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Introduction, styling

The mid-sized SUV sector is an ever-growing one. Gone were the days when the likes of the Toyota RAV4, Honda CR-V and Suzuki Grand Vitara were the only models you could buy in this class. The recent hikes in fuel prices have compounded the demand and popularity of these mid-sized SUV as buyers shy away from larger and fuel guzzling models.

Other than the abovementioned brands and models, there's also the Volkswagen Tiguan to consider. In its previous iteration, the Tiguan had been a roaring success for VW. Since its launch in Germany in 2007, more than 700,000 have found homes all over the world and it had been the most popular SUV model in its home country. Four years on and Volkswagen has introduced a heavily updated version of the Tiguan.

In terms of styling, the new car differs most from the old at the front where the Tiguan's previous slightly fussy nose treatment has given way to a simpler but yet more thrusting Volkswagen corporate face with the twin vertical bars radiator grille and slim headlamps look.

The overall proportions are OK and the design details that makes it instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen are present, but you somewhat feel that its overall looks can be a tad more adventurous - this is after all, a lifestyle niche vehicle rather than a mainstream hatchback or saloon. The Tiguan is a smart looking compact SUV that has a nice mix of ruggedness and elegance in its stance but if only it could look a bit more special or adventurous.

Performance, ride and handling

As previously, local models come with a single engine choice, albeit in two different states of tune - Volkswagen's venerable and ubiquitous 2-litre TSI turbo four-cylinder but unlike in the old model, the latest model utilizes the Mk VI Golf GTI's EA888 lump instead of the older EA113. This means a 10bhp increase on the horsepower count front and improved fuel consumption for the range according to Volkswagen. The base model Tiguan TSI now offers 180bhp as a result while the Tiguan Sport's unit now churns out 210bhp.

The turbocharged, direct injection engine offers loads of useable performance. With 210bhp and 280Nm on tap, the Tiguan Sport tested here is good enough for an impressive 7.3 seconds 0-100km/h sprint time - very quick indeed for a small SUV and quick enough for the Tiguan to hang on to the coat tails of many hot hatch models in a straight line.

Maximum torque is available from as low as 1,700rpm, making the engine as flexible as a rubber band from just above idle. Like most modern turbocharged motor, the Tiguan's unit delivers the oomph right from the word go - there's no turbo lag to speak of. Work the motor hard and it'll pull all the way to its redline without breaking a sweat, staying refined and unflustered in all situations.

With the arrival of the Volkswagen Group's new generation wet clutch seven-speed DSG gearbox in 2010, the Tiguan range ditched its familiar six-speed torque converter auto box for this new transmission last year.

The seven-speed DSG gearbox is different from the ones used in the 1.4 TSI models throughout the range and is actually the same box as used in the Audi TT RS and RS 3 Sportback. The wet clutch box offers exceptionally quick shifts and as expected, offers a '+/-' manual selection mode with steering wheel mounted gear change paddles as well. The Tiguan's DSG is much better in all key areas when compared to VW's more commonly used dry clutch seven-speed DSG. More importantly, it doesn't come with the latter's habit of shifting up to higher gears at very low speeds and lurchy operation at crawling speeds.

For off-roading duties, the Tiguan employs Volkswagen's proven 4MOTION Haldex clutch all-wheel drive system. This system is usually preferred in less hardcore SUVs as well as in some performance models like the Volvo S60 T6 and the Golf R for its less complicated layout and design. In normal driving conditions, the Haldex system sends 90 percent of power to the front wheels with the remaining 10 to the rear. The typical Tiguan owner will hardly ever venture into adverse terrain but like the tag line in the Tiguan ad campaign says ? it's good to know that it could.

On the road, the Tiguan offers very competent dynamics thanks to its Golf based suspension. The steering and the excellent body control (especially for such a tall car) gives you great confidence to put it through its paces even in the bends. The Tiguan's well-damped ride makes it one of the best riding cars in its class.

Interior and conclusion

Inside, the Tiguan is a myriad of components and design themes from other models in the Volkswagen Group. The dashboard is lifted straight from the Golf Plus, which is no bad thing at all. The view out of the driver's seat is just like from a Golf, albeit from a higher viewpoint. Visibility is excellent, making the Tiguan easy to place on the road.

As ever, the Tiguan's comes with the high quality materials and switchgear that is so synonymous with Volkswagen. The centre console features a touch screen infotainment system that incorporates a hard disk, satellite navigation and an SD card reader.

At the rear passengers will enjoy the comfortable and spacious accommodation. Just like in the Touran MPV, the rear seats can slide fore and aft to vary between legroom and load space. Rear passengers are also spoilt by the reclining back rests as well as the airplane style foldaway tables behind the front seats and air con vents.

The cabin also offers lots of useable utility space with many storage spaces littered around. The new model's cabin features no major changes when compared to the old except for a new colour screen for the MFD within the instrument column, KESSY keyless operation as well as the fitment of Fatigue Detection (a first in this class) as previously fitted on the Passat. Fatigue Detection detects waning driver concentration and warns the driver with an acoustic signal while a visual message appears in the instrument cluster recommending the driver take a break from driving.

With this new, latest update, Volkswagen has made the all-rounded Tiguan look fresher and better than before and better equipped than previously, making it even harder to fault and not to like.

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