Volkswagen Tiguan: What Car? readers give their view of the new small SUV

The magazine introduced a panel of four ‘real’ drivers to the new Tiguan to find out their first impressions

What Car? readers inspect VW's latest Toucan

You’re used to reading automotive journalists’ views of the latest cars in print and online, but what do the actual readers think?

After all, these everyday motorists are the ones who are going to be buying the models – or not.

With that in mind, What Car? magazine introduced a panel of four ‘real’ drivers to VW’s new Tiguan to find out their first impressions. Here’s what they had to say.

Matt Cameron

• Age: 42
• Works as: Risk and compliance director
• Present car: Land Rover Discovery 3 

‘The old Tiguan did appeal to me, but its lack of a premium badge and feel meant I’d never have thought about buying one. This newcomer is much better looking; more striking and upmarket. The previous-generation model targeted the Nissan Qashqai, whereas this one moves much further up the scale and has more the feel of Audi’s Q3 and BMW’s X1. It’s in my mind as a possible replacement when I decide to sell on my Discovery.’

Rob Keelan

• Age: 41
• Works as: Housing manager
• Present car: Mini Clubman

‘The new VW is sleeker and has a more purposeful stance than the old model – it’s a definite improvement. Its styling is great from every angle, and things are just as impressive when you climb inside. The Tiguan R-Line variant looks particularly striking, thanks especially to its angular front end and smart alloys. Its design and image put those of its competitors – such as the gimmicky Ford Kuga and showy Mercedes GLA and BMW X1 – in the shade. As with other VW models, it feels classier and more timeless. Given a sensible price, I’d invest in one.’

Matthew Porter

• Age: 53
• Works as: Chartered accountant
• Present car: VW Tiguan 4Motion

‘As the owner of a previous-generation Tiguan, I can really compare and contrast the two – and I can see the newcomer goes above and beyond its predecessor. Its improved design looks more modern inside and out, and the revised nav is great. It feels like a car for all circumstances and weather – a great general-purpose model. The four-wheel drive in particular would give me extra reassurance on my 15-mile commute, whatever the conditions. The seats feel great, so I know it would be comfortable as well. It may cost more than its Qashqai rival, but it seems to more than justify the extra outlay.’

Tom Sargent

• Age: 37
• Works as: Business owner
• Present car: Nissan Qashqai

‘Compared to my Qashqai, the VW immediately feels better built and more upmarket. I like its sleeker, more aggressive body design. The versatile cabin is of a much better quality, and is great for young families like mine; the sliding rear seats mean the back compartment can grow as the kids do. At present, my five-month-old daughter could sit in her rear-facing chair with the seats fully forward, giving us a bigger boot, and then we can move the bench back as she requires more space. The luggage area’s flat loading space and low lip would prove a real bonus.’