VW Tiguan Allspace review New Zealand
It’s safe to say that virtually everyone’s family life seems to be bursting at the seams nowadays. The seesaw of a work/life balance is forever changing and cramming in the long list of life’s demands is often headache inducing. Fear not my friends, it looks like VW understand your plight and have acted upon it, introducing the Tiguan Allspace, an SUV that gives you room to move and space to breathe.
Since its inception in 2007, the Tiguan (that’s TEE GWAN) has been incredibly successful for the VW brand, and the subsequent 2nd generation released around 2016 even more so, (overall ranking 3rd on the small SUV charts globally), therefore it made sense when looking to extend into 7 seat territory, for VW to simply add to this already strongly established nameplate – hence the launch of the Tiguan Allspace.
With the Tiguan Allspace, basically more is well, more. First and foremost is its size. At 4.7m in length, it’s 215mm longer than its smaller sibling and this is also true when it comes to wheelbase too – extended by 110mm. However this growth in overall size isn’t overtly apparent on the exterior, in fact, VW has managed to keep shape and proportions very much in keeping with its smaller sibling. That being said, it has a more masculine look, with stronger horizontal lines, a pronounced front lip and a more distinctive chrome grille. There is a good profile flow with subtle roof beading while the ‘kick open’ auto tailgate and dual exhaust tips complete the rear end view.
The Allspace’s extra room has been used wisely on the inside, with 2 (intimate) extra seats at the rear or (when 3rd row laid flat and 2nd row forward) 700L (1,775L with all seats flat) of expansive luggage space at your disposal, you now have the breathing room to simply spread out or even better, the opportunity to escape the norm and head out on new adventures – especially if you opt for the 4WD 4MOTION models.
To power you along (both on and off road) you get the choice of petrol or diesel engines with kW that go up to 176 and Nm that top the scale at 500 – that should keep you satisfied!
The cabin is instantly recognisable as upmarket Volkswagen, with a straight and uncluttered facia and tactile dials all within easy reach. Infotainment is presented clearly upon on 8” touchscreen while instrumentation comes via a full digital cluster display.
Being VW, the Allspace is of course fitted with oodles of safety and technology, from 360-degree‘ birds eye’ parking camera and rear cross traffic alert for tight maneuvering to lane and side assist (plus more) when on the move. Also, (as if to demonstrate that the tyre pressure monitor works), I was immediately alerted to the fact that there three of the four tyres could do with air the moment I picked up the Allspace up – evidently the VW team were ensuring I get the full Allspace experience.
On the subject of experience, you can take your weekend adventures up a peg or two with the 4MOTION off-road selection, rocks, snow and beyond are all there to be conquered at the turn of a dial – I (unfortunately) kept to highways and byways for my extended review time.
The Allspace is being heralded as the next cornerstone in VW brand and with the Tiguan’s track record, it’s certainly got form – That being said, it is a high contested segment at the moment. With its strong kerbside appeal, brand heritage and spacious interior, Volkswagon’s new 7 seater Tiguan Allspace offering seems more than fitting.
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