Volkswagen Tiguan SUV (2007-2016) - Interior & comfort
The trim and fittings in the Volkswagen Tiguan feel expensive and look to be more than capable of withstanding years of family wear and tear
The Volkswagen Tiguan isn't the cheapest SUV on the market, and this shows in the quality of the materials used in the cabin. Trim and fittings feel expensive and look to be more than capable of withstanding years of family wear and tear.
Rivals’ cabins are probably just as durable, but the Tiguan’s feels reassuringly solid. Underway, the Tiguan is surprisingly quiet for an SUV, with minimal wind and road noise.
The four trim levels are very distinctive, making the business of choosing one over the other much simpler. For its array of sensible and practical features, the Match is our pick.
Volkswagen Tiguan dashboard
Basic S trim does the already plain dashboard in the Tiguan no favours. For a little more flair, you need to move up to Match specification, which brings touchscreen sat nav, climate control and parking sensors.
R-line trim sports seats, but regardless of trim, the steering wheel is height and reach adjustable, so you can find the perfect position easily. The dashboard in the Nissan Qashqai looks fresher, while the BMW X1's has a classier, more ‘executive’ feel.
Equipment
The Tiguan is sensibly rather than lavishly equipped, with even basic S versions having a DAB digital radio, air-con and alloy wheels as standard.
Match, the next trim up, brings a 6.5-inch touchscreen and leather steering wheel. This model also gets parking assistance and Driver Alert – a system that can detect if you’re falling asleep at the wheel.
R-Line models introduce luxuries such as bright bi-xenon headlights and higher-grade upholstery, while Escape has shorter overhangs for off-roading, hill-descent control and privacy glass. However, even this version looks a model of restraint compared to rivals such as the Kia Sportage and Toyota RAV4.
Ride quality is sensitive to wheel size, with the 16-inch alloys of S trim offering a more comfortable experience than the 17 and 18-inch wheels fitted higher up the range.
Options
What the Tiguan lacks in standard specification it makes up for with optional extras. However, you should be careful which ones you choose, as not only are they expensive, they’re also unlikely to add anything to the car’s future value.
The most worthwhile features include parking assistance, cruise control and the electrically operated panoramic glass sunroof. That last item is standard on all but the most basic version of the Nissan X-Trail, a rival SUV.
