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City-dwellers fascinated by the fashion statement an off-road vehicle makes, but worried about parking the thing in front of the other school-run parents, will welcome Volkswagen's new Tiguan.
The German maker's latest crossover vehicle comes as standard with the Parkscan "parallel parking assistant". First offered in New Zealand as an option on the Touran people mover, ParkScan helps during parallel parking manoeuvres by controlling all of the steering, while the driver operates the accelerator, brake and transmission.
The Tiguan, which has been dubbed a "baby Touareg" by some, is a compact crossover wagon intended to take on the likes of top-line versions of the Toyota RAV4 and the Land Rover Freelander.
There's just one powertrain for the Kiwi-market Tiguan - the latest VW Group 2.0-litre turbo diesel (making this the first New Zealand-spec car to meet next year's Euro V emissions regulations), with a six-speed automatic gearbox and full-time four-wheel-drive. It rides on 17-inch alloy wheels.
The Tiguan is $53,990, with the option of two further equipment packages. The $2000 Track and Field Package is oriented towards off-road use - a different front bumper improves the approach angle from 18 to 28 degrees, and there is further underbody protection, off-road electronics, a compass and extra storage trays in a roof console.
Those looking to toughen-up this unashamedly urban crossover may also be heartened to know that all Tiguans have a tow rating of 2200kg, which is impressive for the class.
The second package is called Luxury Equipment. For $5000 it brings full Vienna leather upholstery with power driver's seat adjustment, roof-console storage and an RCD510 audio system with six-disc in-dash CD changer. Further options include 18-inch alloys, bi-xenon lights, a panoramic glass sunroof, sports suspension and a satellite navigation system.
