The 2009 Tiguan by Volkswagen is zippy, small and stylish. The instrument panel, below, is highly functional and blessedly free of buttons.

Volkswagen

Now that drivers of large SUVs have discovered that — gasp! — they use a lot of fuel, consumers are flocking to small SUVs that, predictably, need less liquid gold. So that makes Volkswagen’s first small, car-based SUV, the 2009 Tiguan, perfectly timed.

Um, the Ti-what?

That’s Ti-guan (pronounced Teeg-whon). It’s not a pretty name, but it’s a pretty terrific small SUV.

Looking much like the Touareg SUV’s kid brother, the Tiguan wears crisp, European lines that work well despite its short length. Its look stands apart from its key competitors, the Honda CR-V, Toyota RAV4, Nissan Roque, Ford Escape and Saturn Vue.

Of course, the first two vehicles established the template that these car-based SUVs follow, and VW is no exception.

The Tiguan comes with standard front-wheel drive in base S, mid-level SE and top-of-the-line SEL trim. VW’s all-wheel-drive system, called 4Motion, is available on mid-level SE and SEL models.

But under the hood, this German machine deviates from its American and Asian rivals. While it still uses a four-cylinder engine, the Tiguan’s powerplant is turbocharged; deploying 200 horsepower joined to either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.

While the turbo gives the Tiguan a performance advantage, there’s a price to pay at the pump. Mileage isn’t bad, at 18 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway, but it does lag the leaders in this class. In addition, VW recommends premium unleaded fuel.

But the Tiguan tugs at your heart once behind the wheel. The handing is everything one expects of a VW. Its precise steering and nimble handling makes it the perfect trucklet for zipping about town. It’s fun to drive, something that can’t be said of all small SUVs. And the peppy powerplant adds to the fun.

Perched in one of the Tiguan’s front bucket seats, you’ll find plenty of headroom and legroom. Backseat space is decent. Cargo room is OK, but you’ll find other small SUVs are more generous.

Interior trim, long a VW strength, is marred by typical dour European styling. The black interior with charcoal cloth seats is brightened by the $1,300 panoramic sunroof option. A mesh-like fabric blocks most sunlight, while allowing some to come through.

The instrument panel is highly functional and blessedly free of buttons, thanks to a 6.5-inch screen, part of the $1,950 DVD Navigation option. A rear back up camera, which shows the view behind the vehicle when in reverse, is part of the package.

There are a few miscues. The dashboard features a couple of open bins below the audio and climate controls, yet a six-CD changer resides in the center console bin, eating space. Why not set it in the dashboard? And I wish VW would spend a few more Euros for higher quality switch gear, especially considering this SUV’s price.

The base model starts at $23,200. The test vehicle, a mid-level SE model with 4Motion, bottom-lined at $33,165. Imagine if it had leather seating.

While I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Tiguan — and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it — some might find that number too high.

On the other hand, if you can afford it, you’ll find the Tiguan’s unique character and spry performance worth the extra scratch.2009 Volkswagen Tiguan

What we say: A fun SUV with a funny name

Pro: Zippy, small-size, stylish

Con: Some cheap switchgear for the price

Stats:

Engine: Turbocharged 2-liter four-cylinder

Wheelbase: 102.5 inches

Length: 174.3 inches

Weight: 3,631 pounds

Cargo space: 23.8-56.1 cubic feet

Towing capacity: 2,200 pounds

EPA rating (city/highway): 18/24 mpg

Fuel economy: 20 mpg

Fuel type: Premium unleaded

Base price: $28,875

As tested: $33,165