Volkswagen Tiguan Escape 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology 4MOTION 5dr Car Review - March 2012

The 2.0 litre four cylinder turbocharged diesel engine produces maximum figures of 137 bhp at 4200 rpm and 236 lb-ft at 1750-2500 rpm, which is enough to make this Tiguan feel brisk. Because maximum torque is available so low in the rev range it pulls well. A 0-62 mph time of 10.2 seconds and a top speed of 116 mph are hardly impressive figures, but this car is more about economy than speed.

This Volkswagen Tiguan’s ride is on the firm side and can lose its composure over more uneven surfaces, but body roll is kept nicely in check through corners and there’s plenty of front end grip, so overall the Tiguan is an enjoyable car to drive. There’s very little in the way of road noise and wind noise is minimal which makes for refined cruising on motorways. Its off-road abilities are best described as adequate rather than advanced, but it’ll attack rutted bridleways with gusto and its Hill Descent Control deals with muddy inclines with aplomb.

The driver’s seat has height adjustment and the steering can be adjusted for both rake and reach, so most drivers should be able to find a decent position. The dashboard is laid out intuitively and has easy to read instruments with the feel of being made from quality materials. Forward visibility is good, although the small rear window and chunky pillars hamper the view rearwards making reversing difficult.

The Volkswagen Tiguan Escape 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology 4MOTION 5dr is a handsome and well-proportioned baby 4x4. Inside, you get air-conditioning, electric windows front and rear, electric door mirrors, rear parking sensors, MP3 connectivity, Bluetooth and a CD as standard. It also comes with alloy wheels, remote central locking and immobiliser and alarm.

Among the available options are metallic paint at £495, Satnav at £540, cruise control at £235, leather seats at £1,630 and climate control for £510.

There is enough space in the cabin for four adults to travel comfortably, although a third person could occupy the middle rear seat as long as they didn’t mind rubbing shoulders with those either side of them. Boot space is reasonable with the rear seats in use – 470 litres – but with them folded flat, which is quite easy to accomplish, it opens up a generous 1510 litres of load space. They also slide backwards and forwards to offer differing load spaces.

This Volkswagen Tiguan comes with many safety features including six airbags, ABS, Isofix child seat mountings and stability control.

Volkswagens have above average reliability, but for peace of mind, this car comes with a three year 60,000 mile warranty.

At £25,840, the Volkswagen Tiguan Escape 2.0 TDI BlueMotion Technology 4MOTION 5dr isn’t especially cheap, but it comes with a reasonable level of kit, has a spacious and comfortable cabin and with the rear seats folded down it has a generous luggage space. It’s a decent drive and has the benefit of four-wheel-drive and Hill Descent for motoring cross-country or during winter weather. It feels solid and well put together too.

It’s also reasonably frugal and so buyers will enjoy fairly low running costs. A combined cycle of 48.7 mpg aided by a Stop/Start feature and a CO2 emissions figure of 150 g/km means the taxes and running costs won’t break the bank.