Road test - Volkswagen Tiguan

Author: Ian Strachan

Volkswagen’s Tiguan is the company’s first offering the compact sports utility vehicle sector, and as you’d expect from the German manufacturer, it’s very good indeed.

With muscular and rugged good looks, the Tiguan is a genuine off-road performer, with Volkswagen's 4MOTION four wheel drive system. Serious off-roaders can also opt for a smaller overhang, front grille protection, sump guard and hill descent control. Oh, and a compass in case you forget which direction you should be travelling in.

But despite its off-road credentials, the Tiguan also behaves well on road, with no body roll and excellent cornering. Once inside you feel as if you're in a car, not an off-roader.

The interior is an extremely comfortable and airy place to be, with excellent visibility all round and pleasant trim and seat materials. Clear, well-lit instruments and easily accessible controls help the overall feeling of well-being inside the cabin. 

Specification on the SE version which I tested is good, with semi automatic air conditioning, curtain airbags, eight speaker radio/CD/MP3 player with an iPod socket, and integrated airline style folding tables in the seat backs. You also get alloy wheels, roof rails, all round electric windows and door mirrors, an electronic parking brake and lots of storage space. The SE trim level also has chrome trim, electrically adjustable driver's seat, underseat drawers and a touch screen radio.

My test car also came with Volkswagen's park assist system with front and rear sensors, which allows you to put your feet up while the car effectively parallel parks itself (£490). It also came with a DVD navigation system that includes a rear view camera and uprated audio (£1,695).

I test drove the 2.0 litre 170 horsepower diesel version which gives a very respectable 42.8 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. Two litre and 1.4 litre petrol engines are also available.

Handling is good, with crisp steering, and no sea cruise bodyroll on cornering. 

The Tiguan has made a good impression on the market to date and further expands Volkswagen's impressive range. It looks good, has a nice driving environment and good performance. And if you want to take a short cut across the fields you can do so with confidence.

The Tiguan starts at a very reasonable £20,125 on the road in two wheel-drive format. The version I tested comes in at £24,460, plus another £490 if you want to impress other road users with your ability to park in a tight spot.

Road test by Ian Strachan Communications Ltd

Ian Strachan is a motoring and business writer and PR consultant. He can be contacted on 01543 490932 or 07949 202596 or via email: ian@strachan13.freeserve.co.uk