Introduction
Volkswagen’s Tiguan has proven a huge success over the years, and today it’s the brand’s best-seller around the world. Helping to account for a large chunk of those sales globally is the Allspace model – a stretched version that offers more interior space, as well as a third row of seats.
Though the standard five-seat Tiguan is more popular here in the UK, plenty still value the Allspace’s extra versatility enough to choose it. Following on from the recent update to the standard version, Volkswagen has now tweaked this larger model with similar updates – including a front-end design refresh, additional technology – including Matrix LED headlights – and a restructured trim level range.
But is the Tiguan Allspace worth considering in this popular SUV class? Let’s find out.
Performance
Volkswagen offered a broad range of petrol and diesel engines on the Tiguan Allspace, with power outputs ranging from 148bhp to 242bhp. You can still have a manual gearbox and front-wheel-drive on selected engines, though many use a DSG automatic and four-wheel-drive.
That’s the case with our test car, which uses Volkswagen’s tried-and-tested 2.0-litre turbocharged TDI diesel engine. Here in its least powerful guise it produces 148bhp, though develops a punchy 360Nm of torque. With this, it can take this large SUV to 60mph in 9.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 122mph.
In terms of fuel economy, Volkswagen claims 42.8mpg and 173g/km CO2 emissions, though we found it to be far more efficient, with it quite comfortably returning more than 50mpg on many trips.
Ride and handling
Though diesel might not be a very popular choice these days, this TDI unit remains a great option in a car of this type – particularly for drivers doing plenty of miles. Though it has the usual diesel gruffness to it at lower speeds, at motorway speeds it’s impressively refined, and very comfortable on longer trips.
The ride can prove a bit unsettled around town, but the wide cushioning seats are superb to spend plenty of time in, and makes this a very hassle-free way to travel – helped by a range of standard-fit safety equipment and aids, including adaptive cruise control. For a seven-seat SUV, it also handles well, should you want to put your foot down a bit when the children aren’t onboard.
Interior
Volkswagen hasn’t changed much about the Tiguan Allspace’s interior, bar a new touch panel for the climate controls that helps it to feel slightly more modern. The rest of the cabin is hard to fault though, as the build quality is excellent, while the eight-inch touchscreen and digital dials are great to use, and nowhere near as distracting as some of the displays on Volkswagen’s latest Golf.
Here in the UK the Tiguan Allspace comes with seven seats as standard, and there’s a vast amount of room on offer, especially in the front and second row. The rearmost seats are cramped for adults, though, and are only really suitable for adults. Many are likely to use the Allspace as simply a larger Tiguan with a huge boot, and this is where it really excels.
Equipment
Volkswagen has refreshed the trim structure on the new Tiguan Allspace, with the three new grades on offer being Life, Elegance and R-Line.
Most are expected to choose the entry-level option simply because it gets all the equipment most could ever need, including 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control, an eight-inch touchscreen and digital dial display.
Move up to the Elegance and it brings heated seats, larger 19-inch alloy wheels and keyless entry, while the range-topping R-Line brings big 20-inch alloy wheels, sports seats and a more aggressive styling kit.
Cost
Prices for the Tiguan Allspace kick off from £32,705, and for that you do get a lot of space and equipment for your money.
There’s quite a big jump to make for an Elegance or R-Line model, though, with bith of these starting from £38,000.
Verdict
If you’re looking for a large and spacious SUV at this price point, things don’t get much better at this price than the Tiguan Allspace. It’s very much Volkswagen at its best, and the combination of quality, comfort and space will tick plenty of boxes.
The third row of seats isn’t the most practical though, and other rivals like the Kia Sorento are more compelling here. The standard Volkswagen Tiguan would likely suit many without the additional expense of this longer car, but if you want that extra room and bonus of seven seats, it’s a great choice.
Enquire on a new Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace