by Chris Jefferies
It’s been nearly four years now since Volkswagen joined the compact 4×4 party with the Tiguan, and the German giant’s urban crossover has become their fourth-best selling vehicle, proving particularly popular among caravanners.
So when CaravanTimes was presented with the opportunity of taking the latest version of the Tiguan for a road test, we jumped at the chance.
First impressions of the 2011 Tiguan were very strong – it certainly looks smart, with the front grille and the fin on the roof showing that it means business, in much the same way as its older brother the Touareg.
The cab layout is very appealing as well, with a series of smartly designed dials and buttons, while the SE version we borrowed came with black leather seats, which completed the look perfectly.
In the back, there’s plenty of room for up to three kids, as well there should be, given that the Tiguan is wider, longer and taller than the seven-seat VW Touran.
However, the tables that folded out of the seatbacks are rendered slightly pointless since they don’t go completely horizontal.
Getting started was something of a challenge, as the electronic handbrake took a lot of getting used to – the temptation is to ignore it and rely on the footbrake when waiting at traffic lights.
Moving onto the RNS-made satnav, and once you manage to switch off the irritating audio instructions, it’s quite a smart system. In particular, we loved the panel between the speedometer and the rev counter, which offers a handy summary of the next step of your directions.
Other highlights included the automatic rear parking sensor and the easy-to-use MP3 connector, which is handily positioned in the central arm rest.
Hitting the road
In order to give the Tiguan a chance to properly strut its stuff, we headed up the M11 to Cambridge, where the 2.0-litre TDi engine really proved its worth.
Controlled by a six-speed manual gearbox that generates 168bhp, this powerhouse provided more than enough mid-range poke to overtake with ease, while the noise levels were kept well in check even on a busy motorway.
Moving into the university town and the fairly rigid suspension set-up and 4Motion four-wheel drive system made for excellent handling (great for dodging fearless cyclists) while bodyroll was kept firmly in check, particularly considering the size and height of the vehicle.
What’s more, the fuel consumption was pretty impressive for a compact SUV – after a 200-mile round-trip there was still three-quarters of a tank left over, meaning the Tiguan easily delivers on its promise of 47mpg.
Sadly the version we borrowed did not come fitted with a towbar, but the 2,200kg towing capacity and the gutsy engine means that pretty much any family caravan will be well within the Tiguan’s means.
Verdict
With prices start at a princely £20,615, there are certainly cheaper towcars out there in the same category – but if you are looking for an exceptionally well-built mini-SUV that offers a smooth driving experience and truly classy looks, then look no further.
Fact File:
- Model: VW Tiguan SE 2.0-litre TDi 4Motion 170PS
- Price: £26,665
- Fuel consumption: 47.1mpg
- CO2 emissions: 158g/km
- Top speed: 125mph
- 0-62mph acceleration: 8.9 seconds
- Torque: 350 Nm
- Insurance group: 19E
- Warranty: 3 years / 60,000 miles
