2017 Volkswagen Tiguan: which spec is best?

The latest-generation Tiguan offers more space and practicality than the previous model and offers the option of reassuring all-wheel-drive grip in and a choice of five fuel-efficient turbocharged engines.

Excellent smartphone integration, 4MOTION Active Control driving modes and an active safety suite that includes auto braking are standard across the range.

Variants

There are three Tiguan spec levels – Trendline, Comfortline and Highline.

The range starts with the 110TSI Trendline which is powered by a 100kW/250Nm turbo petrol engine coupled to either a six-speed manual or six-speed dual clutch automatic transmission.

5

The manual is priced at $31,990 with the auto costing an extra $2500, with both featuring standard equipment that includes an 8.0-inch colour touchscreen, reversing camera with front and rear parking sensors, Apple Carplay/Android Auto connectivity, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers, auto headlights, 17-inch alloy wheels, tyre pressure monitoring, autonomous emergency braking and lane keeping assist.

The 110TSI Comfortline has the same automatic powertrain but adds extra features including satellite navigation, three-zone air-conditioning and fold-down tray tables behind the front seats.

5

The 132TSI Comfortline comes with the same equipment but a more powerful 132kW/320Nm turbo petrol engine while the 110TDI Comfortline features a more fuel efficient 110kW/340kW turbo diesel.

Comfortline models can be further upgraded with a $5000 Luxury Package that includes leather seats, heated front seats, power-adjusted driver’s seat with three memory settings, keyless entry and a hands-free powered tailgate. An extra $250 will get you auto folding wing mirrors.

There’s also a $2000 Driver Assistance Package that brings an all-electronic ‘active info display’ that replaces the instrument cluster with a 12.3-inch customisable colour screen.

The top-spec 162TSI Highline and 140TDI Highline are powered by 162kW/350Nm petrol turbo and 140kW/400Nm turbo diesel engines respectively, with a seven-speed dual clutch auto and all-wheel drive as standard.

The Highline variants come with the Comfortline Luxury Package as standard plus auto-levelling LED headlights, LED tail lights, voice control infotainment and 18-inch alloys.

5

You can option a Highline with the Driver Assistance Package and a $4000 R-Line Package featuring body kit, 20-inch alloys, interior trim changes and adaptive chassis control.

• 110TSI Trendline manual - $31,990
• 110TSI Trendline - $34,990
• 110TSI Comfortline - $36,990
• 132TSI Comfortline - $41,490
• 110TDI Comfortline - $42,990
• 162TSI Highline - $48,490
• 140TDI Highline - $49,990

Our pick

The Tiguan 132TSI Comfortline has plenty of features without sending prices north and the more powerful petrol engine is great around town and for country touring. The Driver Assistance Package featuring the active info display would be a worthwhile addition for those that love technology.

5

Available options

• Driver Assistance Package (Comfortline and Highline) - $2000
• Luxury Package (Comfortline) - $5000
• Mirror Package (Comfortline) - $250
• R-Line Package (Highline) - $4000
• Panoramic sunroof (Highline) - $2000
• Metallic or pearl premium paint $700