SOPHISTICATED, sporty, family friendly. All words we’d use to describe the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line. The world’s longest title aside, this midsize SUV is loaded with sporty features.
Under the R-Line banner, those features are designed to compliment the level of quality synonymous with the Volkswagen name, and compliment it they do.
The 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine, shanghaied from the VW Golf Gti, produces a spritely 162kW of power and 350Nm of torque, all controlled through a seamless seven speed DSG transmission.
All that power and torque is transferred to the road via Volkswagen’s intelligent 4Motion All-wheel drive system, giving the person steering the car an extraordinary driving experience, and a fuel burn of 8.3-litres/100km combined.
The Tiguan Allspace R-Line package rides on 20-inch Suzuka alloy wheels with 255/40/20 Pirelli tyres which gives the mid-sized SUV the perfect balance between road handling and ride comfort.
Towing capacity is rated to 2,400kg braked, 600kg more than the 2-wheel-drive base model, and 750kg un-braked, ensuring the 1,769kg Tiguan Allspace can transport the family camper around without a fuss.
The R-Line is loaded with safety features as well, including driver fatigue detection, multi-collision braking, rear view camera, lane keeping active assist, brake assist, hill holding assist, and an optional area view, as fitted to our test vehicle.
The camera quality is crystal clear and easy to see in the 9.2-inch digital display which sits neatly in the centre of the dash. That infotainment system is easy to use and offers exceptional functionality.
It’s compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and has an SD card slot, a 12v socket outlet and AUX input. It’s just one of the many features of a cabin that offers maximum accessibility and enhances a pleasurable driving experience.
The digital dash too can be completely customised to show the navigation map and fuel consumption, or can be left to show speed and revs. It’s easy to see and can be modified from the steering wheel with minimal effort.
If ride comfort requires fine tuning there are three chassis damper modes to choose from too; Comfort, Normal and Sport which completely transforms the chassis from compliant and subtle in Comfort mode to firm and poised when set to Sport.
There’s also an auto stop/start system, which is great for fuel consumption figures, especially when caught in day-to-day traffic, but it’s intrusive and doesn’t inspire confidence when requiring all 350Nm of torque to get out of trouble from a standing start.
With the touch of a button you can activate or deactivate the system to suit your driving needs, or switch it off if it bugs you. We did.
Inside, the R-Line features black Vienna leather appointed heated seats that are ergonomically perfect and compliment a range of brushed stainless finish extras including the gear shift, accelerator and brake pedal.
It even gets stainless finish scuff plates which are a nice offset to the otherwise black interior. Leg room in the second row seats is no issue for three adults, who also get adjustable climate controls to set their own temperatures.
An additional feature for those riding in the traditional back seats is adjustable trays, much like a 747 aeroplane, which is perfect for the kids to place their devices on, or colour in, or whatever takes their fancy.
The third row seating though is not fantastic and while it’s great for moving around children, it does significantly reduce boot space from a respectable 700-litres down to just 200-litres.
Whilst we test drove the Silk Blue Metallic version, it also comes in a range of smart looking colours; Dark Moss Green Metallic, White Silver Metallic, Deep Black Pearl, Pure White, Platinum Grey, Habanero Orange Metallic and Cardinal Red Metallic.
The design of the front and rear bumpers, with a sporty rear diffuser and black grille up front, contrast the colour range and add to the R-Line’s aggressive look.
Right now, Volkswagen are offering a 5-year unlimited kilometre warranty and three years roadside assistance when you purchase a 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line. It’s priced at $52,990 plus on-roads.
A diesel variant is also available for $54,990 (plus on-roads), which also gains an extra 100kg braked towing capacity.
Our test vehicle was provided by Volkswagen Australia. To find out more about the 2018 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 162TSI R-Line, contact your local Volkswagen dealer.
