If you’re arriving late to a party, you’d better bring something special. And that’s exactly what VW believes it’s doing with the Tiguan. The latest model to try and knock the top-rated Toyota RAV4 off its top spot, the Tiguan comes packed with technology.
On sale next February, it features VW’s 4MOTION all-wheel-drive system, beefy suspension and an advanced traction control aimed at giving a decent mix of on and off-road ability.
Factor in the kudos of the VW badge and a price tag of £19,000, and it’s got plenty of appeal. But with stiff competition from forthcoming models such as the Ford Kuga and Seat’s Tribu, plus existing rivals including the RAV4, Honda CR-V and Land Rover Freelander, has the Tiguan got what it takes to cut it in one of the toughest sectors of the market?
With the growing promotion of anti-4x4 hype, one thing’s for sure about SUV styling: aggression is out. And the Tiguan’s lines are unlikely to cause offence. Sitting quite low for an off-roader, it mixes the bold VW grille with Eos-style headlights and neat twin circular tail-lights.
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