Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Review - 2.0 TDI Comfortline

What is it?

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace is a Tiguan with an added row of seats. At 215mm longer than the standard version, the Allspace boasts extra practicality for those needing the extra room. I get it - as a family of five (seven if you count the fur kids), an extra row of seats means we can split up the kids if they annoy one another or if one of them have a friend tagging along with us.

With seating for seven, the Allspace enters a category dominated by the Toyota Fortuner, Ford Everest, and Nissan X-Trail

How is it different?

Aside from the obvious added space, the Allspace differentiates itself from the standard Tiguan in the looks department too. The nose is slightly rounder than the model off which this is based and it has a different radiator grille. Also, the side windows and rear doors have grown so that those in the third row of seats can access the car easily as well as see out of the window without hassle.

What’s under the bonnet and how does it go?

The engine is a 2.0-litre TDI unit pushing out 110kW between 3 250- and 4 000 r/min while the 340Nm of torque is available from 1 750 r/min. I battled the daily commute with this car and it was such an easy battle to have thanks to the Tiguan. I never thought I’d appreciate an automatic ‘box like I do now. The Tiguan comes equipped with a slick 7-seven DSG ‘box. The overall drive is pleasant and smooth. Some rough surfaces come through a bit, but it’s not so bad that I can highlight it as a fault.

How practical is it really?

With a wheelbase that is 110mm longer than the standard Tiguan, the Allspace is able to swallow 1 775 litres of cargo with all the seats stowed away, 700 litres as s five-seater and 230 litres will all the seats in upright positions.

Even with all 7-seats in place, boot space is still an impressive 230-litres

What are the standard features?

The standard 2.0 TDI Comfortline version comes with 17-inch alloys, parking sensors and rear park camera, an electric tailgate and a 6.5-inch touch screen audio system that comes with MP3, SD card and USB compatibility as well as an iPod/iPhone connection and an aux-in jack. As with almost all Volkswagen products, however, the extra features list is as long as my arm, so you can pretty much add whatever you want if it fits your budget.

Okay let’s wrap this up

Should you buy one? Well, there aren’t many seven-seater vehicles in this particular product category. There’s the Nissan X-Trail and, for the more rugged families out there, the Toyota Fortuner or the Ford Everest. So, personally, I think it’s great to have another option in this segment - and from a brand that South Africans love, too.

Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2.0 TDI Comfortline Specs: