Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace 2.0 TDi 4Motion – When you just need more space

By Lawrence Minnie

When the new Tiguan arrived almost two years ago, we were absolutely enamored with its styling, build quality, and performance when we tested it. The question was later raised as to what one should do if you wanted the Tiguan R line package but needed some extra room for more passengers.

Volkswagen answered with the new AllSpace.

Exterior

The exterior of the AllSpace is very similar to that of the standard Tiguan, with near identical styling and sharp creases down its flanks. The R line package is definitely the version to have, as it includes styling add-ons which truly set off the body design incredibly well.  A set of 19-inch wheels doesn’t hurt either.

It is a beautiful design which doesn’t give away the fact that this is indeed a seven-seater. Our test vehicle was also fitted with an electrically controlled, fold-away tow hitch that hides behind the rear bumper when not in use. The distinctions between the standard Tiguan and the AllSpace aren’t overly apparent at first glance, so let’s take a quick comparative look at the main differences in their numbers.

                              Allspace                       Tiguan

Engine	2.0 TDi	2.0 TDi
Transmission	7 DSG	7 DSG
Power	110kW / 340Nm	105kW / 340Nm
Fuel Cons	6.6l / 100km	6.1l / 100km
Kerb Weight	1815 kg	1673 kg
Length	4701	4486
Height	1656	1632
Capacity	238l seats up         700l seats down	520l seats up    1655l seats down

Interior

The AllSpace isn’t really that much bigger than the normal one, but those few extra centimeters free up enough room to allow for the fitment of a third row of seats – albeit at the cost of luggage space. These seats don’t exactly allow for tons of leg room, but will suffice for short hops when needed, or carry children over longer distances.

The impression of stylish high quality continues inside the AllSpace, especially as our test vehicle was fitted with a number of options. The very luxurious, heated “Vienna” leather seats were very popular, as was the 9.2 inch Discover Pro touchscreen entertainment system. It provided quite a few hours of entertainment with the gesture control, and also came complete with navigation.

The navigation was tied into the active info display in the driver’s binnacle, which is another firm favourite option. This is, however, where I should mention the first of my qualms with the AllSpace: the option list is really annoying. Items like the Active Info Display should be standard fitment on all VW’s, because it is that good. My second quibble relates to the front seats - not the material choice, but rather the design. The seat bottoms are quite heavily bolstered, which will keep you in place during spirited driving, but makes ingress and egress just a little bit uncomfortable.

Other than that, the interior is expertly appointed, with lovely tactile surfaces and plenty of storage space for phones and the like. Rear seated passengers also get a set of trays which fold down from the front seat backs and multiple charging points for electronic devices – a very nice touch for those with children.

The Drive

This is where my third and final issue lays. The 2.0-litre turbo diesel engine is phenomenal for everyday use, but just seems to come up short at pulling around the AllSpace’s extra weight when prompted to do so with urgency. This becomes apparent when trying to cross traffic or turning into a busy road. The 7-speed DSG transmission is excellent and cannot be faulted, as it does the best with what the engine is giving it.

I do however believe that the AllSpace will perform much better down at the coast, as even with a turbo, many cars struggle at our higher altitudes in Gauteng.

For everyday use, the Tiguan AllSpace proved to fit in with my family life effortlessly. It managed the month end groceries and the daily school run without fault, and has come very close to supplanting the Mazda CX5 AWD Akera as my SUV of choice.

With that said, let’s take a look at how the Tiguan AllSpace stacks up against its rivals.

 

	Volkswagen Tiguan AllSpace 2.0 TDI 4Motion	Volvo XC90 D4 Momentum AWD	Ford Everest 2.2 XLS 4WD	Kia Sorento 2.2 CRDi AWD SX	Nissan X-Trail 2.5 4x4 Acenta +
Engine	2.0 TDi	2.0 Turbo	2.2 Turbo Diesel	2.2 Turbo Diesel	2.5 Petrol
Transmission	7 DSG	8 Auto	6 Manual	6 Auto	CVT
Power	110kW / 340Nm	140kW / 400Nm	118kW / 385Nm	147kW / 440Nm	126kW / 233Nm
Fuel Cons	6.6l / 100km	5.2l / 100km	7.1l / 100km	6.8l / 100km	8.3l / 100km
Weight	2490	2690	2240	1849	2230
Length	4701	4950	4892	4780	4640
Height	1656	1775	1837	1685	1710
Capacity	238l seats up         700l seats down	314l seats up        692l seats down	1050l seats up.    2010l seats down	145l seats up.   605l seats down	135l seats up    1310l seats down
Airbags	6	6	6 (7 optional)	6	6
Warranty	3 year / 120 000km	5 year / 100 000km	4 year / 120 000km	5 year / unlimited	6 year / 150 000km
Price	R 590 950	R 959 324	R 552 800	R 735 495	R 458 000

 Verdict

The Tiguan Allspace is just as good as its marginally smaller counterpart, and for that we love it just as much. The small issues we have highlighted could be overlooked in time and can be lived with, and could even come to be loved just as much. The AllSpace provides excellent value for money as long as you spec it just right, and is an absolute pleasure to drive. It now remains to be seen if drivers will pay the premium of just over R19 000 for that extra row of seats and added practicality.