Volkswagen’s 7-seater is all about space but it comes at a stiff price

Published on 30 March, 2022

Overview

When it comes to families it’s all about space and accessibility.

And Volkswagen’s newly revised, and aptly named, Tiguan Allspace SUV sets out to show how it is done with its three-rows of seats.

But, by golly, does the package come at a price. The version I had for a few days recently – it was R-Line trim – costs the guts of €60,000 (€59,295 on-the-road to be precise). It’s a lot of money.

Granted R-line models have bells and whistles but it’s still a big number.

And it is inflated by a €1,000 delivery-and-related charge. In fairness, and give them their due, they make the charge clear in their pricing. No grey areas as can be the case with some.

And the family SUV is not all about price, as we’ll see.

It was good to get back into the Tiguan after what felt like an age. It seems like only yesterday that VW launched the original. It was a different world for all of us back then.

They have rearranged looks a bit and added a fair bit of spec and equipment and technology.

But the real attraction remains the row of seats and they continue to be, largely, the territory of the toddler or occasional larger occupant. The important thing to remember is that they will do a job for you.

And that is all the more remarkable given the relatively modest exterior dimensions of the car. Needless to remark there isn’t a bunch of luggage room when the third row is in use. That is the case with many a 7-seater so I can’t blame VW alone.

The 2-litre TDi diesel (€280 road tax) gave a great depth of pulling power (150hp) and the automatic DSG transmission was a blessing because the sort of driving for the duration of the relatively short test was in choc-a-block traffic.

I subsequently drove another manual diesel (not VW) and really struggled to get comfortable gear change. That was my fault entirely as I’ve driven mostly automatics for some time now.

With busier and tighter roads, no wonder the SIMI stats reflect greater preference for autos from buyers. I’m a fan.

The Allspace is a solid piece of work with loads of room up front and across the middle row. I wouldn’t say it was the best on dealing with poorer roads; indeed I would criticise it for the sharp wheel travel, though the sport suspension no doubt contributed to the sensation of strength rather than softness.

In contrast it was smoothness personified on the open road. I’m finding that with a few cars lately. It is something to look out for and prompts yet another reminder on these days of buying online that you can benefit from taking a car for a lengthy pre-purchase drive to make sure you are happy with it in all areas.

Despite all that, it was impossible not to be impressed with the sturdiness and practical nature of the VW.

And justifying the stiff price tag, to some extent, is an impressive range of spec. My R-Line version had 20ins alloys, R-Line interior (front scuff plates in aluminium with ‘R-line’ logo, rear spoiler in ‘R’ style etc), rear-view camera, digital cockpit pro, ambient lighting with 30 colours, ‘travel assist’, sports pack (progressive steering, sports suspension), electric tailgate, keyless access, heated front/outer rear seats, adaptive cruise control Stop & Go including speed limiter, park assist w/park distance control, “side assist” and rear traffic alert.