The Volkswagen Tiguan has established itself as a hugely successful mid-sized SUV. In a market crowded with five-seat rivals such as the Renault Kadjar, Mazda CX-5 and Nissan Qashqai, the German alternative is a vaguely premium offering. The arrival of the Allspace version extends its appeal by adding length and a third row of seats.
In a nutshell, the Allspace gets a 109mm stretch between the front and rear axle lines, and it’s longer overall by 215mm for an additional pair of seats. Unlike the seven-seat Renault Grand Scenic, which looks considerably different to its five-seat cousin, the Allspace hides its additional bulk very successfully. Volkswagen says it bridges the gap in the range between the Tiguan and the Touareg.
More seats, more luggage, more useful
The 5+2-seat Tiguan Allspace debuts at the Geneva motor show on 7 March, but Volkswagen has already released a set of images and full technical specifications. The interior also offers individually folding second and third row seats for the maximum configurability.
The headlines are that the luggage area has been expanded to 760 litres with the front two rows of seats in place, but in full van mode, loaded to the roof, it will swallow up to 1,920 litres.
Extra bulk has been successfully disguised
The Tiguan Allspace might be bigger, but it doesn’t look it. Even the entry-level version rides on 17-inch wheels, and some clever styling tricks have also been employed. So, it has a different bonnet line, side window shapes and a new set of corporate-looking headlamps.
You can also specify it in faux-off road form. The Tiguan Allspace ‘off-road package’ gets you chunky restyled bumpers, and a slightly different ride height. Given that it’s available with optional four-wheel drive, it will at least back up those hunky looks with some genuine ability.
A wide variety of engines and tech
It will be offered with six TSI and TDI engines, ranging from 150hp to 240hp. The three petrol engines are all turbocharged, and will be offered in 150, 180 and 220hp forms, while the three turbodiesels develop 150, 190 and 240hp. All are Euro6 compliant, with the diesels needing AdBlue.
Model designations are Trendline, Comfortline and Highline, although even the entry level model comes fully equipped with air conditioning, leather steering wheel, and LED tail lights. Safety equipment insludes:
- Automatic Post-Collision Braking System
- Lane Assist
- Front Assist with City Emergency Braking function
- Pedestrian Monitoring.
There’s no word yet from Volkswagen on pricing and availability, but expect it to go on sale in the UK in the summer of 2017.
