The new second generation Volkswagen Tiguan SUV has now arrived in the UK, a full eight years after the debut here of the original car. That first iteration of the Tiguan represented Volkswagen’s entry into the growing compact Sport Utility Vehicle market and the car proved to be a huge success worldwide, selling strongly in the UK and Continental Europe as well as in Russia, the USA, China, Brazil and Australia.

With a 33 mm reduction in height, 30mm growth in width and 60mm extension in length, the new Tiguan exhibits a sleeker, more confident shape than its predecessor.

In the UK, the all-new Tiguan is offered in five largely familiar and easily understood trim levels: S, SE, SE Navigation, SEL and R-Line.

The new Tiguan is the first Volkswagen SUV to use the MQB (Modular Transverse Matrix) platform, which means it benefits from the latest available technology and shares much of its underpinnings with other successful new models such as the Golf, Passat and Touran. This results in a noticeably more dynamic and engaging driving experience compared with the old Tiguan SUV.

Three petrol engines and four diesel engines are available – all with BlueMotion Technology which includes Stop/Start and battery regeneration systems to enhance fuel economy and reduce emissions. The 1.4-litre TSI opens the petrol range, and provides an output of 125 PS. A second 1.4-litre TSI has cylinder deactivation technology (ACT) and offers up 150 PS. Finally, there’s the 180 PS 2.0-litre TSI. The entry-level diesel engine is a 2.0-litre TDI unit with 115 PS. There is also a 150 PS 2.0-litre TDI, offered with either a two-wheel drive manual drivetrain (as tested here) or as a 4MOTION four-wheel drive with DSG automatic transmission. A 190 PS 2.0-litre TDI DSG 4MOTION unit is available, and the range is topped by a 2.0-litre BiTDI SCR 4MOTION DSG unit that pumps out 240 PS.

The 2.0-litre 150PS diesel motor is a well-proven unit in the VW-Group and doesn’t disappoint here: low down pulling power is plentiful and there always feels to be enough useable performance on tap. Refinement levels are good.

The well-weighted, precise steering combines with the fluid handling and a pliant ride (on this SE spec car), which only becomes unsettled on the poorest of road surfaces. Surprisingly there’s also little body roll evident for a tall-sided design. A slick short through six-speed manual gearbox is a delight to use and proves more involving than the efficient DSG automatic. This SE model’s wheel and suspension set-up allows for a decently comfortable ride – especially for a small SUV – with the suspension also ably absorbing bumps and other road imperfections.

The New Tiguan feels more spacious inside than its predecessor, with deeper seats and greater accommodation space.  Occupants also now sit lower in the car. Despite this there’s good visibility from the helm and the dashboard is more aligned towards the driver. At the same time, the wider centre console typical of SUVs is paired with the new 4MOTION Active Control rotary switch to create a defining interior element with a premium feel.  Ambient lighting generates a sophisticated overall impression, completed by the optional panoramic roof – standard from SEL trim upwards – and details such as the elegant door handles and smart trim strips.

In the rear there’s 29mm more knee room, 145 litres of extra boot space (1,655 litres in total with seats lowered) and the rear seats are deeper and more supportive than before.  Naturally the latest Tiguan retains all the versatility and practicality for which the previous model was renowned - even including an adjustable 40:20:40 split bench rear seat that can slide fore or aft by up to 18 cms, thereby maximising either rear legroom, or boot space (615 litres with seats up). Meanwhile a lower load sill improves ease of use and underscores the Tiguan’s everyday utility, while an optimised body structure and improved aerodynamics add to occupant comfort via reduced cabin noise.

All models are well equipped, with 17-inch ‘Montana’ alloy wheels, and the Composition Media System, with an eight-inch colour touch-screen. This allows Bluetooth connection and has a built-in DAB digital radio, CD player and 4 x 20 watt output through eight speakers. Other standard equipment includes: manual air conditioning, electric front and rear windows, rain sensing wipers, auto dimming rear view mirror, cruise control and daytime running lights with Low Beam Assist.  Lane Assist, Front Assist, dusk sensor and City Emergency Braking also enhance the safety of every new Volkswagen Tiguan.

Verdict:

Today’s new Tiguan takes the success of the first car and builds on its appeal in every way. Styling, technology, engineering, space, safety, performance and economy: each of these key areas has been comprehensively improved. This should certainly be enough to worry the competition.

Tech spec:

Volkswagen Tiguan SE Navigation 2.0 TDI 2WD 150 PS
On the road price: £28,035
Max power: 150 PS @ 3500-4,000rpm
Max torque: 340 Nm @ 1750-3000 rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed manual
Max speed: 127 mph
0-62 mph in 9.3 seconds
Combined MPG: 58.9 (combined)
CO2 emissions: (g/km) 125