We say Not very exciting in terms of looks and driving, but a high quality interior with lots of gadgetry. Rather expensive for the sector though.Performance The leading engine in the Tiguan range is a 2.0-litre 138bhp TDI turbodiesel unit with the German manufacturer’s all wheel drive set up. It’s expected to account for 38 per cent of all sales.It won’t provide blistering performance but there’s plenty of power and good levels of economy for a crossover of this size.The engine range is completed by two more diesels and three petrol engines with a new 2.0-litre 197bhp sitting at the top of the list – taking over from a less powerful 2.0-litre TSI unit but with lower CO2 emissions.Emissions Volkswagen has applied its BlueMotion technology to the Tiguan crossover which means enviably low CO2 emissions and brilliant fuel economy figures in a segment not particularly synonymous with green motoring.Both two wheel drive, 2.0-litre diesel engines with BlueMotion technology are the most efficient in the range with identical CO2 emissions of 139g/km and a combined cycle fuel economy of 53.3mpg thanks to a mix of Stop/Start technology and a battery regeneration system.Driving The Tiguan is one of the best handling crossovers on the market. Where a lot of its competitors feel like normal hatchbacks that have been jacked up – where their handling suffers and feels disconnected – the Tiguan feels like a normal car.That means its handling is responsive and there’s feedback through the steering wheel. It’s stable and comfortable but we’d advise the two wheel drive models for emissions and drive.It’s not a great car off-road so if that’s one box you need ticking it may be best to look away from the Tiguan. If you’re staying on the roads, there’s not a lot better.Feel It’s a Volkswagen so you know you can expect certain levels of interior quality and refinement. It may not be the most exciting or beautiful cabin but as ever, the German manufacturer has managed to fit a comfortable, sturdy and practical interior.It does suffer from Volkswagen’s ‘one-for-all’ motto when it comes to interiors but if you don’t mind having the same interior as a Polo or a Golf, then you won’t have any issues.Space The Tiguan is a comfortable crossover and it provides plenty of head and legroom for all occupants thanks to its tall stance. There’s also more than 1,500 litres of boot space.Inside, visibility is brilliant but the car doesn’t suffer from enormous SUV dimensions so parking is far less hassle than you might imagine.Rear seats slide backwards, freeing up more space for passengers but less for luggage in the boot.Equipment There’s plenty of equipment inside the Tiguan no matter what trim level you decide on with, importantly, a DAB digital radio fitted as standard. Higher up the trim levels and equipment becomes more and more impressive with dual-zone climate control, Keyless Entry and an electronic parking brake.There’s even a Sports trim which adds stiffer suspension and larger alloys.Price Pricing for the Volkswagen Tiguan’s best selling 2.0-litre TDI 4Motion 138bhp in SE Trim starts from £25,645 and it sits towards the top end of the range. Prices can fall as low as £21,000 too.Quality The Tiguan is a well built car and that’s perhaps most notable in its interior which isn’t particularly flash but it is solid and uses high-quality, dense plastics. There shouldn’t be any problems in terms of reliability with Volkswagen.Safety As is the case with most crossovers and SUVs, the Tiguan is well kitted out and prepared in terms of safety equipment. There are six airbags across the interior as well as a fatigue protection system and stability control.Pros In terms of handling and drive, there are few cars in the crossover segment that cope as well as the Tiguan on the road. There’s little body roll and good feedback through the steering wheel which is difficult to manage in a tall sided car. There’s also aCons The Tiguan – despite its crossover SUV status – is not an off-roader, in fact it’s not built for going off-road at all. It’s also fairly boring in terms of interior and exterior styling, especially when compared to the likes of the Nissan Juke.Alternatives Nissan Qashqai, Land Rover Freelander 2
