VOLKSWAGEN TIGUAN ALLSPACE DIESEL ESTATE 2.0 TDI 4Motion Life 5dr DSG

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

Privacy glass

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

Multifunction front facing camera

Lane keeping system Lane Assist

Dynamic road sign display

Power assisted speed sensitive steering

Adaptive cruise control radar sensor controlled distance monitoring system

Driver alert system

Front assist system

Driver Convenience

Electric boot lid

Driver Information

eCall emergency call service

Digital cockpit pro

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

Driving Mirrors

Exterior mirror housings painted in silver

Auto dimming interior rear view mirror

Embellishment Trims

Chequered flag tinanium decorative inserts

Engine

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

Diesel particulate filter

Entertainment

DAB Digital radio

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

Diversity antenna for FM reception

Exterior Body Features

Rear side wing doors

Chrome mouldings on side window

Body coloured bumpers

Silver roof rails

Exterior badge deletion

Exterior Lights

Automatic headlight control system

Rear fog light

Rear combination lamps

Headlight range control

Coming/leaving home lighting function

Third brake light

LED headlamps

LED separate daytime running light

Heating/Cooling/Ventilation

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

Interior Features

12V socket in centre console

Leather gearshift handle

12-volt outlet in centre console rear and luggage compartment

Multifunction steering wheel

Front centre armrest

Interior Lights

Front footwell illumination

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

Safety

Two tone horn

Manual rear child locks

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

Warning buzzer for seatbelts if unfastened

3 point seat belt for centre rear seat

3 rear three point seatbelts

Driver and front passenger safety-optimised head restraints

Height adjustable front 3 point seatbelts + pretensioners

Pedestrian monitoring

Seats

3 individual folding 2nd row seats

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

3 head restraints in rear

Foldable front passenger seat backrest

Driver and front passenger seat height adjustment

3rd row 2 individual seats

Security

Anti-theft wheel bolts

Remote central locking with 2 remote folding keys

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

Vanity Mirrors

Sun visors with illuminated vanity mirrors

Emissions - ICE

Standard Euro Emissions: EURO 6

HC: N

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

WLTP - CO2 (g/km) - Comb - TEH: 174

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

Engine and Drive Train

CC: 1968

Cylinders: 4

Cylinder Layout: IN-LINE

Number of Valves: 16

Camshaft: DOHC

Fuel Delivery: COMMON RAIL

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: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - Medium: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - High: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - Extra High: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Comb: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEL: 35.8

WLTP - MPG - Low - TEH: 33.2

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEL: 46.3

WLTP - MPG - Medium - TEH: 43.5

WLTP - MPG - High - TEL: 52.3

WLTP - MPG - High - TEH: 48.7

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEL: 44.8

WLTP - MPG - Extra High - TEH: 41.5

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEL: 45.6

WLTP - MPG - Comb - TEH: 42.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb: 6.2

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEL: 7.9

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Low - TEH: 8.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEL: 6.1

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Medium - TEH: 6.5

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEL: 5.4

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - High - TEH: 5.8

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEL: 6.3

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Extra High - TEH: 6.8

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

WLTP - FC (l/100km) - Comb - TEH: 6.7

General

Coin Series: Life

Coin Description: TDI 4MT

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: 9300

Service Interval Frequency - Months: 12

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: 2.0

Vehicle Homologation Class: M1

AdBlue: No

Generation Mark: 2

Alternative Fuel Qualifying: 0

Performance

0 to 62 mph (secs): 9.7

Top Speed: 122

Engine Power - BHP: 150

Engine Power - PS: No

0 to 60 mph (secs): 0

Engine Power - KW: 110

Engine Torque - LBS.FT: 266

Engine Torque - NM: 360

Engine Torque - RPM: 1600

Engine Torque - MKG: 36.7

Test Cycles

Emissions Test Cycle: WLTP

RDE Certification Level: RDE 2

Tyres

Tyre Size Front: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Rear: 235/55 R18

Tyre Size Spare: TYRE REPAIR KIT

Wheel Type: 18" ALLOY

Wheel Style: FRANKFURT

Alloys?: No

Space Saver?: 0

Vehicle Dimensions

Length: 4728

Width: 1839

Wheelbase: 2789

Height: 1685

Height (including roof rails): N

Weight and Capacities

Minimum Kerbweight: 1746

Gross Vehicle Weight: 2460

Fuel Tank Capacity (Litres): 58

Max. Towing Weight - Braked: 2500

Max. Towing Weight - Unbraked: 750

Max. Loading Weight: 714

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

Communication

Voice control system

Driver Aids

Area view camera

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

Rear view camera

Driver Information

Head up Display

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

Driving Mirrors

Power adjustable, folding and heated door mirrors with surround lighting, front passenger exterior mirror lowering function

Entertainment

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

Exterior Body Features

Front underbody guard includes front stone guard

Special metallic paint

Tilting and sliding panoramic sunroof

Premium paint

Pearlescent paint

Metallic paint

Interior Features

Net partition

ArtVelours cloth upholstery with ergoActive front comfort seats, electric lumbar support and massage function

Packs

Park assist pack - Tiguan Allspace

Vienna leather pack - Tiguan Allspace Life

Driver assistance plus package - Tiguan Allspace

Winter pack - Tiguan Allspace

Easy open and close pack with safelock - Tiguan Allspace

Paint - Metallic

Metallic - Pyrite Silver

Metallic - Platinum grey

Metallic - Petrol blue

Metallic - Atlantic blue

Metallic - Ivory silver

Paint - Pearlescent

Pearl - Deep black

Paint - Solid

Solid - Pure white

Paint - Special

Special metallic - Kings red

Premium paint - Oryx white mother of pearl effect

Safety

Side airbag in front and rear with curtain airbag

Tyre pressure monitoring system

First aid kit and warning triangle

Towing

Swivelling towbar with 13 pin electrical kit

Trim - Cloth

ArtVelours cloth - Titanium black with ergoActive front comfort seats, electric lumbar support and massage function

Cloth - Titanium black

Trim - Leather

Vienna leather pack - Titanium black

Vienna leather pack - Storm grey

Wheels - Alloy

19" Victoria Falls alloy wheels with Airstop tyres

Wheels - Spare

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