VW Tiguan TDI SE

Considering the variety across the Volkswagen model range, it’s amazing that the company has never offered a compact SUV. With the popularity of this class continuing to grow – it accounts for one in 20 cars sold in the UK – it’s vital for the brand to have a proper competitor. Step forward the new Tiguan!

Expectant buyers might be disappointed by the looks, though. It’s far from radical, with a generic VW design comprising a Touareg-inspired nose and a hint of Golf Plus at the rear. While it’s a tidy-looking shape, it’s neither exciting nor distinctive compared to the sporty Kuga.

We first tested the Tiguan in Escape spec, which is designed to be more rugged than S, SE or Sport models. This trio will make up the majority of sales, and feature a more traditional front end with a standard bumper and no scuff guard – they’re better looking for it.

The boot delivers just 395 litres of space with the seats up. And although that’s only marginally smaller than the Kuga’s, it’s a long way behind class leaders like the CR-V, with 550 litres-plus.

There’s better news from behind the wheel. The driving environment is pleasant and won’t be unfamiliar to Golf owners, with well laid-out ventilation controls, clear instrument dials and an easy-to-use stereo. Our SE model gets a six-disc CD autochanger with an auxiliary input as standard, all controlled by a neat touchscreen panel. VW’s new sat-nav system is also available as an optional extra, but although it’s vastly improved, it’s still pricey at £1,550.

Our car’s leather seats will set you back a hefty £1,450, yet they are extremely comfortable and offer good support, while the rest of the interior is faultlessly constructed. The electric handbrake – standard on all models – means there is more space on the centre console. And storage is excellent, with under-seat trays in the front, three cubbies in the dash and cavernous door pockets.

On the move, the Tiguan is composed and precise – much like a Golf. The gearchange and pedals are all perfectly weighted and the speed-sensitive steering is accurate, making the car more than capable on twisting roads. In town, it feels surprisingly agile and it’s easy to forget you’re in an SUV. While the ride seems overly firm for an off-roader, it deals with uneven surfaces well and is rarely caught out by potholes.

The 4MOTION four-wheel-drive system gives excellent traction, and varies torque between the axles to ensure maximum grip. But the real talking point of the newcomer is the 2.0 TDI common-rail diesel – which makes its VW debut in the Tiguan, having already seen service in Audi’s latest A4.

This unit is far quieter and more refined than the old engine. Yet it’s still not perfect. Diesel clatter is noticeable on start-up and under load, although it’s punchy enough and delivers near-identical power and torque figures to the Kuga. So the cars were closely matched at the test track.

Rarely does a VW undercut a Ford on price, but the mid-range Tiguan SE is £700 cheaper than the Kuga Titanium. Of course, there is a catch – the German car is not as well equipped. For example, buyers will have to pay extra for climate control, cruise control and rain sensors – kit that’s included as standard on the Ford.

Details

Price: £21,800
Model tested: Volkswagen Tiguan TDI SE
Chart position: 2
WHY: Tiguan has a similar feel to the Golf, and offers a strong blend of quality, style and image.

Economy

WHILE VW claims official fuel returns of 39.2mpg, we got only 29.5mpg out of the Tiguan TDI. But as it has a bigger 64-litre tank, it delivers a similar range, at 415 miles.

Residuals

Strong residual values are a key part of owning a VW, and the Tiguan continues that trend. After three years, the TDI will be worth 58.1 per cent of its showroom price.

Servicing

THE Tiguan has variable service intervals, and the first three checks come to £889. VW has 259 garages in the UK – much less than the Ford network, with its 781 main dealers.

Tax

A CO2 output of 189g/km ensures the VW is the more pricey company choice. And private owners are also hit, with road tax £35 a year higher than for the Ford.