THE WONDERFUL THING ABOUT TIGUANS (some text hidden) SECTIONED_new_volkswagentiguan_2016

By Jonathan Crouch

Introductionword count: 85

In its second generation 'AD/BW'-series form launched in 2016, Volkswagen's Tiguan mid-sized SUV proved to be a much more sophisticated thing - as it needed to be to take on a wide array of Crossover and full-SUV-orientated rivals. Sharp looks are matched by sharp dynamics and a more sophisticated 4WD system that makes this car a more credible tool when the going gets rough. There's a classy cabin too and as a result, this car feels just that bit more complete than many key rivals.

Modelsword count: 12

5dr SUV (1.4 TSI, 1.5 TSI, 2.0 TSI, 1.6 TDI, 2.0 TDI)

Historyword count: 172

It's easy to forget now that for quite a time, the Tiguan was the only SUV that Volkswagen offered. That's one reason why the first generation '5N'-series Tiguan model sold and sold well, shifting over 2.8-million units in a production cycle that ran between 2007 and 2015. By the time this second generation 'AD/BW'-series model was launched in 2016 though, Volkswagen was getting with the programme, widening its SUV line-up and making the MK2 Tiguan available in standard and long wheelbase 'Allspace' forms. This provided for a range of derivatives that aimed to offer a variant for almost everybody, both for customers merely wanting something that looked like an SUV, or for the kind of customer who regularly needed to go off road. It was a wide-ranging brief this MK2 Tiguan delivered on pretty well. Here, we'll be looking from a used buying perspective at the original pre-facelift versions of this 'AD/BW'-series second generation car - in its standard body shape. This sold until mid-2020, when it was facelifted and significantly updated.

What You Getword count: 474

Volkswagen's Head of Design Klaus Bischoff describes the look of this second generation Tiguan model as 'highly passionate'. Perhaps it is - in a very German sort of way. It's certainly an intricately fashioned thing, cut like a diamond with super-sharp slashes and creases. And in MK2 form, this car was bigger than before, 60mm longer and 30mm wider, though the height was reduced by 33mm to create a lower, leaner stance. More important though of course, is the stuff you can't see, specifically the stiffer, more sophisticated Golf-style MQB platform underpinnings that lie beneath the precise, carefully contoured lines. This hi-tech chassis was fundamental in the creation of this slightly bigger, significantly lighter and more sophisticated car that, as we'll see, also uses its interior space more efficiently than its predecessor. You certainly appreciate this from behind the wheel, but what's even more evident from the moment you slide into the hip-height seats is that this Tiguan has broken rank with the Qashqai-class models it used to compete with and can now offer properly premium class quality. What you'll also notice is the huge step forward in media connectivity that this second generation model delivered over the MK1 Tiguan - the whole 'cool, calm and connected' thing from the ads. An 8-inch infotainment screen dominates the centre stack on all models - on some cars, you'll find this upgraded to the 'Discover Navigation' system that was fitted as standard to plusher variants and was optional lower down the range. Whatever display you find fitted, the touchscreen effectively deals with the usual DAB stereo, Bluetooth 'phone and car informational functions and with virtually all trim levels is embellished with Volkswagen's clever 'App-Connect' set-up. This is the starting point for the brand's 'Car-Net' connectivity system and the key tool for bringing the best functions of your smartphone into your Tiguan via the 'Apple CarPlay', 'Android Auto' and MirrorLink systems. What's even cleverer is the potential that Volkswagen's designers created for much of this information to be brought directly into your line of sight courtesy of an option many original owners had fitted - the 'Active Info Display'. We're getting used to this kind of thing from various brands now, a 12.3-inch TFT screen that completely replaces the conventional instrument binnacle dials with an almost infinitely customisable layout of crystal clear virtual graphics The back seat is the area of the car where you most appreciate the benefits of this MK2 model's extra 26mm of interior length - there's 29mm more knee room on offer than with the previous model and the flexibility to further improve things by using a sliding rear bench. And the boot? Well because the load sill was lowered with this MK2 design, it's slightly easier to get bulky loads in and out. The hatch rises to reveal a spacious 520-litre boot.

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