So, you need a leisure vehicle with space for seven but not a full-sized SUV? Well, lucky for you, Volkswagen has the solution. It is called the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, and it perfectly narrows the gap between a standard Tiguan and the more premium Touareg as FERDI DE VOS found out.
There was a time when seven-seat MPVs were all the rage. However, with the decline of this market segment, this requisite has now been supplanted by the ever-growing crossover and SUV sector.
To satisfy this demand, Volkswagen has now literally expanded its best-selling Tiguan range by adding a model with 215 mm of additional external length and a 110 mm longer wheelbase to create capacity for a standard third row of seats.
However, the stretchier Tiguan Allspace — that also manages to be quite elegant — isn’t just a copy and paste job of its compact sibling. To distinguish it from the standard Tiguan, the Allspace has a slightly altered front-end that includes an altered bonnet and radiator grille design, while a particularly striking chrome strip stretches across the entire front-end, undeniably adding some sparkle to an otherwise serious package.
The roof has also been resculpted, making use of structural lines that stretch along the length of the roof, instead of a conventional smooth surface.
It is also equipped with granite grey underbody protection as standard and has larger side windows fixed to the D-pillars.
PRACTICALITY RULES
There are some practical upsides to the extended Tiguan as the rear section now offers an extra 60 mm of legroom for rear passengers, as well as an additional 115 litres of stowage volume.
Behind the third row of seats there is 230 litres of luggage space, and with the extra row of seats folded flat, the luggage space increases to 700 litres. It gets even more impressive. Fold down the second row, though, and there are 1,775 of luggage space at your disposal.
However, as we found on the launch, the seats in the third row are small, with only limited legroom. It is therefore not suitable for adults on long trips.
The Allspace is available in Trendline, Comfortline, and Highline trim, with three TSI petrol engines, while one diesel (TDI) mill is offered. The TSI engines have power outputs ratings of 110 kW, 132 kW and 162 kW, while the diesel engine develops 110 kW.
Volkswagen’s 4Motion all-wheel-drive system is available on both Comfortline and Highline models.
The surprise package in the line-up is the unique-to-the-Allspace range 132 kW 2.0 TSI Comfortline 4Motion derivate. Compared to the somewhat lacklustre 110 kW TDI, this petrol model felt perky and lively. Even its handling traits were similar to that of its shorter siblings.
In off-road mode, the suspension set-up handled dirt tracks, muddy water splashes and rutted road surfaces with a sense of finesse.
The Allspace not only offers a great deal of space, but it also has cutting-edge connectivity. It can be ordered with an Active Info Display (full digital instruments) and a nifty Head-Up Display, or a selection of three different infotainment systems. The Allspace is also available in the flashy R-Line trim or a more adventurous off-road package that offers an improved ramp angle of seven degrees at the front.
LAST WORD
Compared to the regular Tiguan models, the Allspace not only have substantial gains in the space department but also checks the boxes for standard features and versatility. But, like all things good and proper, it comes at a price. And, speaking of price, while the 132 kW TSI Comfortline 4Motion DSG derivative is on the heavier side of the pricing scale, it is certainly the model to have.Report by FERDI DE VOS | Images © VOLKSWAGEN SOUTH AFRICA
