The festive season is a time for traveling and spending time with loved ones, it also means you need a spacious, comfortable and efficient mode of transport. In the VW Tiguan AllSpace TDI DSG 4Motion in Comfortline spec, I believe I had the best mode of transport and here’s why
On looks, the Tiguan AllSpace is the most stylish SUV in its segment. The Tiguan range has been an eye-catcher from the time it was launched and the AllSpace Comfortline keeps the exact design with a chrome grille, standard LED headlight, privacy glass, and satin finish roof rails. My festive season “steed” came with options which made sure I stood out. These included stylish 19-inch wheels (17-inch standard), Panoramic sunroof, electric detachable towbar, and metallic paint.
Night driving with the kids was a pleasure as the panoramic roof kept them busy counting the stars instead of the dreaded “Are we there yet?” question. An extra investment of R20, 630.00 on the R-Line exterior kit would have been worth it as it really transforms the AllSpace.
Where the AllSpace comes into its own is in the interior where the 7 seat layout is perfect for everyday usability. The 3rd row of seats folds flat on the floor when not in use (Fortuner owners are probably cursing right now) for good boot space. The tilt and sliding 2nd-row seat allows added luggage space but if you want to carry more stuff, you can fold the 2nd-row seats and the front passenger seat flat……at that time even the mother in law AND the kitchen sink would fit.
The electric tailgate, park distance control with reversing camera come standard whilst the optional keyless entry & start made life easy. The 3-Zone Climate Control ensured all 7 occupants were sufficiently comfortable in the Durban heat whilst the optional Vienna Leather comes with electric adjustment for the driver’s seat. The Active Info display, 9.2” touch screen with Discover Pro Satellite Navigation, Adaptive Cruise Control with Front Assist and the Ambient Package are worthwhile options to tick when buying the Tiguan AllSpace, as they made my time with the test car, a lot more comfortable and safe (Front Assist saved me from at least a dozen fender benders as it warns of potential front accidents even stopping if the driver doesn’t brake).
The placing of the armrest and cupholders is not ideal when both are in use however the cupholder system allows carrying of varying size bottles. 2 USB ports up front allowed simultaneous charging of mobile phone and plugging a USB for media. Folding trays mounted behind the front seatbacks proved useful for kids when the
The 110kW/340Nm 2.0-litre TDI proved very efficient at one point going as low as 5.6l/100km on our return trip to Jozi from Durban (7 people with luggage). The drive modes range from Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual with Sport being not that useful as 100kW in an SUV that weights +1800kg just doesn’t cut it (130Kw & 160kW TSI engine options are also offered for those seeking more power). 0-100km/h is claimed at 9.9 seconds topping at a very illegal 198km/h. The 7 speed DSG transmission comes standard and shifts gears seamlessly but its kick-down when going down inclines causes an unnecessary engine din eased by shifting up gears using the steering wheel mounted paddle shifters.
The 4Motion all-wheel-drive system can be configured via a toggle switch for different off-road conditions and proved effective in gravel, wet roads during the festive season, however, a diff-lock would be more effective in serious off-road conditions. On road manners were by far the segment crushing feature of the AllSpace leaving its direct competitors (Fortuner, Everest) in the weeds with sure-footed twisty road manners. Long distance comfort proved above average during the festive wracking up +4000km with ease. Family safety was assured with all brake, dynamic stability control technology offered as standard together with front, side and curtain airbags. The Frant Assist and rear parking sensors were the most useful as it braked the car automatically in an emergency situation (rear park engaged when reversing onto an obstacle without braking).
Priced at R571, 000 in standard trim, the Tiguan AllSpace TDI DSG 4Motion is a brilliant offering. Get funky with the options list though and you can easily spend R100 000 more but then again at that price(especially in R Line trim – image above), you will drive THEE best SUV per buck on the road right now. Warranty – 3 years /120 000km, Service Plan 3 years / 45 000km and Service intervals at 15 000km.
Interested in getting into the driver’s seat of the latest VW Tiguan AllSpace? VW Finance is best placed to finance its products and with WesBank support (leading vehicle and asset finance company in Mzansi) is the best way to get your dream car today. Get finance packages that suit your pocket thus allowing you to enjoy a dream motoring experience. For this vehicle, you will pay R11 255 per month for 72 Months, 0 Deposit, 0 Residual at 12% *Interest.
*(Interest used is for illustration purposes, each individual application yields its own interest rate depending on the customer profile)
VW currently has great finance deals on Tiguan AllSpace models with monthly instalments starting from as low at R6,999 per month. WhatsApp us at 065 914 5499 for more on these deals.