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First Look Review
187
VW Tiguan
VW Tiguan Uranograu
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by: Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]

Introduction
Herpa has released a new model of the newly announced Volkswagen Tiguan which debuted at the 2015 IAA in Frankfurt. It is model 028608.
    New type! Presented at the IAA 2015 in Frankfurt, the new VW Tiguan now enhances the Herpa range. Compared to the predecessor the car body has a more angular shape which was outstandingly realized on the model. - Herpa

Herpa catalogues two Tiguans amongst their offering of 12,213 Volkswagen models.

VW Tiguan
The 2016 Volkswagen Tiguan is a compact sport utility vehicle. VW powers it with a 2-liter 200-hp turbocharged engine and hawks its cargo space and hi-tech passenger gadgets, all in a vehicle VW considers quite refined.

Herpa VW Tiguan Uranograu
Straight out of the box this 1/87 model is attractive with a glass-smooth finish, easily visible interior, separate roof rails, and clear lenses for lights. This little SUV has no noticeable flaws on the molded parts, not with assembly. The model sets on four hybrid rubber tires and detailed rims. Body detail consists of fine recessed lines and sharply molded raised detail.

This model is licensed by VW.

Detail
Look at the front. The grille is well defined as well as the honeycomb below the bumper. The VW emblem is sharply molded.

Clear and tinted lenses simulate headlights and brake lights. They are molded with simulated bulbs.

Windshield wipers are not separately applied but are crisply portrayed, front and back.

The luggage racks are not merely molded on. They are individual parts attached to the roof. This allows a gap between them and the car.

Notice the impressive factory-attached side mirrors. And looking inside the car, there is a rear view mirror, too.

Furthermore, the passenger compartment features a steering wheel, detailed seats, a dash, console and shift. The windows are clear and distortion-free, so modelers have the option of popping off the body and installing figures.

While the tires have a hint of tread on their edges, there is no tread on the rest of them. The underside chassis detail is suggested with a one-piece shallow relief detail.

Excellent detail for an HO scale model.

Finish
Herpa does not use decals. The model sports a glass-smooth finish of uranograu / urano grey. Fine silver simulates chrome trim along the windows and grille and bumpers. The hubs and roof racks are molded in color.

Very fine printing includes Tiguan and the VW logo. Overall the finish is excellent.

Out of the showroom
Herpa and VW should be proud of this 1/87 Tiguan. It features excellent finish and detail. The separately-applied mirrors, roof rails and detailed interior greatly enhance the authenticity and appeal of the model. As do the clear and tinted lenses for the lights.

I remember when Herpa molded full tread detail on the tires. That was a touch that really elevated their models towards the extraordinary. Whether or not modelers and collectors care about the underside being simplified remains to be seen. I am not sure that many care.

This new VW Tiguan is a wonderful model that should please collectors of SUVs in this class, and new Volkswagens. The model should look good on the shelf or worked in to a diorama or model railroad layout. Recommended.

Please remember to tell retailers and vendors that you saw this model here - on Auto Modeler.
SUMMARY
Highs: The separately-applied mirrors, roof rails and detailed interior greatly enhance the authenticity and appeal of the model. As do the clear and tinted lenses for the lights.
Lows: Tires have only a hint of tread on their edges. The underside chassis detail is suggested with a one-piece shallow relief detail.
Verdict: This new VW Tiguan is a wonderful model that should please collectors of SUVs in this class, and new Volkswagens. The model should look good on the shelf or worked in to a diorama or model railroad layout.
  Scale: 1:87
  Mfg. ID: 028608
  Suggested Retail: 13,50 EUR, $15
  PUBLISHED: Mar 22, 2016
  NATIONALITY: Germany
NETWORK-WIDE AVERAGE RATINGS
  THIS REVIEWER: 87.04%
  MAKER/PUBLISHER: 90.46%

Our Thanks to Herpa!
This item was provided by them for the purpose of having it reviewed on this KitMaker Network site. If you would like your kit, book, or product reviewed, please contact us.

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About Frederick Boucher (JPTRR)
FROM: TENNESSEE, UNITED STATES

I'm a professional pilot with a degree in art. My first model was an AMT semi dump truck. Then Monogram's Lunar Lander right after the lunar landing. Next, Revell's 1/32 Bf-109G...cried havoc and released the dogs of modeling! My interests--if built before 1900, or after 1955, then I proba...

Copyright ©2021 text by Frederick Boucher [ JPTRR ]. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of ModelGeek. All rights reserved.



   


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