The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace SUV has gone on sale, at prices starting from £29,370.
As its name suggests the newcomer is a stretched version of the highly successful Tiguan SUV, offering seven seats as standard. Effectively it is VW’s answer to sister brand Skoda’s Kodiaq, though at prices starting more than £6,000 higher.
The Allspace overall length is extended by 21cm over the stock Tiguan to 4.7m, accommodating a wheelbase of just under 2.8m – about 10cm longer.
As well as accommodating a third row of what Volkswagen describes as ‘occasional seats’, the Allspace can also offer more luggage capacity. With the third-row seats folded flat, boot space rises from 615 to 700 litres.
Volkswagen hopes to further enhance the practical appeal of the Tiguan Allspace by allowing the second seat row to also fold flat and slide backwards and forwards by up to 18cm. With all seats folded the luggage capacity goes up to 1775 litres.
In all other areas the Allspace replicates the Tiguan Allspace, including its five-strong engine choice. Petrol options range across a 1.4-litre unit of 150hp and a 2.0-litre version with 180hp. The smaller engine can shut two of its four cylinders down when not under the load to aid economy and emissions, while the larger one is matched to all-wheel-drive and a seven-speed automatic transmission.
The all-wheel-drive is part of a package intended to position the Tiguan Allspace as a ‘proper’ off-roader. The 4WD system includes ‘Onroad’, ‘Snow’, ‘Offroad’ and ‘Offroad individual’ driving modes, and an optional off-road pack is available with a front bumper increasing the approach angle from 16.9 degrees to 24 degrees, plus extra underbody protection and chrome door sill protectors.
The three diesel engines are all of two litres and turbocharged, with either 150, 190 or 240hp. The range-topping 240 unit, costing from £39,965, is like its petrol equivalent supplied exclusively with 4WD and the automatic transmission. The 150hp unit, meanwhile can be bought in front or four-wheel-drive, with six-speed manual or seven-speed automatic transmission.
From launch the Tiguan Allspace will be available in two trim levels, SE Navigation and SEL. A more sports-styled R-Line grade will be offered from late Spring 2018.
