Volkswagen's 7-seat Tiguan Allspace gets an upgrade. Jonathan Crouch checks it out.

Ten Second Review

Volkswagen's improved Tiguan Allspace 7-seat SUV gets revised design, extra control and assist systems and new premium features. And, of course, it's still as practical as ever. Could it be all the car you'll ever really need? Potential buyers will probably see this car in just that way.

Background

Increasingly, it's no longer enough to just offer a single mid-sized five-seat SUV. The market's now demanding that mainstream makers also provide variants of such models that are lengthened enough to be able to incorporate a third seating row. Volkswagen couldn't ignore this trend - and didn't, bringing us this bigger 'Allspace' Tiguan derivative in 2017, then updated four years on to create the car we're going to look at here. It's not much larger than the standard version; 215mm of extra length has been added, with the wheelbase extended by 109mm. Still, as we'll see, it's enough to make quite a difference to the way you can potentially use this car.

Driving Experience

You wouldn't expect the changes made to this slightly lengthened Allspace model to have much effect on drive dynamics - nor have they. If anything, the stretched wheelbase has had a positive effect on this model's roadgoing demeanour, the extra weight and longer stance helping the suspension smooth over bumps through higher speed corners. Ride quality is an established strength of the ordinary Tiguan and remains an attribute here, aided immeasurably by the hi-tech MQB platform that sits beneath the bodywork. There are no changes to the engineering of this Allspace model over the ordinary Tiguan and Volkswagen has also worked hard to ensure that this variant's extra 215mm of body length doesn't upset that car's reassuring handling balance. At the foot of the engine range is a 150PS 1.5-litre TSI EVO unit with 'Cylinder-on-Demand' technology and 2WD. Most buyers of this car though, will probably want the alternative 2.0 TDI diesel, which now gets more efficient twin-dosing selective catalytic reduction system. Many likely customers will want this car fitted with the 2.0 TDI 150PS unit, which can be ordered with with front wheel drive or (with a DSG auto 'box fitted) with 4MOTION 4WD. If you go for the pokier 200PS 2.0 TDI powerplant, you have to have 4MOTION and the DSG auto. The 4MOTION and DSG systems are also mandatory if you choose the top 2.0 TSI petrol engine, available with either 190 or 245PS. The fifth-generation four-wheel-drive 4MOTION system provides a faster apportioning of power to all four wheels via a process that provides pre-activation of the rear clutch and improved operation of the electronic differentials. In recent times, nearly three-quarters of Tiguan buyers in the UK have shown a preference for AWD. In 4x4 form, the car has 200mm of ground clearance, 11mm more than it would have in 2WD guise.

Design and Build

As before, this is basically a long wheelbase version of the standard Tiguan. The main change with this revised Tiguan Allspace is a redesigned front featuring an independent radiator grille and elegant signature lighting which can now include the brand's latest IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. A further new feature is the “sweeping” indicator function of the LED turn signals. On either side of the redesigned Volkswagen logo, an illuminated strip in the radiator grille adds a more striking visual note. These front changes have added 22mm to the overall length. Inside, as with the updated MK2 Tiguan, there's a new centre-dash infotainment system with an integrated eSIM. Plus a digitalised climate module with slider controls. there's increrased availability of the Digital Cockpit Pro indstrument binnacle screen. And the option of a new Harmon/Kardon audio system upgrade. Otherwise, things are much as before. This Allspace model's extra 60mm of overall length over a standard Tiguan makes possible the fitment of a third seating row. As with rivals, these additional pews are really only really intended for children, but they're no more cramped than those you'll find in obvious direct rivals like Skoda's Kodiaq or Nissan's X-Trail. You'll need to use the middle row's standard liding mechanism and push the centre bench right forward if lanky adults are to be accommodated at the very back. This Tiguan's added length also boosts boot space. With the rearmost seats in place, boot capacity is 230-litres; with the two seats stowed away into the boot floor, capacity rises 85 litres-from the five-seat version to a total of 700-litres. Drop the second row as well and capacity reaches 1775-litres. These will be satisfyingly spacious numbers for potential family buyers, even if they can't quite match the figures of the competing Volkswagen Group models this car shares its engineering with, that Skoda Kodiaq and the SEAT Tarraco.

Market and Model

Prices start at just under £37,000. Most buyers will focus on the 150PS version of Volkswagen's familiar 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. As for trim levels, there's a choice of 'Life', 'Elegance' and 'R-Line' options, with prices up to around £43,000. All models come with alloy wheels, 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning, a trip computer, all-round electric windows, an alarm, power heated door mirrors and a 'Composition Media' infotainment system. Safety kit includes a clever 'Automatic Post-Collision Braking System' that automatically brakes the car down to 6mph after a collision - so if, say, someone hits you and, understandably, you go to pieces, the car will automatically sort itself out. There's also a 'Front Assist' system that at speed, scans the road ahead as you drive for potential accident hazards, warning you if one is detected and automatically braking if necessary. You get that same kind of functionality at urban speeds too, as part of a 'City Emergency Braking' system included as part of the 'Front Assist' package.

Cost of Ownership

Expect the 2.0 TDI 150PS 2WD manual variant many will want to deliver up to 53.3mpg on the combined cycle and up to 140g/km of CO2. That falls to a best of 45.6mpg and 163g/km for the 4MOTION DSG auto version of this variant. For the 2.0 TDI 200 4MOTION auto, it's up to 40.9mpg and 180g/km. Go for the 1.5-litre TSI EVO petrol option and the figures are up to 41.5mpg and up to 154g/km with manual transmission. Overall, though the upfront sticker price isn't cheap, whichever variant you choose, you'll probably be better off choosing this Volkswagen than a cheaper South Korean alternative when you factor in depreciation and whole life costs. And warranties? Well the standard package is three years and 60,000 miles. If you plan to see a bit more of the world in your Tiguan, there's a five year / 90,000 mile package. Whatever your decision, your car will come with three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance that has no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and, as you'd expect, this car is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion package.

Summary

As with the ordinary Tiguan model, providing you don't expect this Allspace derivative to be among the cheaper choices in this segment, then there's very little not to like here. For the cost of, say, a five-seat Audi Q5 or Mercedes GLC, you can get yourself, in this seven-seat Volkswagen, a family SUV with almost equal badge equity but quite a lot more versatility. What's not to like? All the established Tiguan virtues remain - high residuals, impressive efficiency and strong build quality. And as ever with this model, there's an extra dash of polish in everything it does that'll make you feel as good when you open the bedroom window as you will when you're at the wheel.

Body Glass

Rain sensor

Rear wiper

Brakes

Rear disc brakes

Electronic parking brake

Electronic Stability Control (ESC) inc EDL (Electronic Differential Lock) and ASR (Traction Control)

Anti-lock Brake System + Electronic Brakeforce Distribution + Brake assist

Carpets/Rugs

Front + rear carpet mats

Chassis/Suspension

Front wheel drive

Communication

Mobile phone interface comfort with inductive charging feature

App-Connect

Driver Aids

Adaptive cruise control

Lane change assist

Lane keeping system Lane Assist

Progressive steering

Multifunction front facing camera

Driver profile selection

Advanced driver attention and drowsiness monitor

Driver Convenience

Electric boot lid

Driver Information

eCall emergency call service

Speedo and rev counter, electronic odometer, trip, service interval display and exterior temperature gauge

Digital cockpit pro

Driving Mirrors

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Engine

Start-stop system with battery regeneration (recuperation - energy recovery during braking)

Entertainment

2 USB-C ports in the front, 1 USB-C charging socket on the center console in the rear

Diversity antenna for FM reception

DAB Digital radio

Exterior Body Features

Exterior badge deletion

Silver roof rails

Rear side wing doors

Rear spoiler in R style

Chrome mouldings on side window

Exterior Lights

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Rear fog light

Automatic headlight control system

Third brake light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

Air Care Climatronic 3 zone automatic climate control with enhanced air filter and controls in the rear

Interior Features

Leather wrapped multi function sports steering wheel with touch control and shifting paddles

Leather gearshift handle

Door and side trim panel with leatherette insert

Drawers under front seats

12V socket in centre console

12-volt outlet in centre console rear and luggage compartment

Front centre armrest

Stainless steel pedals

Black roof lining

Illuminated scuff plates

Interior Lights

LED interior light with switch off delay/dimmer and 2 front/rear LED reading lights

Front footwell illumination

Packs

Park assist pack - Tiguan Allspace

Ambience pack - Tiguan Allspace R Line

Driver assistance plus package - Tiguan Allspace

Safety

3 rear three point seatbelts

Warning buzzer for seatbelts if unfastened

Manual rear child locks

Driver's and front passenger's airbag with front passenger's airbag deactivation switch

Side airbag in front and rear with curtain airbag

3 point seat belt for centre rear seat

Two tone horn

Pedestrian monitoring

Height adjustable front 3 point seatbelts + pretensioners

Driver and front passenger safety-optimised head restraints

Seats

3 individual folding 2nd row seats

3 head restraints in rear

Top comfort sports seats in front with 'R' Logo

ISOFIX anchorage points for mounting 2 child seats on rear seats and i-Size child seats

Foldable front passenger seat backrest

3rd row 2 individual seats

Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment

Driver + front passenger lumbar support

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Anti theft alarm system with interior monitoring, backup horn and towing protection

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC+NOx: N

Particles: N

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb: 162

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 168

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEL: 162

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1498

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: TURBO DIRECT INJECTION

Catalytic Convertor: No

Engine Layout: FRONT TRANSVERSE

Transmission: SEMI-AUTO

Gears: 7 SPEED

Fuel Consumption - ICE

EC Directive 1999/100/EC Applies: 0

EC Urban (mpg): N

EC Extra Urban (mpg): N

EC Combined (mpg): N

WLTP - MPG - Low: 30.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 39.1

WLTP - MPG - High: 44.4

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 38.5

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 32.1

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 30.7

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 38.7

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 44.1

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 38.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 37.7

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 39.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 38.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 9.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 7.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 8.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 9.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 6.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 7.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 7.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEL: 7.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 7.4

General

Coin Series: R-Line

Coin Description: TSI

Standard manufacturers warranty - Years: 3

Standard manufacturers warranty - Mileage: 60000

Manufacturers Paintwork Guarantee - Years: 3

Manufacturers Corrosion Perforation Guarantee - Years: 12

Did at least one aspect of this vehicle's safety give cause for concern?: 0

Special Edition: 0

Special Order: 0

Based On ID: N

Insurance Group 1 - 50 Effective January 07: 22E

Service Interval Mileage: 18600

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 24

NCAP Adult Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Child Occupant Protection %: N

NCAP Pedestrian Protection %: N

NCAP Safety Assist %: N

NCAP Overall Rating - Effective February 09: N

Badge Power: 150

Badge Engine CC: 1.5

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.6

Top Speed: 124

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 184

Engine Torque - NM: 250

Engine Torque - RPM: 1500

Engine Torque - MKG: 25.5

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 255/40 R20

Tyre Size Rear: 255/40 R20

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 20" ALLOY

Wheel Style: MISANO

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4726

Width: 1859

Wheelbase: 2788

Height: 1686

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1572

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2290

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 1800

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 718

Luggage Capacity (Seats Up): 700

No. of Seats: 7

Max. Roof Load: 75

Turning Circle - Kerb to Kerb: 11.9

Body Glass

Heated insulating windshield

Chassis/Suspension

ACC - Adaptive chassis contol with adaptive dampers

Communication

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Trailer maneuvering system trailer assist with park assist and park distance control

Rear view camera

Area view camera

Driver Information

Discover pro nav inc Streaming & Internet with Touchscreen 9.2" colour display,bluetooth,gesture,voice control,DRS display,weConnect + and dualmap

Entertainment

Harman Kardon sound system with 11 speakers, 480W output, digital 16 channel amplifier and subwoofer

Exterior Body Features

Metallic paint

Pearlescent paint

Premium paint

Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof

Exterior Lights

IQ light adv HBC, dyn light assist LED matrix headlamps,DH range,dark red LED rear combo light,poor weather,CL,LED headlamp with LED DRL and DCL - PXC

Interior Features

Net partition

Packs

Easy open and close pack with safelock - Tiguan Allspace

Vienna leather pack - Tiguan Allspace R-Line

Winter pack including heated outer rear seats - Tiguan Allspace

Black style pack - Tiguan Allspace

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Pyrite Silver

Metallic - Atlantic blue

Metallic - Platinum grey

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Paint - Special

Premium paint - Oryx white mother of pearl effect

Safety

First aid kit and warning triangle

Tyre pressure monitoring system

Towing

Swivelling towbar with 13 pin electrical kit

Trim - Cloth

Art Velours greyson sports cloth - Magnetic grey/Titanium black

Trim - Leather

Vienna leather pack - Crystal grey/Titanium black

Wheels - Spare

Space and weight saving spare wheel with luggage compartment adjustable in 2 heights, tool kit and jack