Volkswagen Tiguan (2008 - 2016) 2.0 TDI SE 5d Owner Review

My first ever 4x4 and I'm really happy with it though I did miss my Audi estate for the first couple of months. I find this car super comfortable, the seat is in the right position and the visibility is great. I don't get back ache on long journeys and it feels more luxurious than what I'm used to though it's not an expensive car. It's quiet considering it's diesel which is great as I hate engine noise. My kids are super happy with how spacious it is and like me they love the gadgets, satnav, iPod connection, two charging ports etc. I appreciate the rear camera but miss the parking sensors that I had on my Audi (even though they were over sensitive). This is a great car to drive, I feel safe and secure, probably because of its size and weight, I like how high up it is, I don't have to worry about going through deep puddles and I live in a hilly area. The pulling away power is not like my Audi so overtaking isn't fun any more but I do find it good at handling steep bendy country roads, it doesn't feel like it will tip or lose grip on bends even at speed. There are a few downsides though, firstly I find the boot really small compared to my estate, can't fit the ski gear in it and even some of the grocery shopping has to go on the back seat. There is no warning for leaving the headlamps on and I have now done that a couple of times so am lucky the battery didn't die. The fuel consumption at 38 mpg is not as good as my Audi estate which was 50mpg. Also I hate the electronic handbrake, thought I would get used to it but I haven't, prefer an old fashioned thing any day as it gives you more control for hill starts. At least it has auto hold. The biggest let down so far is that it didn't handle a steep icy road last month, I fully expected it to be no problem at all but as I turned it completely lost traction and skidded, totally out of control, no ability to brake or steer. Slid all the way to the bottom of the hill. I don't know if it was down to the inexpensive tyres or me being in 2nd instead of 1st gear, but it was a massive shock. I won't be driving in snow again which is a pain as it snows every year where I live and a shame since it's a 4x4 and that was kind of the point of it.