By Ian Strachan.
Volkswagen’s Tiguan was the German company’s first offering in the compact sports utility vehicle sector when it was launched in 2007.
Now, 14 years later, it has sold more than six million units and is the most successful model in Volkswagen’s stable. And it has just received a major overhaul, improving its efficiency, handling and drive, with added tech and a redesigned front end.
With muscular and rugged good looks but still unmistakably a Volkswagen, the Tiguan certainly looks the part. I test drove the Tiguan in R-Line spec which gives you unique front and rear bumper styling, black wheel-arch extensions and side skirts with chrome trim.
The Tiguan has impressive load carrying capabilities and practicality. There’s plenty of room for luggage with as much as 615 litres of load space, or 1655 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
On the road, the Tiguan behaves very well, with no body roll despite its height and comfortable suspension, and excellent cornering.
The interior is an extremely comfortable and airy place to be, with excellent visibility all round and pleasant trim and seat materials. A panoramic sunroof (an extra at £945) further improved the feeling of light and space. Clear, well-lit instruments and easily accessible controls help the overall feeling of well-being inside the cabin.
Specification on the R-Line specification which I tested is good, with three-zone electronic air conditioning, touch-screen navigation system via an eight-inch display screen, with DAB radio plus MP3 player with Bluetooth compatibility, Apple CarPlay, SMS messaging, VW Connect internet-based service and USB port, and integrated aircraft style folding tables in the seat backs. You also get 20 inch alloy wheels, all round electric windows and door mirrors, an electronic parking brake with auto hold and heated leather steering wheel with paddle-shift.
Extras on my test car included a rear view camera (£370), head-up display (£510), remote keyless entry and start with electric tailgate (£320) and metallic paint (£625).
I test drove the 1.5 litre 150 horsepower turbocharged petrol version which gives you 38.8 miles to the gallon in mixed driving, and is a smooth unit with adequate power across the range. At motorway speeds it feels comfortable and unfussed. My test car had a smooth seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox
The Tiguan has made a very good impression on the market over the last few years and has improved with every iteration. The latest iteration looks good, has a nice driving environment, practicality and good performance.
The Tiguan R-Line 1.5 litre 150ps automatic which I tested comes in at £32,730 on the road, and holds its value well.
