New VW Tiguan: a practical and spacious family car

The Tiguan is one of the most successful Volkswagen models globally with nearly 8 million sold since launched in 2007. The third generation of the model arrived in Irish showrooms in Q1 of this year. Some 2,630 units have been registered here so far, which is almost a 40pc increase over the whole of 2023.

The model sits between the smaller T-Roc and larger Touareg in the brand’s crossover SUV range. The new car is slightly taller, wider and approximately 3cms longer than before.

This compact SUV comes with a completely new design, both inside and out. Three grades are offered and a choice of diesel and plug-in petrol hybrids.

The front now has a more powerful and aggressive look with flat LED headlights and glass-covered horizontal strip; radiator grille openings are now located at the outer sides of the bumper. An attractive new horizontal LED strip adds emphasis to the rear end. High Definition matrix headlights are also used for the first time in the Tiguan. Wheels options are from 17-inch to 19-inch. My car had a black exterior package with chrome around the side windows and dark privacy glass. Wouldn't be my choice.

The interior features a completely new design. First impressions are of a hugely spacious cabin with generous head and leg space for all five occupants. The top R-Line spec is the most luxurious trim with sportier details and leather on the seats.

The digital cockpit was especially designed to be user-friendly, the highlight being the enormous 15-inch infotainment screen with a new menu structure. Colourful and lovely graphics are set against a dark background. I found it easy to use. Part of the lower screen has controls for dual zone climate control, front seat heaters, A/C etc.

The large, and customisable, driver’s instrument panel features two screens with current speed displayed centre top. Also new is the head-up display with drive information projected onto the windscreen. There are two mobile phone chargers. There's a really excellent blind spot monitor alert to warn if a vehicle is approaching from behind.

A new rotary control can be used to select the driving profile, radio volume or ambient lighting colours which Volkswagen call ‘atmospheres’. There are up to 30 colours of background lighting to choose from as well as illuminated decorative elements on the dash panel and front doors. Really lovely, especially at night, is the design of the panel on the front passenger’s side of the dash, and continued on doors, with thousands of tiny blue 'stars' shining against a dark background.

The transmission shift, and the parking brake, have been moved to the top right of the steering wheel; there are paddles for when you wish to change to manual shifting, and a control to heat the steering wheel.

Seats were comfy and looked good in a nicely patterned cloth and leather trim, though, given the high cost of the car, they should have power adjustments. They do have four-way lumbar adjustment. Front ones, with integrated headrests that have a see-through section, now have a massage function that you can control from the sides of the seats. You can pick the intensity and duration you want it on for via the central touchscreen.

The middle rear seat back comes down to reveal two cupholders and an integrated tablet holder. There are small two USB sockets here. The high transmission tunnel may affect legroom for an adult in the middle seat.

The power tailgate opens high to reveal a 652 litre boot. Levers on the side of the boot release the rear seats. My car just had a sealant kit, no spare.

The Launch Edition is offered with a 2.0 diesel engine with 150hp. Equipment highlights are LED Plus headlamps, silver roof rails, easy open luggage compartment and delayed electric closing, and 3-zone automatic climate control.

I achieved 5.5 L/100kms which is very good for a car this size and weight. I found ride and handling to be very good and little noise penetrated into the cabin. I always appreciate front fog lamps with cornering.

PRICES: Tiguan is priced from €48,300 to €58,150.