Tiguan the smoothest of 4x4s

Dec 8 2008 Peter Hayward

SMOOTH and comfortable, surprisingly quick and very agile - that sums up VW's Tiguan 4x4.

I drove what will almost certainly be the biggest seller - the 140bhp 2.0-litre turbo diesel in SE trim - but should it be?

It is £1,000 more than the equivalent petrol and taking into account the difference in economy and the cost of fuel, it will take a staggering 33 years before you are better off. This timescale is now true of most cars according to the experts.

However, the diesel Tiguan is great to drive, with performance enough for most needs and excellent comfort over all surfaces on the road.

Handling and road holding are about the best among 4x4's giving plenty of fun through the corners and a high level of stability and safety.

There are two and four wheel drive versions and this one had the permanent VW system.

But that does not make it tough off-road, where it is probably better suited to grassy fields than heavyweight stone and mud.

Interior

It seats four with ease and five at a pinch, but although there would seem to be plenty of space, the boot is not that big.

Sliding rear seats help with legroom and they fold easily to make much more space. Equipment is very good even in the lower versions.

FAST FACTS

Volkswagen Tiguan SE 2.0 TDI 4MOTION 5dr

Price : £21,571

Mechanical : 140bhp, 1,968cc, 4cyl diesel engine driving four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox

Max speed : 116mph

0-62mph : 10.5 secs

Combined mpg : 44.1

Insurance group : 9

CO2 emissions : 167g/km

BiK rating : 23%

Warranty : 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust

Marks : 10/10

Main rival : Nissan X-Trail