In second generation form, Volkswagen's Tiguan is a strong option in a class packed with great choices. This recently improved version makes it even better. If you're looking to lease a mid-sized SUV through the Motability Scheme with all the quality of premium-badged rival that's smart, efficient but also a little lighter on the wallet, the facelifted Volkswagen Tiguan could well be the SUV you need.
The 5 seat Tiguan can't currently be ordered (section updated October 2023).
Volkswagen Tiguan Motability Advance Payment Offers
The Tiguan model line has historically been hugely successful for Volkswagen, having accounted for nearly 6 million global sales to date. And the reasons aren't hard to fathom. Here, you've all the class of a Honda CR-V or a Toyota RAV4 at a significant saving. Motability Advance Payment pricing is often not too much more than Far Eastern 'budget brand' models in this Motability segment. Let's see how the improved version of this car stacks up.
As before, the Tiguan range is primarily based around a 1.5-litre TSI petrol unit with either 130 or 150PS. And a 2.0-litre TDI diesel which now gets more efficient twin-dosing selective catalytic reduction system and in the mainstream range can be had in either 115PS or 150PS guises. There's also a new PHEV 'eHybrid' petrol model which uses the same 1.4-litre TSI petrol engine and electric motor as the Golf GTE (we don't know if this version will be available through the Motability Scheme). This, Volkswagen says, will give the plug-in hybrid Tiguan an all-electric driving range of 31 miles and the ability to travel at speeds of up to 81mph in electric-only mode.
In the mainstream Tiguan range, 4MOTION 4WD is a particularly popular option, with many Motability customers opting to stretch beyond the entry-level front-driven variants. The fifth-generation 4MOTION system provides a faster apportioning of power to all four wheels via a process that provides pre-activation of the rear clutch and improved operation of the electronic differentials. In 4x4 form, the car has 200mm of ground clearance, 11mm more than it would have in 2WD guise.
As before, there are two body shapes on offer. Our focus here is on the standard five-seat body style, but a lengthened seven-seat Allspace version continues to be also offered. Volkswagen claims that the re-designed front end of this updated Tiguan lends the car a significantly more confident appearance. There's a wider, more imposing radiator grille that's separated by full-LED headlights that can be ordered with VW's latest IQ Light LED Matrix technology. The bumpers have also undergone a makeover. At the rear, Tiguan lettering is now in a prominent central position below the VW badge.
Inside, the cabin has been bought into line with some of Volkswagen's newer models, with the latest version of the company's infotainment system and the availability of larger touchscreens. The 10-inch digital instrument binnacle screen has also been updated. There's a re-designed steering wheel featuring touch controls and Volkswagen has also improved the climate control functions by means of touch sliders and touch buttons - like you'll find in the Golf 8. And lots of tiny additional details also feature, like the pair of illuminated USB-C ports on the centre console and new multi-coloured ambient lighting. As before, there's decent passenger space on a rear bench that can slide back and forth. And luggage space is up to 615-litres with the standard 60/40 split folding rear seats in place - or 1,655-litres with the seats lowered.
If you were buying this car outright, pricing sits mainly in the £25,000 to £40,000 bracket. Standard equipment across the range includes a 10-inch centre-dash infotainment screen with an operating interface that responds to the command 'Hey Volkswagen', followed by whatever you want to ask. All models come with alloy wheels, 'Climatic' semi-automatic air conditioning, a trip computer, all-round electric windows, an alarm and power heated door mirrors. Plus, there's a 'We Connect Go' app that allows you to interacts with your Tiguan from wherever you are using your smartphone.
Safety kit includes a clever 'Automatic Post-Collision Braking System' that automatically brakes the car down to 6mph after a collision - so if, say, someone hits you and, understandably, you go to pieces, the car will automatically sort itself out. There's also a 'Front Assist' system that at speed, scans the road ahead as you drive for potential accident hazards, warning you if one is detected and automatically braking if necessary. You get that same kind of functionality at urban speeds too, as part of a 'City Emergency Braking' system included as part of the 'Front Assist' package.
Popular Tiguan R-Line models get a sportier look added to the car’s exterior, including a comprehensive body kit and impressive 20-inch 'Misano Black' alloy wheels. There's also a host of extra tech options.
Let's look at the WLTP-rated figures. The latest 1.5 TSI 130PS petrol unit achieves a WLTP-certified figure of up to 44.8mpg on the combined cycle, while emitting up to 143g/km CO2. For the 1.5 TSI 150PS variant, the figures are up to 42.2mpg and 151g/km. Go for a 2.0 TDI diesel 150PS model with 4MOTION 4WD and you can expect around 45mpg and a CO2 reading of not much more than 160g/km, which is pretty creditable.
It's not hard to see why the Volkswagen Tiguan is such a popular choice in its sector amongst Motability drivers. You get pretty much all the quality of a premium-badged mid-sized SUV for not much more than the Advance Payment price of many budget brand contender. You get pretty much all the tarmac handling ability of a Qashqai-like SUV with virtually all the off road ability of something more capable. And it all comes with the enduring appeal of that Volkswagen badge.
Such has always been this car's appeal and not much has changed with the updated version of this MK2 model. It's not a car for driving enthusiasts or those who live halfway up Snowdon - but then such people are unlikely to be shopping in this sector anyway. 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 we think you'll really enjoy making.
People with a disability and carers who choose a new Volkswagen Tiguan through Motability will receive a brand new car, delivered by a Motability Specialist at a local VW dealership, complete with insurance, servicing and maintenance, full breakdown assistance, replacement tyre cover, windscreen repair or replacement cover plus a mileage allowance of 60,000 miles over three years.
