Volkswagen Tiguan SE 1.4 TSI 4MOTION 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The 1.4 litre four cylinder turbocharged petrol engine produces maximum figures of 157 bhp at 5800 rpm and 177 lb-ft at 1500-4500 rpm, which is enough to make this Tiguan feel quick. Because the maximum torque is available so low in the rev range it pulls reasonably well. A 0-62 mph time of 9.2 seconds and a top speed of 123 mph are fine, but this model is more about economy than speed.

This Volkswagen Tiguan’s ride is on the firm side and can lose its composure over more uneven surfaces but body roll is kept nicely in check through corners and there’s plenty of front end grip, so overall the Tiguan is an enjoyable car to drive. There’s very little in the way of road noise and wind noise is minimal, which makes for refined cruising on motorways. Its off-road abilities are best described as adequate rather than advanced, but it’ll attack muddy inclines and rutted bridleways with gusto.

The driver’s seat has height adjustment and the steering can be adjusted so most drivers should be able to find a decent position. The dashboard is laid out intuitively and has easy to read instruments with the feel of being made from quality materials. Forward visibility is good, but the small rear window and chunky pillars hamper the view rearwards making reversing difficult.

The Volkswagen Tiguan SE 1.4 TSI 4MOTION 5dr is a good looking and well-proportioned baby 4x4. Inside, you get climate control, electric windows front and rear, electric door mirrors, rear parking sensors, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a CD player as standard. It also comes with alloy wheels, remote central locking and immobiliser and alarm.

Among the available options are metallic paint at £495, Satnav at £540, cruise control for £235 and leather seats for £1,630.

There is enough space in the cabin for four adults to travel comfortably, but a third person could easily occupy the middle rear seat as long as they didn’t mind rubbing shoulders with those either side of them. Boot space is reasonable at 470 litres with the rear seats in use and with them folded flat, which is quite easy to accomplish, it opens up a generous 1510 litres of load space. The seats also slide backwards and forwards to offer differing load spaces.

This Volkswagen Tiguan comes with many safety features including six airbags, ABS, Isofix child seat mountings and stability control.

Volkswagens have above average reliability and this car comes with a three year 60,000 mile warranty.

At £24,355 the Volkswagen Tiguan SE 1.4 TSI 4MOTION 5dr is competitively priced. It comes with a reasonable level of kit, has a spacious and comfortable cabin and a generous amount of room for luggage. It’s a decent drive and has the benefit of four-wheel drive for motoring cross-country or in winter weather. It feels solid and high quality too.

It’s also reasonably frugal and so buyers will enjoy fairly low running costs. A combined cycle of 37.2 mpg is a respectable figure for a car of this size and with a CO2 emissions figure of 178 g/km the taxes and running costs will be manageable, although the emissions are quite high.