After trying the Tayron seven-seater at launch, and already sampling the 204hp Tiguan eHybrid in range-topping R-Line spec, we’ve now had the chance to spend more time in this fleet favourite – but in more standard, mid-range, Match spec.
We say ‘more standard’, but this Tiguan test car still had a P11D value of £42,795! Underneath, as before, our eHybrid pairs a 1.5-litre petrol engine with an electric motor, with a total output of 204hp. More importantly, the 19.7kWh battery allows an impressive EV-only range of more than 70 miles, meaning a company car tax BIK liability of just 6%.
Performance and drive
With charge in the battery, we would describe the driving experience as like an EV. The Tiguan starts in complete silence, and stays that way relying on electric power, with the engine smoothly taking over when this Volkswagen gets to motorway speeds. Acceleration on electric and/or engine power we’d describe as spirited. However, we found traction was easily overcome in the wet, on the modest 18in alloy wheels, and the engine can get noisy when being worked hard. A nice touch is that even with the charge depleted on the battery, the Tiguan still drives in electric mode around town, at low speeds.
The Tiguan’s handling is pretty good for the segment – the suspension keeps it fairly flat in corners, and the steering is quite responsive. Ride comfort also impressed, thanks to those relatively small wheels, and despite the extra weight of the plug-in hybrid powertrain. Overall, we’d describe the driving experience as being competent, comfortable and refined – but for driving thrills you’d best look elsewhere.
Interior and tech
The Match equipment grade equals adequate levels of standard kit, including a 10.25in Digital Cockpit Pro instrument display, Discover Navigation system, and DAB radio. The infotainment worked well enough, but there was really nothing standout in this Tiguan’s interior, apart from the multi-function controller in the centre console, although it only operates the infotainment and drive modes. Then again, that made us appreciate the design and material quality in this Volkswagen’s interior even more. We particularly like the textured plastic trim on the dashboard and doors.
As before, there’s an impressive amount of rear head and legroom throughout the Tiguan’s interior. Passengers also benefit from dedicated climate controls and USB ports.
A 490-litre boot looks more spacious than that figure suggests, and features a usefully low load lip. However, the need to accommodate the eHybrid’s battery means it’s down by 162 litres compared with the other Tiguan powertrain options.
As you’d expect, the main value argument for the Tiguan is that 6% BIK rate. Compared with (admittedly more powerful) plug-in hybrid rivals, such as the Hyundai Tucson, Kia Sportage, and Ford Kuga, the Tiguan will be cheaper to tax for a company car driver. However, we should also note that the Tiguan is competitive on an overall cost-per-mile basis, on which it beats the equivalent Hyundai and Kia and is only slightly behind the Ford.
Positive: Impressively low BIK figure, spacious interior, no dynamic weaknesses, quality interior and attractive design.
Negative: Hybrid battery compromises boot space, engine refinement sometimes drops.
Standard equipment: LED headlights and taillights, 17in alloy wheels, 12.9in infotainment screen, 10.5in driver display, wireless App-Connect, front and rear parking sensors, reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist monitoring, front cross traffic assist, side assist, rear traffic alert and exit warning system, lane keep assist.
Engines: Petrol: 204hp 2.0, 265hp 2.0; Diesel: 150hp 2.0; Petrol mild hybrid: 130hp 1.5, 150hp 1.5; Plug-in hybrid: 204hp 1.5, 272hp 1.5
Equipment grades: Tiguan, Life, Match, Elegance, R-Line
Transmissions: Six-speed automatic, seven-speed automatic
| Model | Volkswagen Tiguan 1.5 TSI eHybrid Match 204PS |
| P11D | £42,795 |
| Residual value | 51.1% |
| Depreciation | £20,983 |
| Fuel | £5,060 |
| Service, maintenance and repair | £2,362 |
| Cost per mile | 47.34p |
| Fuel consumption | 703.5mpg |
| CO2 (BIK%) | 38g/km (6%) |
| BIK 20/40% a month | £43/£86 |
| Luggage capacity | 490 litres |
| Engine size/power | 1,498cc/204hp |
| Score | 7/10 |
