In recent years the sports utility vehicle, or SUV, has become the most popular utility segment across the UK and Europe. Within that, the Tiguan is not only Volkswagen Group’s best-selling car, but also the most popular SUV in the UK and Europe, taking over from the Nissan Qashqai in 2019.
Originally introduced into the market in 2016 to compete with the Nissan Qashqai and Kia Sportage, the Tiguan more recently has been re-invented into a ‘Premium SUV’. Cue a huge increase in sales, with the level of detail and specification meaning the Tiguan now has made its reputation as a practical family SUV that can easily compete with the likes of the Range Rover Evoque, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.
The new model is now on our roads, and, as a key Pike + Bambridge favourite model. Here, our product expert Beth Weir, who specialises in the mid-SUV segment, analyses the new model, based on both her experiences of the car, and many of her clients.
Storage + Practicality - The Big Questions We’re Often Asked...
How big is the boot?
The boot space has grown more on the new model from what was already a very practical boot on the previous iteration. This will easily fit a Bugaboo Pram plus shopping, or if you’re a golfer, your golf clubs, and you don’t even have to take the Driver out of the bag. The variable height floor makes it possible to store your laptop out of sight and allows for flexibility. The boot is easily accessed thanks to a low loading lip and it has a practical, square shape.
How big are the cup holders?
The door pockets will both hold up to a 1.5 litre bottle, whilst the centre console will hold a couple of 1-litre bottles.
What does the Tiguan come with?
The Tiguan now comes in 4 trim levels:
- Tiguan Elegance
- Tiguan
- Tiguan Life
- Tiguan R-Line.
Each model line comes with different engine choices. If it’s automatic you’re after you will need to look at the Life trim as a minimum and if you are needing 4 wheel drive, you will need to consider the Elegance or R-Line.
The entry level Tiguan comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic LED headlights, Apple Car Play, and a single engine choice of the 1.5 petrol engine with a manual-only gearbox option. Many of the “hot offers” online will be for this base model, despite using photos of the higher level specification. A great car, but perhaps not representative visually of the higher trim levels.
As mentioned, if it’s automatic you’re after you will need to look at the Life model as a minimum. At Pike + Bambridge this is where we would recommend you start looking anyway as leasing offers are usually better from the Life model upwards due to the stronger residual value at the end of lease. The Life model comes with 18-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, ‘Discover’ navigation system and front/rear parking sensors.
The two top models offer solutions for slightly different needs. If you prefer to have the added bits of technology, the Elegance may be a better fit for you as the Elegance offers a rear-view camera and keyless entry with electric boot operation over the R-Line, as well as a panoramic roof as standard and a larger choice of colours.
If you are more concerned with the look of the vehicle, the R-Line is definitely for you. It has 20'' Misano alloy wheels, lowered sports suspension and other R-Line Styling finishes making it a more eye-catching model line. The R-Line also comes with heated sports steering wheel with touch controls. Either way both these models offer most of what you would need with Ambient lighting, Winter Pack, Privacy Glass and Adaptive Cruise Control being standard on both.
Both the Elegance and R-Line models come in the 1.5 litre 150ps with Automatic transmission. If you were looking for 4WD you would need to consider the 2.0-litre diesel option which offers the same amount of power.
Our Pick
It’s a tough decision between the R-Line and Elegance model on this one. Both are available on great offers at the moment, however for me it would need to be the R-Line. That being said, at time of writing, we have access to an excellent offer on the Elegance model as well, meaning it is slightly cheaper at the moment than the R-Line.
As usual, we recommend our industry unique, deep-dive Fact Find to kick things off, meaning you will always have an expert account manager to make the process of choosing your next car and finance simpler, faster and a lot more fun!
There are lots of great offers at the moment available for limited stock vehicles, and factory orders for April onwards. Whatever you’re looking for, our expert account managers can help you navigate these options and ensure you’re choosing the one that is right for you. Please contact us today.
