Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0TDI Comfortline…Predictably precise spacewagen

Revised nose and longer rear doors are clearly evident

THE second gen VW Tiguan has been very well received in South Africa, but I guess some may say that all it has to show is a VW roundel and that guarantees fawning acceptance. Not so fast, I say.

Tiggy 2 is an altogether sharper tool than its forebear, especially in terms of its chiselled, up-market looks. But it also happens to drive rather nicely whatever engine lurks under the bonnet. As you’d expect, it’s beautifully constructed and feels as solid as …. ahem …. a VW.

But, for all its compelling virtues there are some who want more space without going to the expense of a Touareg. Enter the Allspace, a seven-seater which hails – for reasons I haven’t yet established – from the VW plant in Mexico and which is available in RSA in four derivatives: 110kW/ 1.4TSI, 132kW/2.0TSI, 110kW/2.0TDI and 162kW/2.0TSI all with DSG. All bar the 1.4TSI come with 4Motion AWD and trim levels vary from Trendline through Comfortline to Highline for the most potent derivative.

In case the Mexican origins engender thoughts of siestas in the sun, forget it as the Allspace is as precisely put together and as nicely painted as any Volksie that begins life in Wolfsburg. That means paint with a smooth finish and a depth to its shine that really is stand-out. It also means precise panel gaps and beautifully-aligned doors with double seals all-round that do a grand job of keeping wind commotion at bay and which probably assist in generating that solid thunk that’s a hallmark of this make.

So, some things stay the same, but in this case it’s easy to spot the extra 215mm that’s been added to the Allspace monocoque, 109mm of which belongs to the wheelbase stretch. A couple of small styling changes around the nose as well as silver mirror housings, plus the obvious badges, complete the visual picture which is as attractive as ever if you like understatement and chiselled edges.

Extra load space is an obvious feature of the Allspace

Be under no illusions that the Allspace is still no leviathan so the 7-seater moniker is really something of a misnomer. Let’s say the newcomer is more of a 5+2 as befits what is s till a relatively compact SUV at 4701mm from stem to stern.  The reality is that few owners of so-called 7-seaters make regular use of all that capacity, especially as luggage space then becomes an issue anyway.

So, let’s say those rearmost pews are good for under 12s for most of the time and passable for two small adults some of the time, notably when the (optional) adjustable 40:20:40 middle seats are moved forwards and the backrests set more upright.

With those rearmost seats folded flat and the full rearwards travel of the middle row unleashed, there is plenty of room in all directions, even for those who spend their daily lives looking down on others. This is where the Allspace truly rewards as along with the extra lounging room, occupants will also enjoy airline-style tray tables, seat-back pockets, piped air and generous door receptacles.

In terms of luggage, the beautifully-finished if slightly-shallow load area offers 260L with all seats occupied and a truly generous 700L with rear seats down. On top of that, the double-split middle row can be folded into an almost-flat position as can the front passenger seat backrest.  The resulting load area is palatial. Note too that the collapsible luggage area cover can be stowed away under the floor when madam needs more space for her shopping bags.

The test unit was equipped with the 110kW/340Nm 2.0 TDI, an unstressed unit that nonetheless provides plenty of effortless pull along with a remarkably easy open-road gait and quiet running. Truth be known, the more potent 2 0TDI available In other markets may not be such a serious omission as the sporty 162kW petrol mill should satisfy those who like to lead away from the lights.

For the record, the 2.0TDI should hit around 200km/h and deal with the 0-100 dash in under 10.0s while providing exceptional economy which averaged 7.2l/00km over a week. This motor is coupled to the uncannily effective 7-speed DSG gearbox that for the most part offers rapid, undetectable shifts along with the provision of paddle-shifters to provide the driver with more control.

All models except the 1.4TSI drive through all four wheels courtesy of 4Motion Live with automatic, Snow, Off-road and Individual settings available via a rotary selector. Further, a Driving Profile Selector is on-board and this offers ECO, Sport, Comfort, Off-road and Individual settings along with Hill Descent Control. Ground clearance is listed at 210mm, so some reasonably serious stuff can be contemplated. Whatever road surface is tackled, the power steering is beautifully-weighted and the all-disc brakes are beyond reproach, offering immense stopping power (with all the usual electronic assistance packages) and well-judged servo-assistance at walking speeds. As with all VWs though, the smart alloy wheels soon get smothered in ugly black residue

Smart office shown here with 9.2-inch infotainment screen and virtual instruments

Aside from the aforementioned chassis adjustability, this longer Tiguan provides an even better ride than its smaller sibling, dealing with undulations and sharp disturbances with less feedback into the cabin. In reality, it’s very hard to distinguish the Allspace from a Golf such is the loping composure on all surfaces. It’s only when corners are tackled with a measure of enthusiasm that the greater loft can be detected but roll control is still good for the vehicle type.

So too is overall refinement. Wind noise is well controlled courtesy of double door seals all round with only the large external mirrors betraying a trace of flutter. Mechanical commotion on the cruise is virtually non-existent and even when pressed, the 2.0TDI emits little more than a pleasant thrum. On smoother tar, road noise too is largely banished but coarse tar surfaces do cause some aural disturbance.

For sure, there’s a pleasant feeling of solidity imparted by the Tiguan and that feeling is reinforced by the absence of rattles and trim squeaks. As for the interior ambience, this Comfortline model happened to be decked out with a host of options, not least shapely seats swathed in fine Vienna leather.

Truth be known, there are more hard surfaces in this cabin than appearances suggest with slush-moulding confined to the dashboard and front door cappings. But VW are masters at finessing the appearance of harder plastic mouldings with the result that the cabin looks smart and inviting in a mildly clinical manner. Even the moulded carpets and the over-mats look good and the switchgear operates with a precision rarely found at this level.

Best of all though is the optional 9.2-inch infotainment screen, with nav, and the virtual instrument cluster that provides an endless stream of facts and figures even down to – or should that be up to? – displaying altitude.  This is a case of practicality matching the show, and in my book, the extra cost is most definitely worthwhile. Keyless entry/start (not my favourite) was another option on the test unit but please don’t get the idea that VW is being stingy with the standard kit.

I strongly suggest a visit to www.vw.co.za to find out all the detail but on this Comfortline model, you’ll find LED running lights, park distance control front and rear, auto headlight adjustment, auto tailgate open/close, tyre pressure monitoring, high beam control, airbags in every cranny imaginable,  electric windows, effective air con, trailer stabilisation, electronic diff lock, hill hold assist, ISOFIX mountings and more still.

VW refers to the regular Tiguan as the NWB (normal wheelbase), and personal experience suggests all such derivatives drive with aplomb and offer all the usual VW refinements, not least class-leading finish and construction. The Allspace takes the concept of the premium compact SUV a step further- to be specific, 215mm further – such that this Tiguan derivative morphs into a very effective 5+2 with much improved loading volumes that could also be a boon for Mums with, for example, two prams. For sure, it is not a full-time 7-seater, but the added versatility and the more masculine disposition make it very hard to overlook in this category. And judging by the covetous looks this new test unit garnered, there could be just be a few new buyers heading for VW showrooms.

Chiselled flanks and angular tail lamps are a new Tiguan feature

FOOTNOTE FOR ZIMBABWE MARKET:   The local VW importer, CFAO Volkswagen, does not yet have access to the Tiguan Allspace model range and is unlikely to do so for some while. However, the latest “NWB” version is available in Zimbabwe in the following equipment levels:

Trendline 2.0TDI 105kW 7-Speed A/T (DSG) Comfortline   2.0 DI 105kW 7-Speed A/T (DSG) Highline  2.0TDI 105kW 7-Speed A/T (DSG) Highline + Sunroof,   2.0TDI 105kW 7-Speed A/T (DSG)

Specification obviously varies by trim line so it’s important to talk to CFAO about the detail but for those who go off-road (beyond urban pavements!), AWD derivatives are available.