Premium SUVs worth considering include the Mercedes GLC, BMW X1 and Range Rover Evoque, all of which look smart and have luxurious interiors. If seven seats are key, then look at the Land Rover Discovery Sport. Other affordable alternatives include the Peugeot 3008, Nissan Qashqai and Renault Kadjar, and don’t overlook the Mazda CX-5, which impresses with its cabin quality, driving experience and sharp looks.
What to look for
Spare wheel
Some models come with a steel space-saver spare wheel, while others come with run-flat tyres instead.
Safety kit
The active (pop-up) bonnet can deploy after hitting an animal at low speed; it costs about £400 to have it reset at the dealership.
AEB
The autonomous emergency braking feature can be over-sensitive; it’s one of the more common gripes to be found on owner forums.
Wheels
The S gets 17-inch alloys, but the SE can be had with 19-inch items, which have an adverse effect on the ride quality; look out for this on a test drive.
Interior
The Tiguan’s family ties are instantly clear, because build quality is excellent, there’s lots of storage, impressive ergonomics, plenty of seat and steering wheel adjustment, and lots of room for five. The layout is typical of a VW Group car: sensible, but not particularly stylish.
Look out for models with the head-up display and optional TFT instrument cluster. The infotainment systems are user-friendly and the fitment of a sliding rear seat allows the boot space to be varied. Fully forward with the back rests in place, the boot can stow 615 litres, but fold the seats down and this jumps all the way to 1,655 litres.
Running costs
Tiguan owners can choose between fixed and variable servicing regimes; the former is set at 12 months or 9,300 miles, the latter allows up to two years and 18,600 miles, depending on how the car is driven.
