Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI 190 2018 UK review

From £22,3558
The seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace lands in the UK, and it impresses in the same way the regular SUV does, but is the mid-range diesel the engine to go for?

Our Verdict

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen’s compact SUV bulks up for a bigger slice of segment sales, but faces strong competition from the Volvo XC40 and Mazda CX-5

10 January 2018

What is it?

It’s taken Volkswagen an age to warm to the SUV theme, but expect variations to now flow freely.

The Tiguan Allspace – box-fresh in the UK, with first deliveries in January – is one such model. It’s a car we’ve previously driven abroad on its international presentation to the press, and adds two third-row seats to the existing (and hugely successful) Tiguan package, bringing the total occupant count to seven.

Though clearly an immediate relation to the regular Tiguan, the Allspace gets a revised front end inspired by the colossal, US-only Atlas. The radiator grille is taller, the bonnet is higher and there are longer rear doors, while the observant will spot a freshly penned kink in the C-pillars. Pretty? Not exactly, but it’s true to the subtly aggressive aura of sterile solidity that Volkswagen designers currently favour.

The big change is that the wheelbase is 109mm longer, not only creating space for the pair of seats in the boot but also increasing seats-down capacity (that’s both rows of rear seats) from 1655 litres in the standard Tiguan to 1775 litres. That may sound impressive, and it’s certainly enough space for most requirements, but while it shades the likes of the BMW 5 Series Touring, the Skoda Kodiaq will swallow 2005 litres in a similar configuration.

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Volkswagen expects nine out of 10 buyers to opt for diesel power. There’s a choice of three engines: a 2.0 TDI in either 150 (148bhp) or 190 (187bhp) trim, and a range-topping 2.0 BiTDI with 236bhp. Two petrol options are also available in the UK, although both the 1.4 (148bhp) and 2.0 (177bhp) TSI models will be a rare sight. Incidentally, we’ve already experienced the big-hitting twin-turbo diesel in the Arteon, where it felt effective but pretty uncouth.

Trim levels are similar to those of the Tiguan, although the Allspace range forgoes base SE trim and begins at SE Navigation. That means plenty of chrome and body-coloured trim and an 8.0in touchscreen and cloth upholstery within. SEL trim brings VW’s 12.3in, Audi-style Active Info Display in lieu of conventional dials, as well as four selectable profiles for the 4Motion four-wheel drive system. Top-spec R-Line cars get 20in wheels (rather than 19s) and sports suspension, and although we’ve yet to test that model, neither of those additions sounds wholly beneficial for the Allspace’s remit as a family car.

What's it like?

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.

That the front of the cabin feels so spacious – thanks in part to the sunken transmission tunnel and low scuttle – only helps its cause in this respect. It’s a shame the seats are oddly unsupportive – not necessarily because big bolsters are essential for this car, just because it’s nice to feel secure.

As far as passengers are concerned, the space generated by opening up the MQB platform means a 6ft 2in adult in the middle row can happily sit behind someone of the same height, despite the space eaten up by the back row. As for that third row of seats, if you’re much over 5ft 2in tall, forget it. Head room, meanwhile, is plentiful wherever you sit. Elsewhere, the interior feels very well put together, even if it is all a bit grey and soulless. 

Should I buy one?

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

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Comments
23

Jeremy

10 January 2018

This looks so dull compared to the Peugeot 5008!

289

10 January 2018

....yes, but it would be a brave man to buy the French piece of crap.

Poorly made, unreliable, weak engines, flakey electrics and gearboxes and worst of all, (and as a result of the weaknesses), terrible residuals!

Flatus senex

11 January 2018

Sounds as if you are being led astray by this.

Jeremy

11 January 2018

I'm not sure where you get that opinion of French cars from? I've just had to replace my VW van which needed a new engine after just 60,000 miles - one of the many Transporter BiTDIs to have an engine failure. The replacement Peugeot was way cheaper to lease, is cheaper to fuel, cheaper to insure, more comfortable, more refined, and better built. 

catnip

11 January 2018
289 wrote:

....yes, but it would be a brave man to buy the French piece of crap.

Poorly made, unreliable, weak engines, flakey electrics and gearboxes and worst of all, (and as a result of the weaknesses), terrible residuals!

I have no experience of recent models from Peugeot (apart from vans at work which seem fine), but the 5008, and particularly the 3008 seem to me to be much more interesting to own, and would be worth some cost in residuals.

Thekrankis

10 January 2018

Becoming the BL of modern car manufacturers.

 

Make the same vehicle with a few nips and tucks and re-badge it as a Skoda, or a Seat, maybe an Audi? 

I am not sure even BL made cars that were so dull and boring to look at either..... although I am sure the old BL would also have pulled a fraudulent enissions stunt globally as well if they thought they could get away with it.

Steam cars are due a revival.

xxxx

11 January 2018
Thekrankis wrote:

Becoming the BL of modern car manufacturers.

Make the same vehicle with a few nips and tucks and re-badge it as a Skoda, or a Seat, maybe an Audi?

What is this a re-badged version of?

typos1 - Just can’t respect opinion

geed

10 January 2018

Good god this could be any car from any manufacturer. VW's popularity in the UK is a depressing portrayal of how dull, conventional and unimaginative the UK's citizens are as a whole. It is a Skoda, is it a Seat, is it an Audi.....wrong, wrong, wrong! Mr Mondeo has evolved into Mr VAG.

scrap

10 January 2018

Why is this Tiguan well over 100kg heavier than the Kodiaq for a similar spec? Makes no sense.

Marc

11 January 2018
scrap wrote:

Why is this Tiguan well over 100kg heavier than the Kodiaq for a similar spec? Makes no sense.

Likley to be material grading differences and insulation materials.

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