Volkswagen Tiguan 140TDI Highline 2017 Review

The second-generation Tiguan arrived in September 2016, with Volkswagen promising extra tech and more space from what is now a genuine mid-size SUV. Available with turbocharged petrol or diesel engines spanning a total of four outputs, and a choice of six-speed manual, six-speed automatic or seven-speed DSG automatic transmissions, the Tiguan 140TDI Highline reviewed here represents the flagship diesel model, with its four-cylinder turbo-diesel producing 140kW and 400Nm. It's priced from $56,403 drive-away.

Space, comfort, and electronic distraction: they're the three cornerstones of a harmonious long-haul family run these days; and while Volkswagen's new Tiguan might miss out on integrated back-seat screens, it has the other two points nailed.

The new Tiguan has grown in size and stature. Now based on Volkswagen's MQB platform, which is said to increase rigidity while reducing weight, the Tiguan boasts 615 litres of space at the rear – a figure that grows to 1655 litres with the rear seats folded flat. That's 145 litres more than the old model, VW says.

Would it be enough to cart a family of four, including two young boys hell bent on each other's destruction, from Melbourne to Sydney and back? Giving we would also be transporting Christmas presents for our northern relatives, the Tiguan's dimensions were going to be up against it…

The 'Vienna' leather seating lends a quality air and it's supportive and easy to clean – something any parent will appreciate. The driver's seat has electronic adjustment including lumbar support, while both front seats have heating.

The rear-centre seat folds down to provide an armrest (and two cup holders), while rear passengers also benefit from fold-down trays on the front seat backs. There's rear HVAC vents on the back of the centre console, alongside a 12-volt outlet.

For those families with small humans, the Tiguan comes complete with easy-to-reach child seat tether points and ISOFIX anchor points.

The nicely crafted dash blends numerous quality materials and all the SUV's many functions are readily accessible – it's a well-thought-out layout.

The instrumentation is superb. Our test vehicle sported a customisable 12.3-inch TFT display that can be tailored to show a variety of info – fuel economy and range, a 'classic' speedo and tacho, and more. The sat-nav display can even be brought up between the speedo and tacho, reducing the time spent looking away from the road – smart.

The electric tailgate is a real winner when there's a bag in each hand – simply swipe your foot beneath the rear bumper to prompt the system into action.

Internal cabin storage is modest. The door side pockets aren't huge, likewise the glove box and the centre bin, although there is sunglasses storage for all occupants overhead.

There's a generous feeling of space up front and there's good room in the rear, even for two adults (three would be a bit of a squeeze).

We spent a number of days in the Tiguan in heat-wave conditions, and the three-zone climate control worked a treat. Hitting A/C Max produced a blast of super-cool air in around 30 seconds, while the rear venting kept the back-seat passengers comfortable and happy.

The adaptive cruise control is superb on a long highway run, but on our return to Melbourne a biblical deluge did cause the system to temporarily fail. This wasn't a problem – the rain was so heavy that cruise control wasn't an option anyway – and once conditions eased it was back online.

The reversing camera brings up a crisp, clear display on the 8.0-inch infotainment screen and gives a top-down, bird's-eye view. Add in the myriad parking sensors and the auto parking feature, and there's really no excuse for scuffing a rim.

That infotainment system has just about everything you could want bar a digital radio. We weren't fussed by this – the Tiguan is compatible with Apple CarPlay so we hooked up an iPhone and used Spotify instead.

There's a USB outlet at the front of the centre console for this purpose, but a couple more wouldn't hurt – especially in the back, where flattening iPad batteries were viewed by junior occupants with life-and-death levels of alarm.

The sat-nav system does the job but we did find entering destinations a little clunky at times and the voice commands were a bit hit and miss (as was the voice command system in general). The navigation aspect of the system, however, is fine.

In Highline trim the Tiguan scores LED headlights plus premium LED tail-lights, front fog-lights, static cornering lights and a rear fog-light. We did quite a bit of night driving over the course of this trip, and found the headlights were first class.

We should point out our test vehicle was fitted with VW's $2000 Driver Assistance Package, which comprises the 12.3-inch TFT instrument display, the aforementioned adaptive cruise control, extra cameras to give a 360-degree view, electrically folding mirrors, blind-spot monitoring and cross-traffic alert.

From below 2000rpm to around 4500rpm acceleration is surprisingly swift, while the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission skips rapidly and lightly through its ratios. Volkswagen quotes a 0-100km/h figure of 7.9sec.

There was, however, very little oomph on hand below 1750rpm. From a red light, or when trickling along in slower traffic, the engine has to wind up a bit before the acceleration comes in (and comes in hard). We learned to live with it, but it did occasionally prove irritating.

Dynamically the Tiguan delivers a comfortable, family-friendly ride. It hangs on pretty well through the bends, VW's 4MOTION all-wheel drive system affording excellent all-round grip for an SUV, and instils confidence both on and off the bitumen.

There's the usual degree of body roll through the corners (nothing untoward for an SUV), while the brakes provide fierce stopping power.

The leather-wrapped steering wheel requires only a light touch and the Tiguan's turning circle is modest – certainly it never felt unwieldy in shopping centre car parks.

Generally speaking, the Tiguan is a thoroughly pleasing thing to drive in the city and on the open road.

For the performance on offer, the Tiguan is also quite frugal. We achieved 6.5L/100km on the open road and 8.0L/100km in the city. With a 60-litre tank, the former gives a range of around 900km.

In Highline trim and with the Driver Assistance Package, our test vehicle's price tag of just over $60,000 places it in an interesting position in this segment – above its Japanese rivals but below many of its European ones.

Irrespective of which way a prospective buyer might be leaning, Volkswagen's bigger, better Tiguan is one well-rounded and well-equipped SUV. The Toureg's little brother has truly come of age…

2017 Volkswagen Tiguan 140TDI Highline

*R-Line model images shown not standard 140TDI Highline