulets.
VW offered two new street rides: the ID. Buzz and 2025 Tiguan. The Buzz’s Candy White over Energetic Orange exterior color scheme brightened one’s mood on a gloomy Wisconsin day. The electric $70,600 Buzz Pro S plus 4Motion motors nimbly. Wind noise is obvious but not oppressive at highway speeds. Ride quality inside VW’s nearly three-ton van apes an inflatable bounce house on ruffled roads. Just squeeze a sliding side-door’s handle, the power-operated door opens or closes.
VW product specialist, Jerohn Anderson, says the 2025 Tiguan—now showing at your local VW dealer—has a new generation of VW’s turbocharged, four-cylinder engine. It’s got 17 more horses than last year’s model—201-hp. Modifications include higher engine fuel pressure and reconfigured fuel pump. The vehicle weighs 170-lbs less than last year’s model.
Inside, the $41,180 Tiguan SEL R-Line sets higher standards for VW’s interior trim. It has wood-tone dashboard trim, plentiful double-stitched leatherette, a steering column mounted shift lever, adjustable front-center armrest and diamond-pattern leather seating surfaces. A center console knob lets you adjust audio volume and drive modes. Other features include a 15-inch infotainment screen, messaging front seats and a head-up display.
Anderson says less expensive and less lavishly equipped Tiguans are available. The Tiggy’s extra ponies were sometimes reluctant; the engine sometimes pauses when prodded. The mill, which sounds good while it’s working, mates to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The cabin appears, feels and sounds upscale. Wind noise, for example, is hushed.
The Tiggy’s new driver interface features bright Digital Cockpit Pro instrumentation. Alas, VW’s glossy reflection-prone climate control touch sliders are difficult to see in daylight. The fixed-position rear seat provides adult-size comfort. It folds flat, extending cargo room. Aft riders get USB charging ports, heated chairs and adjustable air vents.