Volkswagen was relatively late to the small 4×4 segment with the Tiguan in 2008, but when the first-generation model arrived it was worth the wait.
The Tiguan competes in what is now a fiercely competitive and growing segment, so much so that it has become the VW’s fifth most-popular model.
The firm’s trademark build quality has always meant the brand has sat between mainstream and premium, and readers are clearly still impressed with the Tiguan, despite it not being the youngest of models on the market.
While five- and seven-seat second-generation models are due in 2016, the current version offers impressive running costs. A 2.0-litre diesel Bluemotion Tech can be run for just 50p per mile and will set a company car driver back £86 a month. For that, they get 53.3mpg, 470 litres of boot space and bulletproof fit and finish. The Tiguan offers good power, handling and economy in an attractive package.
All models are well equipped, with 16-inch alloy wheels, ABSPlus and ESP, Climatic air-conditioning, and DAB radio standard on even the entry-level S.