MOST of the time, there's a clear-cut understanding when it comes to model launches; the more premium the variant, the better.
It makes the choice a simpler affair with the
decision boiling
down to budget versus offering. In short, you get what you pay for.
However, every so often, along comes a range whose price point isn't all it seems as it throws you off your game with varying experiences.
Volkswagen AG's 2022 seven-seater sport utility vehicle (SUV) range of the locally-assembled Tiguan Allspace does just that by giving you options beyond that bang for your buck.
ALL THAT SPACE
Earlier this year, we were introduced to the updated Tiguan Allspace in the form of the Elegance and R-Line 4Motion.
The two variants with a makeover in design and new added features have their differences but generally sport a redesigned front grille, bumper, headlamps, upgraded signature LED illuminated light strip, new "Tiguan" lettering on the rear, and the new Volkswagen logo.
The LED headlamps include an all-weather light system and dynamic cornering light for improved visibility. Taillights cluster come with dynamic indicators, too, with a "click-clack effect" when brakes are applied.
The interior includes a new-generation 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system that supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, voice control, and a built-in navigation
system, among others.
The multifunction sports steering wheel now operates through haptic-touch control, with buttons and knobs for the three-zone Climatronic air cond panel (with various modes and Air Care function) upgraded.
The redesigned gear shifter highlights which gear is engaged by illumination.
There's also a new and improved high-resolution display, colour thin-film transistor (TFT) 11.7-inch Digital Cockpit - identical for both models except for an additional off-road display to showcase data relevant to this driving mode on the R-Line 4Motion.
Cabin mood is enhanced by 30-colour ambient lighting sets and Vienna wrapped leather seats. Driver and front passenger come with active climate seats and can be electrically adjusted in 12 ways.
Multiple seat configuration can help expand its boot space up to 1,775 litres and it comes with the "Easy Open and Easy Close" feature for hands-free opening and delayed closing of the boot.
The key safety features include six airbags (seven for the R-Line 4Motion), electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system and brake assist, multi-collision brakes, intelligent crash response system and electronic parking brake.
The lane assist and driver alert systems are standard for both models, with the R-Line 4Motion getting an additional hill-descent control.
The lane assist system is able to detect kerbs, grass verges and lane markings. Visual and audible warning will be activated after a period of inactivity from the driver.
STYLE VS SPORT
The Elegance comes with 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels with numerous chrome elements on the exterior, "Allspace"-specific side trim, and standard silver-painted side mirrors.
The combination of its 1.4TSI turbocharged engine with a six-speed DSG produces 150PS and 250Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is approximately 7.7 litres per 100km. It comes with four modes: Eco, Normal, Sport and Individual for personalised preferences.
The more aggressive 19-inch Valencia alloy wheeled R-Line, features thematic styling on the front and rear bumpers, roof spoiler, and side trims. Interior also sports the R-Line styling with decorative trims in Carbon Grey and a premium Harman Kardon 480-watt sound system with 10 speakers - four audio profiles and surround mode.
It is powered by a 2.0TSI turbocharged engine paired to a seven-speed DSG transmission that produces an output of 220PS and 350Nm of torque with fuel consumption at approximately 8.6 litres per 100km.
There are four additional driving modes with the Dynamic Chassis Control thanks to its 4Motion all-wheel drive system: On-road, Off-road, Off-road Expert and Snow.
The Elegance is priced at RM188,990 while the R-Line 4Motion is priced RM235,990. Both come in five colour options of Atlantic Blue, Oryx White, Deep Black, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver.
After-sales support consists of three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty and five years roadside assistance.
LIFE FINDS A WAY
In the third quarter, we were introduced to the family-friendly locally assembled entry-level variant, which is the Tiguan Allspace Life.
Visually, the "value-for-money" model with a seven-seat configuration and 1,775 litre of boot space looks similar to its pricier siblings.
Its features include a front grille with the signature Volkswagen illuminated light strip, full LED headlamps that include an all-weather light system and dynamic cornering light, distinct taillight cluster, "Allspace" trims, silver-painted side mirrors, "Tiguan" lettering on the rear and 18-inch Frankfurt alloy wheels.
It is powered by a 1.4TSI turbocharged engine that is paired with a six-speed DSG to produce 150PS and 250Nm of torque. Fuel consumption is said to be approximately 7.7 litres per 100km.
Standard cabin equipment includes a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system with wireless app connect, navigation system, and voice-control; three-zone Climatronic air cond; and a leather multifunction sports steering wheel.
The safety features include six airbags, electronic stability control, anti-lock braking system and brake assist, multi-collision brakes, intelligent crash response system and electronic parking brake. Lane assist and driver alert systems are available as well.
Priced at RM172,990, the Life comes with three years free maintenance, five years unlimited mileage warranty and five years roadside assistance.
It is available in five colour options and two finishes. The metallic colours are Atlantic Blue, Platinum Grey and Pyrite Silver while pearl-effect colours are Deep Black and Oryx White.
THE RIGHT CHOICE
On paper, the choice looks simple; if you want the best of all the worlds then the top spec R-Line 4Motion takes the cake.
Since physically they're all roughly the same, it's a no-brainer that the one with the more powerful engine and superior drivetrain makes for the more practical choice.
And if you're a performance-centric driver, the premium variant offers the best power and control of the trio.
While the driver benefits greatly from a superior delivery, it isn't so if passenger comfort is your concern.
Rear passengers in particular have complained of stiff rear leather seats and an extra bumpy ride (depending on road conditions) with the sport-springy suspensions.
But while it doesn't entirely change the seats, the choice of the Elegance does, however, smoothen the passenger experience due to its less sporty nature.
You won't get the power of the R-Line, which is generally unnoticeable until you're forced to face steep angle climb/descent, but your passengers will thank you for it while maintaining the executive feel in transit.
The big surprise is the Allspace Life. As I had experienced the pricier two prior, I wasn't expecting much from the entry-level variant.
Without certain quality-of-life features, such as not having a third-row rear air cond, it
turns out forgoing
the leather seats for standard fabric and the absence of the 4Motion package have made it by far the most comfortable and family-friendly of the three.
VERDICT
It's not every day a recommendation isn't as clear cut as I was amazed to find all three variants having their own strengths and weaknesses.
Do you prioritise the driver or the passenger? And what sort of balance between comfort and prestige is acceptable to you? The best of both worlds is entirely subjective depending on the individual.
To put into perspective, the R-Line 4Motion undoubtedly offers the best and smoothest driver experience at the price of its rear-passengers.
There is little it can't achieve on the road as long as you know what's the trade-off. Perhaps, it can be argued that a non-Allspace variant would make this extremely hard to beat even against other SUVs of its price range.
The Elegance, as its name implies, offers the best executive feel of the three. With a little over RM17,000 more, you're getting a decent step-up from the Life and a comfier Tiguan for almost RM47,000 less from the costlier R-Line. The classy image of the Volkswagen is intact all the same for less.
And if all-round comfort is your primary concern, then Life makes for the optimum choice. It may be the most affordable but there is no sacrifice in the Tiguan Allspace's practical experience.
In fact, it can be debated that it's the most reasonable choice of the three.