2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review

spot_imgspot_img

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 1"

We take a quick spin of the seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace with updates for 2022.

Volkswagen’s mid-life refresh cycle has now hit its Tiguan Allspace. The seven-seat SUV is up against a tougher group of rivals than ever before, including the Kia Sorento and a refreshed Skoda Kodiaq for 2022, and it’s forced VW’s hand into improving the Tiguan – even if it means making the smallest incremental changes.

That’s certainly the case when it comes to the styling. The main difference comes at the front; slimmer, wider LED lights ape those of the latest Golf, while ‘IQ.Light’ matrix units are available on higher trims. Other than that, it’s the same sharply creased but sensible shape as before.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 8"

The game of spot the difference continues inside. The basic layout is identical and therefore the cabin quality is above average for the class – but look closely and you’ll spot two detail changes. The first is a new steering wheel, the second is a revised control panel for the climate settings. Both feature touch-sensitive tech, and while the volume control on the steering wheel is okay, the climate panel’s slider is frustrating to use. It’s much harder to make a quick adjustment to temperature or fan speed than the previous physical dials – those could be used without even taking your eyes off the road.

On the plus side, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are now offered, making it easier than ever to use your smartphone.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 10"

Little has changed on the practicality front, so the Allspace remains a usable seven seater. It takes a fairly agile human to squeeze into the back, and for an adult to fit the middle row will need to be slid forward.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 6"

Even when loaded with seven occupants, the boot space is a reasonable 230 litres, and this expands into a vast 700 litres when the back pair of chairs aren’t in use.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 7"

The engine line-up is familiar, including options from 110kW (110TSI) to 162kW (162TSI), although Australian specifications and pricing are yet to be announced. However, we expect a carryover of drivetrains, except a potential change for the diesel.

The 110TDI 4MOTION model we’re driving (a front-wheel drive car is also available) delivers 110kW and a hefty 360Nm of torque, although the out-going Australian-spec 140TDI model produces 140kW and 400Nm. The incoming model might get a further boost to 147kW (147TDI) so we will take the performance evaluation of our overseas preview drive here with a grain of salt. In any case, the 110TDI engine hauls the Tiguan along perfectly adequately. It’s fairly smooth compared with some four-cylinder units found in its rivals and is helped by a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox which shifts seamlessly once up to speed.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 3"

The key change to the way the Tiguan Allspace drives is that, for the first time, it can do some of the driving itself – albeit with constant supervision. VW calls it IQ.Drive Travel Assist, and it allows the system to assist with the steering acceleration and braking for short periods, from 0-210km/h.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 5"

Elsewhere, it’s much the same as before. While handling is low down on the list of priorities for a seven-seater, the Allspace feels more agile and less bulky than many rivals, and the light steering makes it easy to manoeuvre at low speeds. The ride is quite soft for the most part, but shorter, sharper bumps like potholes can send a shock through the cabin on these 19-inch alloy wheels.

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 2"

There’s plenty to appreciate about the Tiguan Allspace, then, and while we’ve already spoken about rivals such as the Sorento, some of the Tiguan’s biggest competition comes from within the Volkswagen Group with the new Skoda Kodiaq.

If you liked the Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace before, then the latest changes are unlikely to put you off this time. It’s well-built, spacious, refined and agile.

Alex Ingram

aria-label="Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 review 4"

Toyota 222D – the Group S Rally Car

This 560kW rallying MR2 could have seen Toyota conquer the stages, but instead fate intervened
spot_img

Further Reading

Genesis GV90 electric SUV: Neolun concept previews new flagship

Genesis GV90 previewed: The Neolun is Genesis’s first “full-size electric SUV concept” and comes with a host of advanced technological features
We take a quick spin of the seven-seat Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace with updates for 2022. Volkswagen's mid-life refresh cycle has now hit its Tiguan Allspace. The seven-seat SUV is up against a tougher group of rivals than ever before, including the Kia Sorento and a...2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review