THE NEXT BIG THING
VW’s updated Tiguan is a tad longer and a smidgen wider. And it’ll be huge
The figures speak for themselves, the mid-size crossover sector is the most competitive in the motor vehicle marketplace.
In fact, it is so competitive, those in the know forecast that come the start of the next decade, more than one in five of all new cars sold across Europe will be SUVs with most mainstream manufacturers having at least two models in their line-up.
The latest model to join the ranks is the second-generation Volkswagen Tiguan, which has certainly grown in stature compared with its now seven-year-old predecessor.
It shows, for the newcomer has been stretched by 60mm while it is also 30mm wider, giving it a little extra added comfort for everyone on board.
From day one, the Tiguan proved itself to be a sensible buy, being highly capable when the weather got rough or when the going got tough and it had to be taken off the beaten track.
Not only did it perform admirably but it also offered fabulous value for money with low running costs backed by Volkswagen’s A1 reputation when it came to the reliability stakes.
Since launching, it has sold nearly three million vehicles, with only the German manufacturer’s highlysuccessful Golf and Polo selling in greater numbers, so the latest Tiguan has a lot to live up to. First impressions are it will succeed. Out on the black stuff, it is beautifully refined and quiet.
As we have come to expect from all vehicles in the VW group, suspension is set on the firmish side, so it grips the road impeccably no matter the conditions. The fit and finish are a delight and the onboard fixtures and fittings get better and better, as Volkswagen make an effort to narrow the gap between themselves and the more premium branded marques. Entry-level S models now come with an eight-inch touchscreen, DAB radio and Bluetooth. Features like battery regeneration, stop/start and lane assist come as standard. With its low emissions making it cheap to tax and run, it’s easy to see why the Tiguan will be another huge VW success story.