Seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace priced from $40K

Volkswagen has released price and specification details for its first seven-seat SUV, the Tiguan Allspace.

On sale in Australia from July, the new high-riding family wagon will be priced from $40,490 plus on-road costs for the front-driven four-cylinder petrol Comfortline version.

In total, there will be two trim grades and five engine variants on offer – three petrol and two diesel – the flagship topping out at $54,490 plus on-road costs.

The entry price represents a circa $8000 premium over the cheapest five-seat Tiguan – a figure Volkswagen says is justified by more additional standard equipment.

The entry-level Comfortline variant features a 1.4-litre front-driven turbo-petrol engine that makes 110kW and 250Nm, mated to a six-speed dual-clutch automatic.

It is optionally available with a 132kW/320Nm 2.0-litre turbo-petrol (132TSI, $45,490) or a 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (110TDI, $46,990) – both all-wheel drive and equipped with a newer seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.

Standard equipment on Comfortline models includes 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry and start, electric tailgate, automatic LED headlights, rain-sensing wipers, cloth seats, tri-zone climate control, reversing camera and parking sensors, and an 8.0-inch infotainment display projecting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

On the safety front, the most basic Tiguan Allspace boasts city-speed autonomous emergency braking, lane-keep assist and full airbag coverage.

Next in the line-up is the mid-spec Highline trim grade, available with a choice of a 162kW/350Nm 2.0-litre turbo petrol (162TSI, $52,990) or a 140kW/400Nm 2.0-litre turbo-diesel (140TDI, $54,590). Each drives all four wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch unit.

In spec terms, the Highline adds 19-inch wheels, leather seats, first and second row seat heating, a larger 9.2-inch centre display screen and a broadened safety arsenal comprising adaptive cruise control with Traffic Jam Assist, adaptive chassis control, adaptive high-beam, side-assist with rear cross-traffic alert, and emergency assist.

Volkswagen is pitching the Tiguan Allspace as a direct rival to the Kia Sorento and Hyundai Sante Fe. Helping its cause is a 5+2 seating layout that brings 270-litre boot space with the third row in place, or 700 litres with it stowed away.

It will be available with myriad optional packages including the Driver Assistance Package ($1600), Luxury Package ($4000) and Sound and Vision package ($3200). Highline variants boast an optional R-Line Package ($2900) and optional panoramic sunroof ($2000).

How much is the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace?
Comfortline 110TSI -- $40,490
Comfortline 132TSI -- $45,490
Comfortline 110TDI -- $46,990
Highline 162TSI -- $52,990
Highline 140TDI -- $54,490
* Prices exclude on-road costs