Volkswagen Tiguan | Video Review | CarsIreland.ie

Published on 28 March, 2017

The Volkswagen Tiguan may be at the pricier end of the segment but superior build quality, strong resale values and a sublime interior make it a premium worth paying

Overview

Overview

This is the car that sees Volkswagen truly arrive to the compact SUV market. A sharp new look, the latest in-car technology and all the interior refinement we've come to expect from the brand make the new Tiguan one of the most attractive packages in the segment at the moment.

Now based on the same MQB platform as the Golf, it's wider and longer than before which means more room for back seat passengers and the biggest boot in its class. It also makes for better handling – it feels more car like than ever before and there's a very capable four wheel drive option. It's powered by a 2.0l TDI with either 150 or 190hp, with a 1.4l TSI option available for diesel-phobes.

The price tag may seem a little steep but the all-round quality means you can look at it as a less expensive alternative to a BMW X1 or an Audi Q3 rather than a pricier Qashqai.

Interior Gallery

The new Tiguan is longer and wider than its predecessor, with more space in the cabin and a noticeable increase in leg room in the back. Determined not to be outdone in any area, the boot is now the largest in the class at 520 litres.

It's also very versatile, and sliding rear seats allow you to extend that further again to a total of 615 litres if you aren't carrying any passengers in the back. The slick new interior will be another huge draw and its simple fuss-free layout and soft touch materials give it a really premium look and feel.

The popular mid-spec Comfortline trim comes generously equipped with Climatronic three-zone climate control, ParkPilot, active cruise control, and comfort seats. It also gets a seven-inch colour touch screen that can be equipped with all the latest in-car connectivity like Apple's CarPlay and Android Auto. This paired with the 2.0l 150hp TDI will be the volume seller here at an average price of €34,540.

The luxurious Highline adds 18'' wheels, LED headlights, a reversing camera and the very impressive Active Info Display, which similar to Audi's 'Virtual Cockpit' will transfer information from the touchscreen to a 12 inch digital display behind the steering wheel.

That has obvious safety benefits as it means you don't have to take your eyes off the road and there are more driver assisting features as standard including lane departure warning, lane assist and automatic emergency city braking. This all helped it score the full five star rating on the Euro NCAP safety test.

Although there is an entry-level petrol in the 1.4l TSI, most Tiguans will be diesel-powered in the shape of a 2.0l TDI with either 150 or 190hp. The 150 brake model will make up the majority of sales here, offering impressively low running costs with a combined fuel economy of 4.7l per 100km (59MPG). CO2 emissions of 125g/km give it an annual motor tax bill of €270. There's also a very capable '4motion' four wheel drive option available.

Now based on the same MQB platform as the Golf, the new chassis makes it more refined and car like to drive than ever before. In fact bar the commanding high driving position, you could very well be in a Golf. It's quiet, comfortable, remains composed around corners and is easy enough to manoeuvre around town too thanks to the pleasantly light steering. Parking aids like a rear-view camera and sensors make it an easy transition for anyone coming from something smaller.

It's not just a safe car in the literal sense - reliability and resale values are two more areas that generally make Volkswagen a risk-free choice. The brand is synonymous with good build quality and its quietly upmarket image gives it a real universal appeal.

It's not like the previous model wasn't successful – it was the brand's fourth most popular seller and managed to find itself a home in many an Irish driveway. It just never reached that Qashqai level of obsession here. This new model with its more mainstream looks and vast improvements across the board might just be the one to change that.

Facts & Figures

Sinead McCann

Sinéad is our resident car tester who has the unenviable (-ok, slightly enviable) task of reviewing all the latest new cars to hit the market. You can follow her on Twitter @smcani and on Instagram @whatshedrives