Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI 190 2018 UK review

With sound rationale, Volkswagen expects the 148bhp 2.0 TDI to be the big seller; it’s an adequately strong, frugal engine that’s well suited to duties in a larger car. We’ve previously described it as "striking the best balance of speed and economy in the line-up", and given that it manages near-enough 50mpg and a sub-10.0sec 0-62mph time, it’s hard to argue with that.

Going for the mid-ranking turbodiesel tested here – the same 2.0-litre unit, only stoked to deliver 187bhp – trades some aural refinement for a little more poke, although the differences in the overall experience are subtle.

Is it worth the extra £1250? Well, a more powerful engine is a nice thing to have, and through its mid-range this TDI makes short work of the Allspace’s 1845kg bulk. Peak torque of 295lb ft – on offer from just 1900rpm – also allows the seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox to calmly default into a higher, quieter gear when you’re pottering about. The same applies on the motorway, where the Allspace feels as undemanding as a car of this size is ever likely to be and solid as a rock. The cushioned ride, which is a highlight of the five-seat Tiguan, remains intact (as you’d expect, given that mechanical differences between the two amount to nowt).

Much the same can be said for the 2.0 TDI 150, though. Fuel economy? Officially it’s identical for the two cars, at 47.9mpg combined, although the easy-going NEDC test is responsible for that spec-sheet peculiarity. In the real world, enjoying the benefits of the TDI 190’s higher state of tune will of course increase fuel consumption, and that tuning also lends the engine’s timbre a slightly rougher edge under load. All things considered, we’d stick with the TDI 150.

It’s unlikely many of these cars will ever be pushed particularly hard along a British B-road, but should the need arise, you’ll find the Allspace to be a neat, predictable steer with good grip levels. The slow steering takes a bit of getting used to, but at least it’s accurate, and well-controlled body roll makes it possible to carry decent pace without the feeling that you’re losing control. In the wet, especially, you can detect the 4Motion all-wheel drive system working the rear axle through slippery bends, and the Allspace remains superbly easy to place for such a bulky thing. It's also worth noting that equipping the car with 4Motion ups its towing capacity – from 2000kg to 2400kg in the 150 TDI.

If the question is whether you should opt for the TDI 190, the answer is that you probably should not.

The characteristics of diesel power certainly suit the Allspace, but the extra shove of the 190 over the 150 does little, if anything, to improve the overall package. If the car is going to be loaded more often than not – five or more passengers, plus luggage, or if you’re towing – we might be tempted by the extra torque, but if not, you’ll be better off saving yourself some cash. The less powerful engine is also a touch more refined, so there’s scant reason to feel you’re missing out.

The more pertinent question is whether you should buy an Allspace at all. Equipped with the same engine, Skoda’s Kodiaq is cheaper, more spacious and just as driveable. 

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI 190 4Motion SE Navigation 

Where Bedfordshire On sale Now Price £36,155 Engine 4cyls, 1968cc, diesel Power 187bhp at 3500-4000rpm Torque 295lb ft at 1900-3300rpm Gearbox 7-spd dual-clutch automatic Kerb weight 1845kg Top speed 130mph 0-62mph 8.6sec Fuel economy 47.9mpg (combined) CO2, tax band 153g/km, 32% Rivals Skoda Kodiaq, Nissan X-Trail