The next level

The Tiguan has been a hit for VW but can the second generation build on that success? finds out

Few cars illustrate the growth of the compact SUV sector better than the Tiguan. Its popularity is such that, even though it is just in its second generation, it is one of VW’s best-selling cars, trailing behind only the ubiquitous Golf and Polo, and the arrival of the new model can surely only cement its status.

The new Tiguan is much beefier than the outgoing model and, as a consequence, it wears its SUV tag with more confidence.

It’s bigger, one of the largest SUVs in its class, but not in every direction. It’s 30mm wider, 60mm longer with an extra 77mm between the wheels but the roof is 33mm lower than the model it replaces.

A sleeker bumper and more intricate headlight design and daytime running lights help enliven things at the front while LED taillights give the rear a crisper, more modern look.

There are five trim levels to choose from: S, SE, SE Nav, SEL and R-Line.

Diesel options start with the 114bhp 1.6-litre but the 148bhp or 187bhp 2.0-litre power plants are likely to prove more popular. If those choices don’t whet your whistle there’s also a 237bhp 2.0-litre bi-turbo available.

If unleaded is your preference there’s a 1.4-litre TSI on offer with either 123 or 148bhp or a 2.0-litre turbo with 178bhp on tap.

My test car was fitted with the 148bhp unit. It strikes an excellent balance between performance, refinement and efficiency.

If you’re just ambling around town, or cruising along the motorway, the 1.4-litre unit is an amiable companion, propelling you around with the very minimum of fuss.

Ask a little more of it, however, and it’ll reward you with a sporty little note from the exhausts and reasonably punchy performance.

With maximum torque available from just 1,500rpm you won’t often find yourself scrabbling around for the right gear, so progress is seldom less than anything but relaxed.

The ride is compliant, absorbent, but doesn’t sacrifice body control. The driving position is spot on thanks to huge flexibility in steering wheel and seating adjustment. You also get an excellent view of the road.

Inside it’s as you were to a degree. The dash is as sensibly laid out as ever, with the emphasis on practicality rather than creativity.

That’s never a bad thing and anyone who’s driven a Golf or Passat will revel in the familiarity.

The most obvious change is the inclusion of a 12.3in Active Info Display where the conventional analogue dials would normally be found.

It’s not dissimilar to Audi’s Virtual Cockpit in its functionality and can be used to display navigation updates, vehicle settings and media information.

There’s also a head-up display available and surround-view cameras should you require greater assistance with your parking.

Three adults should be comfortably accommodated in the back – with two up front – without any complaints about head or leg room.

There’s plenty of convenient places – large doorbins, deep central storage and a large glovebox – to stash odds and ends and the boot will swallow 520 litres of luggage. You can slide the rear seats forward to liberate an additional 95 litres.

If that’s still not enough folding the 40/20/40 split folding rear seats flat increases capacity to 1,655 litres.

The first Tiguan was a massive hit for VW and the second generation model looks set to continue that success.

It’s bigger and, most importantly better, in every aspect than the car it replaces.