The Volskwagen brand has quite a wide range of cars in the SUV category, and I currently drove one of them. I subjected the Tiguan model to the editorial test, specifically the Tiguan Allspace.
Volskwagen Tiguan Allspace is an extended variant of the classic compact Tiguan. And it is this noticeable extension that puts it in the role of the biggest competitor to the "damaging" Kodiaq.
In the test, I currently tried the extended Tiguan in the highest trim R-Line Highline, which was equipped with the most powerful diesel biturbo engine that worked with a seven-speed DSG automatic.
Exterior appearance of the R-Line version
The Allspace is extended by 215 mm from the classic Tiguan , this extension is also achieved by a larger wheelbase, so don't expect any unsightly extension of the body in the places of the rear overhang. Its overall proportions are therefore very good-looking, balanced and pleasing.
The tested version was also equipped with the R-Line package, which not only greatly sharpened its external appearance. This optional package enriches the front part with a differently shaped bumper, which is equipped with a characteristic signature in the shape of the letter "C" in black. We also have, for example, a rear spoiler, a diffuser, black rims on the wheel arches and additional door parts painted in the color of the car. Other elements are strips with the R-Line logo, or a plaque on the front grille. The overall decent impression is completed by 19" Sebring alloy wheels, in our case 20" Suzuka wheels.
As a result, I have to rate the external appearance of the tested car positively.
Spaciousness and high-quality interior design
The extended Tiguan Allspace will offer a lot of space in the interior. Mainly for the crew in the second row. It is also equipped with sliding and folding seats that facilitate access to the third row of seats.
There is a storage space under the floor of the spacious luggage compartment, which is reduced in the tested biturbo engine by the car battery located here. Otherwise, according to the manufacturer's data, the Tiguan Allspace has a 700-liter basic volume of the luggage compartment.
The dashboard then shows very good concern processing and excellent clarity. As part of the Highline equipment, the instrument panel in front of the driver was equipped with a fully digital display, which had six adjustable themes.
The optional R-Line package is also clearly visible in the interior of the car with its elements. Aluminum door sills with a logo, a multifunctional sports-shaped leather steering wheel or sports pedals, these are all distinctive elements that are associated with this package.
Biturbo under the hood
The top version of the Tiguan also earned a top version under the hood as far as the engine is concerned. The tested car was powered by a two-liter turbocharged diesel engine with an output of 176 kW. The tested biturbo further cooperated with a seven-speed DSG automatic, which seamlessly distributed power to all four wheels.
The Volskwagen Tiguan Allspace is currently offered with six engines. The highlight of the diesel variant is the tested 176 kW diesel biturbo. Diesel is also available with a weaker 110 kW and a stronger 140 kW two-liter. Gasoline is then available with 1.5 TSI with 110 kW, or with 2.0 TSI with 140 kW or 162 kW.
The tested two-liter biturbo works very quietly and refined. Its cooperation with the seven-speed automatic works excellently. A considerable 176 kW of power and 500 Nm of torque can transfer this "gear" to the road with a huge overview and great comfort on board. Even the reading on the speedometer is a sure warning that you need to take your foot off the gas.
The tested Tiguan took an average of around 8 l / 100 km, which in the context of its powerful engine and wide "twenties" is quite a decent figure.
On the chassis side, the car offered additional adaptive shock absorbers, which changed their characteristics based on the selected driving mode. The performance of the chassis can only be praised for its diverse features, and also for how it compared to the twenty-inch discs shod with 255 / 40 tires.
The combination of a powerful engine, adaptive chassis, all-wheel drive and wide tires made the tested Tiguan a vehicle that was no stranger to dynamic driving. Switching to sports mode then hardened the whole car and gave it considerable courage and confidence with a sharper driving style.
The rotary controller located next to the automatic transmission lever offered not only the selection of the driving mode, but also the control of the 4Motion drive, which adjusts the electronics of the drive according to the selected surface (snow, gravel, etc.). To be honest, the tested Tiguan did not entice me into larger terrain on the "low-profile 20s", and I appreciated more its diverse driving characteristics in the Czech districts.
Evaluation
As usual, let's start the evaluation by looking at the price list, the basic "extended" Tiguan Allspace with gasoline engine, manual and front axle drive only starts at 735,900 CZK including VAT. You can buy a basic diesel with a manual and only front axle drive from CZK 802,900 including VAT. The top version tested by me, with the most powerful diesel biturbo, seven-speed DSG automatic, all-wheel drive and the highest R-Line Highline equipment, you can buy here from 1,340,900 CZK including VAT.
For comparison, I am also listing the base price of the classic "short" Tiguan, which starts at CZK 691,900 including VAT. Its top version with the most powerful diesel biturbo, seven-speed DSG automatic, all-wheel drive and the highest R-Line Highline equipment can be purchased from CZK 1,307,900 including VAT.
If we leave aside the higher purchase price of the Tiguan, mainly in the higher equipment ranges, the price difference of the extended version from the classic version, in the context of the overall price, is quite negligible.
In addition, the extended version will offer the possibility of up to seven seats, but its main positive is a larger luggage space, or the total loading area.
The top-of-the-line version tested offered an overall very handsome and dynamic style thanks to the R-Line package, which is adequately supported by good driving characteristics, thanks to a powerful drive unit and a well-functioning chassis. Unfortunately, the weakest point of this car turned out to be quite essential for me, and that is its higher purchase price.
