Volkswagen Tiguan THE PRECISE CONFIDENT AND THE POWERFUL In second generation form, Volkswagen's Tiguan looks a strong package. Jonathan Crouch checks it out. Ten Second Review Volkswagen's much improved second generation Tiguan targets compact SUV and Crossover customers alike with a high quality, well priced package that's now smarter and more efficient. All the car you'll ever really need? Many see it as just that. Background If you're planning to spend somewhere in the £23,000-£28,000 bracket on a compact SUV or SUV-like Crossover, you'll certainly not be short of choice. But choice can sometimes be a compromising thing - and so it is here. So for the premium badge you'd like on a car of this kind, you have to compromise on equipment. For the practicality you'll need, you have to compromise on trim and build quality. And for the all-wheel drive ability you'll maybe sometimes want, you've to compromise on tarmac driving pleasure. Driving Experience The initial engine range is primarily based around a 150PS version of Volkswagen's usual 2.0-litre TDI diesel, with the option of 7-speed DSG automatic transmission and 4MOTION 4WD. Rest to 62mph occupies 9.3s. There's also a 1.8-litre 180PS TSI petrol variant which comes as standard with both 4MOTION 4WD and DSG transmission: this derivative makes 62mph in 7.7s. Later on, UK buyers will also get the option of 125 and 150PS 1.4-litre petrol units. In addition, there'll be a wider range of diesels, including a base 115PS unit and a top 240PS biturbo powerplant. There'll also be a GTE Plug-in hybrid petrol electric version using most of the same technology you'll find in the existing Golf GTE and 218PS of total system power. Design and Build So, what's new? Well, the conventional Tiguan has put on 60mm in length and 30mm in width and sits 22mm lower than before in 4x4 form. Wolfsburg has developed a lengthened seven-seat version this time around which our market may get. The UK will definitely receive a third coupe version. For the time being though, it's the conventional five-door model we need to concentrate on, a car which sits on the advanced, stiff, light MQB platform that underpins the current Golf and Passat models. It's certainly a more confident-looking car - and a more spacious one too. The cabin's classier too, fit and finish being of a noticeably higher standard than before. Much of the switchgear and the infotainment monitor will be familiar to anyone who has tried a MK7 Golf. Borrowed from the Passat is the optional Active Info Display high-definition instrument panel. You can also specify a Head-up display that uses a small glass panel, deployed from behind the instrument binnacle at the press of button. Luggage space has grown by 145-litres to 615-litres with the standard 60/40 split folding rear seats in place, or 1655-litres with the seats lowered. Market and Model Expect pricing to sit in the £22,500 to £35,000 bracket, with the initial engine choice centred mainly around the 150PS version of Volkswagen's familiar 2.0-litre TDI diesel engine. If you want 4MOTION 4WD with this variant, then an extra £1,600 will secure it and there's also the £1,600 option of DSG automatic transmission. As an alternative, Volkswagen is also offering a 1.8-litre TSI petrol variant with 180PS. This derivative comes only with DSG auto transmission and 4MOTION 4WD and is only offered with the priciest trim levels. Talking of trim levels, there's a choice of 'S', 'SE', 'SE Nav', 'SEL' and 'R-Line' options. All models come with alloy wheels, 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning, a trip computer, all-round electric windows, an alarm, power heated door mirrors and a 'Composition Media' infotainment system. Cost of Ownership Expect the 2.0 TDI 150PS 2WD variant many will want to deliver 58.9mpg on the combined cycle and 125g/km of CO2. Go for the 1.8-litre TSI 180PS DSG 4MOTION petrol option and the figures are 38.2mpg and 170g/km. Later on, the economy champion will be the GTE Plug-in hybrid petrol/electric version you can ask your dealer about. Overall, though the upfront sticker price isn't cheap, whichever variant you choose, you'll probably be better off choosing this Volkswagen than a cheaper South Korean alternative when you factor in depreciation and whole life costs. And warranties? Well the standard package is three years and 60,000 miles. If you plan to see a bit more of the world in your Tiguan, there's a five year / 90,000 mile package. Whatever your decision, your car will come with three years of pan-European Roadside Assistance that has no mileage restriction. The paintwork warranty lasts for three years and, as you'd expect, this car is protected by a 12-year anti-corrosion package. Summary It's not hard to see why the Tiguan is such a popular choice in its sector here in the UK. You get pretty much all the quality of premium-badged compact SUV for the price of a budget brand contender. You get pretty much all the tarmac handling ability of a Qashqai-like Crossover with virtually all the off road ability of something more capable. And it all comes with the enduring appeal of that Volkswagen badge and the enduring residual values that'll go along with it. What it does offer in this improved form are running costs from an ever-more efficient range of engines that make the transition to a car like this from an ordinary family hatch less painful than ever. A sensible choice then, but one you'll enjoy making. FACTS AT A GLANCE CAR: Volkswagen Tiguan PRICES: £23,000-£28,000 [est] - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: TBC CO2 EMISSIONS: TBC PERFORMANCE: [2.0TSI 180 4MOTION] 0-60mph 7.7s / max speed 129mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [2.0TSI 180 4MOTION] (combined) 38.7mpg STANDARD SAFETY FEATURES: ABS, ESP, six airbags WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm TBC WHO TO SEE: