Introduction
Talk to me about the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace?
In a market where family SUVs are getting more versatile by the day, the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace stands out as a smart blend of practicality, comfort, and premium quality. Designed to bridge the gap between everyday usability and adventure-ready performance, this extended version of the popular Tiguan offers seven-seat flexibility, ample boot space, and Volkswagen’s signature refinement.
Whether you’re after a family-friendly cruiser, a capable road trip companion, or simply an SUV that feels a touch more premium, the Tiguan Allspace promises to deliver. In this review, we’ll take a closer look at its design, performance, technology, and overall value to see if it truly lives up to its “do-it-all” reputation.
What is it?
The Tiguan has proved to be a real smash hit for Volkswagen. In fact, it’s the firm’s best-selling car at the moment and continues to rustle feathers in the ever-competitive SUV segment. With good looks and plenty of equipment, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular.
But what if you need a little more space from your Tiguan? That’s where the Tiguan Allspace comes in. It’s a slightly stretched, slightly roomier variant with space for seven - but can it deliver the same rounded experience as the standard Tiguan? Let’s find out.
What’s new?
Volkswagen has left the revisions relatively subtle for this updated Tiguan Allspace, so from the outside at least the changes appear quite minimal. The front end has been given a nip-tuck, with high-spec versions receiving full Matrix LED headlights that can adapt to the traffic ahead.
There’s also a more simplified trim range for the Allspace, as there is across the rest of Volkswagen range with Life, Elegance and R-Line specifications there to choose from.
What’s under the bonnet?
The Allspace is available with the same range of efficient engines as the regular Tiguan - though there’s no plug-in hybrid option here, sadly.
We’re testing a version which uses Volkswagen’s 2.0-litre turbocharged diesel engine, which kicks out 148bhp and 360Nm of torque. It’s linked up to a seven-speed DSG automatic gearbox and all-wheel-drive, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 9.5 seconds. Despite being four wheel drive, Volkswagen also claims 42.8mpg while CO2 emissions stand at a respectable 173g/km.
What’s it like to drive?
Though diesel can’t exactly be called popular at the moment, for big-mileage drivers it still makes a huge amount of sense - and that’s definitely the case with the Allspace. It’s quiet and refined when at motorway speeds, though at lower ones there’s that typical diesel gruffness which is to be expected.
At those higher speeds it’s also relaxed and comfortable, with the ride feeling particularly good when on the motorway. Should you need to tackle a windier road, then the Tiguan’s steering is more than up to the task too.
How does it look?
The Tiguan has always been a smart looking thing, so it’s little surprise to see that the Allspace is just as well proportioned. Initially it’s hard to see the difference between this and a regular Tiguan, though a closer inspection reveals the true change in size between the two.
The front end gets a more aggressive design than its predecessor, too, with new chrome air inlets and trim giving it a more premium appeal. There’s also a new illuminated grille strip - similar to that on Volkswagen’s electric ID.3 - which gives the Tiguan a noticeable ‘face’ when driving at night. What’s it like inside?
If practicality is what you’re after, then the Tiguan Allspace will definitely appeal. There’s loads of space available, while the optional panoramic sunroof fitted to our test car really helped to bring extra light into the cabin.
At the moment, the Allspace is the only seven-seater in Volkswagen’s SUV range - even the large Touareg is a strict five-seater - which does give it a standout appeal in the range. Those rearmost seats aren’t huge by any stretch of the imagination mind you, but they’re large enough for occasional use by adults or more frequent use by children.
What’s the spec like?
All versions of Allspace benefit from plenty of standard equipment, with entry-level Life versions - priced from £32,705 - gaining 18-inch alloy wheels, three-zone climate control, adaptive cruise control and an eight-inch touchscreen with satellite navigation.
Step up to Elegance or R-Line - with both priced from around £38,000 - and you’ll gain more high-end features such as heated seats and keyless entry, with the former taking a more upmarket approach and the latter a sportier one.
Verdict
The Tiguan Allspace represents a really good buy considering the space and quality you get for the money. It’s comfortable, too, with refined engine choices only helping to elevate the experience even further.
It might not be the roomiest of seven-seaters, but for those who need the occasional use of an extra row of chairs then it’ll prove mighty appealing.
