Volkswagen Tiguan review - MPG, CO2 and running costs

If you want to keep running costs to a minimum but not sacrifice performance too much we'd opt for the mid-range 148bhp 2.0 TDI – this returns around 40.9 to 50.4mpg and emits around 146 to 182g/km of CO2, depending on what trim you choose and if you prefer a manual or auto 'box. To help conserve fuel, most models come with stop/start technology.

As you'd probably expect, if you opt for four-wheel drive or an automatic gearbox, you'll see a significant impact on running costs. The top 237bhp diesel only just breaks 35mpg on average and emits a substantial 210g/km of CO2.

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 TFSI EVO is found right across the wider Volkswagen range, here emitting from 151g/km of CO2 and returning around 42mpg in 148bhp guise. The more powerful 187bhp 2.0-litre available only with four-wheel drive – emits from 204g/km and returns around 31mpg.

49

Insurance groups 

Insurance groups for the most mainstream models are between 13 to 18 – no great change over the previous model – but be warned: if you're tempted by the most powerful 190 and 240 diesel models, you'll be paying much more to insure them, as they sit in groups 23 and 28. 

Depreciation

The Tiguan has competitive residuals, with an average across the range of 43% over 3 years and 36,000 miles. However, its high list prices mean that, in relative terms, it will lose more money than its rivals.