What’s new?
The new Tiguan is the beginning of Volkswagen’s SUV offensive, in which it aims to have a model in each market segment by 2020.
It’s the first time a VW SUV has sat on the company’s ‘MQB’ modular platform, which is shared across the range with the likes of the Golf and Passat. The German manufacturer says this has allowed it to offer a longer, wider design with increased cabin space.
What's under the bonnet?
This Tiguan is powered by a punchy 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine with a healthy 237bhp as well as 500Nm - not bad, for a car of this size. It means that the Tiguan will hit 60mph in just 6.3 seconds, as well as reach a top speed of 142mph. Despite this performance, Volkswagen claims that the Tiguan will return 44.1mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting 167g/km CO2.
What's it like to drive?
One of the most appealing aspects of the Tiguan’s driving position is that you feel like you sit slightly lower in the cabin. For many SUV drivers the high driving position is a key selling point, but the VW treads the line brilliantly between giving an excellent view of the road ahead while leaving you feeling snug and cocooned in the cabin.
Out on the open road the Tiguan feels at home in areas like the motorway. It’s a brilliant cruiser – quiet and refined.
How does it look?
Volkswagen’s ethos is to offer fuss free design with plenty of practicality, and that’s true of the Tiguan. The exterior is designed without emphasis on unnecessary line and fuss, it give you exactly what it is, a class-leading SUV.
What's it like inside?
Inside, the cloth seats are firm and supportive. And that sense of ruggedness is a recurring theme, but everything feels securely bolted together and laid out in a perfectly logical way.
Thanks to the aforementioned MQB platform, the Tiguan offers more space than before. VW says there’s more headroom, legroom, and luggage space – with the rear bench folded down there’s 1,650 litres in the rear, which is up there with the best in the segment.
Aside from space, the Tiguan will be appealing to families thanks to its impressive safety kit. There are various collision avoidance technologies, as well as post-collision braking and lane-keep assist. Further helping the NCAP safety rating is an active bonnet that can help reduce injuries to pedestrians in the event of a collision.
What's the spec like?
Very well put together, as you expect from VW, it won't completely baffle you with modern day complications in the cockpit. But there's still plenty to get excited about. Especially when you consider, even the Standard trim levels comes with all this brilliance. A 12.3-inch high-definition display, panoramic sunroof, adaptive cruise control and LED headlights.
Additional equipment fitted to our SEL-spec car included keyless entry, head-up display and park assist.
Verdict
The Volkswagen Tiguan is ideal for families looking for a solid, reliable family SUV free from too many trinkets. The excellent build quality means that it should stand up to family life brilliantly.