Spacial Treatment: VW Tiguan Allspace Review
That’s a new-age version of the VW Bus, surely? Yeah, maybe only if you ignore that Volkswagen has an impressive line-up of new-age vans (globally). So what’s the Tiguan Allspace all about? Space, maybe? Fair point. That sums up the review of the VW Tiguan Allspace. Do like, share, and subscribe…
Space, mainly, yes. And by space, I don’t intend to limit the conversation to just about the cavernous interior and the Tiguan Allspace’s ability to seat seven. It’s the fact that VW’s focus is on the SUV and crossover space in the Indian context. To cement that, under its new SUVW strategy, VW will complement the existing T-Roc and Tiguan Allspace with a more affordable offering called the VW Taigun. But what about the other cars? The all-new Polo isn’t here yet; the Jetta is no longer available; and the rather lovely Passat didn’t last too long. This is what’s going on at the moment.
So where does the Tiguan Allspace fit? At about 4.7 metres long, it’ll fit your average-sized garage. It is a flagship car but not a Phaeton replacement. It’s a more practical, family-focussed crossover, which will be just fine in most everyday scenarios.
Will it carry seven people, as advertised? Two of those seven occupants will either need to be adjusting or aware of the fact that they’re brutally hated by the rest. Because the last row of seats isn’t where anyone would want to be. It’s a compromising position — no shorts or skirts allowed. And there’s not much room or comfort at the back, either. Okay for short journeys? Maybe.
Fold those seats down and the Tiguan becomes a much more practical family car. It rides well, has the tautness similar to that of a well-built modern saloon, and with its slightly laid-back styling, it’s likely to age well. It’s not the car for those after road presence or *SUV appeal*. Both are idiotic concepts, but it’s 2021, so to each his own, etc.
The Tiguan Allspace comes with a 2-litre turbocharged petrol engine. Volkswagen has a variety of 2-litre turbo-petrol engines available on various cars, and this one seems equally well-equipped. It makes 140 kW and 320 Nm. Hardly exciting numbers, but the 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox lends it a helping hand whenever you expect the engine to fall short of your expectations.
At just a little under 1.8 tonnes, the Tiguan Allspace isn’t the heaviest in the space it sits, but it’s best not to expect it to handle like a sports car. It’s stable around corners, quick to attain and drop speed, and with a sharp steering, it seems fairly keen to inputs. Its monocoque construction is advantageous, especially when compared to the heavier body-on-frame rivals’. Despite massive improvements, a pickup-based SUV still feels like a dog to drive — and if you feel the same, the Tiguan Allspace will appeal to you even more. Driving it in the city isn’t a headache, either. Parking it does require more effort than a regular hatchback but the view all around is decent and the steering’s light, too.
On the downside, although the 4Motion tech has a variety of individual settings on offer, it’s unlikely to beat other conventional SUVs. Even without looking at the wide variety of mods available for those and also the fact that they get genuine 4WD drivetrain, the Tiguan has big a disadvantage here: the factory suspension setup, ground clearance, etc. Fit for the next Rainforest Challenge? No!
Why should you consider it?
The biggest plausible bit that will make you consider it is that you always wanted a luxury saloon but the Skoda Superb’s not to your liking. It’s a crossover, so most definitely a compromise between two perfectly individual worlds which may not have required to meet halfway. But that allows you to enjoy great things like a large, well-made interior, mechanicals and driving dynamics that don’t make you question your purchase every time you go on a drive, and an unsaid class and elegance that others lack in the space.
It’s priced at Rs 33.24 lakh, ex-showroom, which puts it dangerously close to vehicles like the Toyota Fortuner (Hilux-based) and the Ford Endeavour (Everest; Ranger-based), among other similar vehicles like the new MG Gloster, Mahindra Alturas G4 (Rexton-based), and the Isuzu MU-X. If specced rightly, these are more likely to outperform the Tiguan off the road, especially in conditions that will be way beyond the abilities of the standard/factory components. But keep it on the road, and the Tiguan Allspace will shine brighter than the rest.
Alternatively, if you want to enjoy most of the things that the Tiguan Allspace offers, but would rather be happy with a smaller car, the T-Roc can be a good choice. You can read more about that in The Car Cult’s review here.
