This interior is one of the Tiguan’s strongest points. True, our test example came fully loaded, but the perceived quality of the interior is very good regardless. The fascia is pure Golf Plus, though no less neatly assembled and nicely trimmed because of it.
In some ways it’s reminiscent of a Touran MPV – very well built and comfortable, but so short of sparkle that it is almost instantly forgettable. The driving position is widely adjustable and owes more to conventional cars than full-bore SUVs.
What is new about the Tiguan’s interior is the infotainment system. It has a more user-friendly touch-screen interface than those in other current Volkswagens.
Upgrading to satellite navigation still costs a heck of a lot of money compared with an aftermarket system, but as original-fit items go this is now up with the best you can get in terms of functionality. Add-ons like an MP3 player, a reversing camera and the like, while also not cheap, are excellent.
Rear seat space is good and the seat itself does what you’d expect, splitting 60/40 and sliding forwards or backwards to play boot space off against rear seat room. The boot is good too, with a flat floor and neat touches such as a tow bar release hidden in the top of the bumper.
The Tiguan is relatively well priced against most cars in this class. Certainly, it can hold more than its own in terms of interior fit and finish compared with its rivals, while equipment levels are reasonable and it’s equally as powerful as the key alternatives.
Running one shouldn’t prove any more expensive than the class norm, either. This 2.0 TDI Sport model sits in insurance group nine, while market experts reckon that it should retain 55 per cent of its value over three years/36,000 miles. And as our economy figures show, you shouldn’t find yourself having to make trips to the petrol station too frequently.