Volkswagen Tiguan review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

If you want to keep running costs to a minimum and can't wait around for the imminent arrival of the Tiguan plug-in hybrid version, then we'd opt for the mid-range 148bhp 2.0 TDI.  This returns up to 54.4mpg and emits from 136g/km of CO2 - or 50.9mpg and 145g/km when paired with the seven-speed DSG auto 'box.

As you'd probably expect, if you opt for four-wheel-drive you'll see a significant impact on running costs. The 148bhp 2.0-litre TDI 4Motion variant manages 42.8mpg on the combined cycle, with CO2 emissions from 173g/km.

Unsurprisingly, the petrol versions don’t fare so well, due to the heavy weight of the car combined with the reduction in pulling power. The 1.5 TSI is found right across the wider Volkswagen range, here emitting from 149g/km of CO2 and returning around 43mpg in 148bhp guise. However, all petrol cars get cylinder deactivation that shuts off two cylinders and helps to save fuel.

If you are waiting for the eHybrid, then you can look forward to an average economy of up to 165mpg, with an electric-only range of 31 miles. As well as big fuel savings, eHybrids used as company cars will attract super-low Benefit-in-Kind rates of just 11 per cent thanks to a 40g/km CO2 figure. A Tiguan R is not nearly such an attractive proposition from a business user’s perspective, due to its 28.2mpg fuel economy and 226g/km CO2 emissions.

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Insurance groups 

Insurance premiums for the Tiguan shouldn't be too expensive, with petrol cars ranging from groups 15 to 20. Diesel-powered versions start in group 20, for the six-speed manual 2.0-litre TDI in Life trim, while the top-of-the-range 197bhp oil-burner in R-Line spec is in group 28.

Depreciation

The previous Tiguan model had competitive residuals, with an average across the range of 43% over 3 years and 36,000 miles. The facelifted version should offer even better value, with data suggesting it will hold onto nearer 48% after the same period of ownership.