What is it?
VW's Tiguan is a Golf-based compact SUV for all-weather, all-road family activities. Our test car was the $53,250 Tiguan TDI, with the 103kW 2.0-litre diesel engine delivering its 320Nm torque load from 1750 to 2500rpm via a six-speed auto and all-wheel drive.
Our family-oriented test proved the value of the 470-litre boot, which expands to a cavernous 1510 with the back seats folded, and this Tiguan handles as capably as any car.
This one had 18-inch wheels and bi-xenon headlights at $2250 and $3000, stability control, six airbags, and the very clever parking assistant.
We like
Great attention to detail: from the fold-up picnic tables to the boot floor flap that covers the gap when the rear seats are folded down; to the fact these second row seatbacks tilt to help kids go to sleep. The children get their own air vents, too.
We loathe
Diesel engine's noisier than we expect from Euro diesels - and the 8.4l/100km consumption we achieved was well adrift of the claimed 7.0.
