Review: Volkswagen’s beefy Tiguan family diesel SUV really stands and delivers

As mid-size SUVs go, this new car – especially in the high-spec R Line trim on the test vehicle – takes some beating. That is saying a lot, considering its rivals include the excellent Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage.

It has loads of passenger and boot space. The latter was highlighted by its ability (with the rear seats folded) to carry long items such as a shovel, spade, rake, brush and petrol strimmer on a clean-up expedition.

Adding to that flexibility, the boot is adjustable in two heights and embraces 625 litres of space with the back seats up.

For families with younger passengers, there are Isofix anchors for child seats on the outer rear bench seats and on the front passenger seat.

It is obvious that Volkswagen worked hard getting this to be both a workhorse and an upmarket SUV.

I am conscious of not overemphasising the upmarket bit because the glitzed-up version I had, with all costs included, comes to more than €67,000. It would need to be executive-class.

The refinement shows. The cabin, nicely proportioned, was adorned with materials and inlays (VW’s R-Line) that looked and felt high-quality grade.

I couldn’t find anything resembling cheap plastic in the lower regions, something that can be a give-away to short-cuts to savings and higher profits.

Volkswagen has improved matters greatly with the infotainment ­system too. There is a main screen that is 12.9in (15in optional) and it has certainly shown how to create a user-friendly set-up.

Infotainment and information screens are now key areas to be assessed in not just how systems respond and deliver, but also in how they decorate and bring focus to the dash area.

There were some ugly-looking intrusions out there initially but most, like the Tiguan’s, have improved a lot.

Some things do not change, ­however. The 2-litre diesel engine (150bhp) was typical Volkswagen: a bit gruff on start-up but which mutated into a reassuring hum when I got it out on the good roads.

Six months ago I would have been urging caution about buying a diesel in the then-prevailing climate.

But such is the resilient nature of demand for that power source – albeit in much smaller volumes than at its peak a few years ago – that I can see the likes of the diesel Tiguan being in demand for quite some time (there is a plug-in hybrid).

At least until governments sort out what’s going to happen with electric cars.

That could spell good news for those families who need the size for occupant capacity and the low fuel-consumption for longer journeys (I got 5.2 litres/100km, an excellent return for a big motor).

Blending in with the Tiguan’s sense of familial travel were roomy alcoves for storing items in the central console and door bins.

And the excellent automatic transmission (DSG) made driving a doddle.

Not that I dawdled. When on the motorway this eased through the kilometres and added a layer of thorough solidity to several enjoyable journeys.

On the few occasions I got away on my own, the (optional) adaptive ­chassis control made a bit of difference in how it handled on poorer, narrower roads and surfaces.

All in all, it was a sturdy, comfortable and pleasant car to drive, either laden with passengers and implements, or solitary, with technology adding important touches.

The only thing against it generally was the €67,000-plus price when all the bits and pieces were added up. It is steep.

Entry-level is under €50,000, I know, but few will be interested. At least that has been the experience to date with buyers. They want higher spec. And if that means a few euro extra on the personal contract plan (PCP) every month, then they are prepared to pay.

There is also another negative aspect to the price, regardless of what trim you choose. The delivery and related charges come to a whopping €1,795.

I am sure the sum can be explained, but it seems a lot to get a car ready for sale. It used to be €1,000 (and that seemed more than enough).

But, at least Volkswagen is upfront about it and will not land you with a surprise when you are buying.

The addition of ChatGPT to the digital Voice Command annoyed me. The ChatGPT is supposed to interact in a “conversational” way and be able to answer follow-up questions and so on. It did not work well for me.

But it would take a lot more than that quibble to put me off buying the Tiguan. I would buy a lower spec, not bother with the adaptive chassis control and see if a deal could be done on delivery and related charges.

Factfile

Volkswagen Tiguan

2-litre, 150bhp diesel, five-seater SUV

Range starts at €49,890. R-Line from €58,150; optional extras €7,524; delivery/related charges €1,795

Tax: €270

Standard spec includes 19in alloys, 12.9in info display, adaptive cruise control, R-Line inserts, three zone climate control, IDA voice assistant/enhancer; parking assist memory, rear view camera, keyless locking, steering wheel, massage front seats

Extras include dynamics pack (with adaptive chassis control)