[Taboleo] 'Good' for Car Camping, 'Bad' for Driving and Convenience

Test Drive of Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Has 3 Rows but Limited Space
High Trunk Utility After Folding
Better Power and Torque Compared to Domestic Models
Awkward Shifts at Low to Mid Speeds
Imported SUV Priced in the 50 Million Won Range

[Asia Economy Reporter Oh Gyumin] Let's imagine a sports utility vehicle (SUV) for a family. Ample trunk space and a wide field of view. If it has a sunroof, you can also enjoy a sense of openness. This is the background behind the Volkswagen Tiguan being widely chosen in Korea. Last year, Volkswagen sold 15,791 vehicles domestically, of which the Tiguan accounted for 6,190 units, making up 40%.

The long-wheelbase model Allspace, which expanded the interior space of the existing Tiguan, was launched in the second half of last year with a gasoline engine.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin]

The long-wheelbase model Allspace, which expands the interior space of the existing Tiguan, was launched in the second half of last year with a gasoline engine. Until then, it was only available with a diesel engine. After customer deliveries began, 574 units were sold in November and 867 units in December last year. Considering the fierce competition in the imported SUV market, these are respectable results. The Tiguan Allspace I personally drove was decent. It shows the typical family car with a design that does not stand out and incorporates all the advantages of an SUV.

- It's a 7-seater SUV, how is it?

△ It is larger than the existing Tiguan model. The length front to back is 4,730 mm, which is 220 mm longer. The wheelbase, which determines interior space, is 2,790 mm, which is quite long. The second-row legroom is secured, and a third-row seat has been added. The second row offers ample knee space even for adult men. The third row is narrow enough only for preschool children. Adults cannot sit there for long periods. If you slide the second-row seats forward for third-row passengers, it becomes somewhat better, but the second-row passengers have to endure discomfort.

It is larger than the existing Tiguan model. The overall length has increased by 220 mm to 4730 mm. The wheelbase, which determines the interior space, is relatively long at 2790 mm. Legroom has been secured in the second row, and a third-row seat has been added.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin]

- What are the benefits of the increased length?

△ Folding the third-row seats expands the trunk space. The trunk capacity is 230 liters with the third row up, but it increases to 700 liters when the third row is folded. If you fold the second row as well, it becomes 1,775 liters. This is enough space for two adult men to lie down with their legs stretched out. The panoramic sunroof extends long, making it pleasant to look at the sky when camping in the car. On the left side of the trunk, there is a 230V outlet that can be used during camping.

If you fold the 3-row seats, the trunk becomes more spacious.
Photo by Oh Gyumin

- How was the ride comfort?

△ Thanks to the gasoline engine, quiet driving was possible at low and medium speeds. The transmission is also decent. The maximum output is 186 horsepower, and the maximum torque is 30.6 kg·m. Compared to the similarly sized domestic Tucson, the output and torque are better. When accelerating on the highway, the speed increased smoothly from 60 km/h to 90 km/h, and the vehicle showed minimal shaking on curved roads. In city driving, it smoothly passes over low speed bumps. However, when accelerating from 20 to 30 km/h, the rpm rises excessively, and the engine noise is somewhat loud. Wind noise becomes somewhat bothersome above 100 km/h. There is also some disappointment with the eco mode, which gives the impression that shifting does not work well above 40 km/h.

There is a 230V outlet on the left side of the trunk that can be used during camping.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin]

- What kind of driving assistance systems are included?

△ IQ.Drive - Travel Assist is applied. It helps maintain speed and lane by calculating the distance to the car ahead up to 210 km/h. It uses the vehicle's front camera, radar, or ultrasonic sensors to enable adaptive cruise control, lane assist, and side assist. It helped maintain the set speed well on the highway. However, the system's response was a bit slow when controlling the steering wheel during lane changes without using the turn signal, which was disappointing.

The digital instrument panel allows you to check driving information such as fuel status, and it was easy to operate through the steering wheel.
Photo by Oh Gyumin

- How about the interior design and convenience?

△ The digital instrument cluster allows checking driving information such as fuel status and can be easily operated via the steering wheel. The center fascia's upper touch display is 10.25 inches. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto can be connected wirelessly, making it convenient to use regular navigation. A head-up display is installed, allowing integration with the built-in navigation and other map applications. The head-up display shows only direction and speed information. The climate control is touch-based, which reduces intuitiveness. The driver's seat is automatic, but the passenger seat is manual. Storage spaces next to the seats are available in the third row but not in the first row, and there are only two cup holders and a small space below the gear lever, which is somewhat disappointing.

Volkswagen announced a combined fuel efficiency of 10.1 km per liter (9.0 km in the city, 11.9 km on the highway). After driving for about an hour in heavy city traffic, it recorded 7 km per liter. On highways and main roads, it achieved 11 km per liter.
[Photo by Oh Gyumin]

- How about fuel efficiency and price?

△ Volkswagen announced a combined fuel efficiency of 10.1 km per liter (9.0 km in the city, 11.9 km on the highway). After driving about an hour in city traffic jams, it recorded 7 km per liter. On highways and main roads, it recorded 11 km per liter. The price, after applying the individual consumption tax reduction, is 50,986,000 KRW. Compared to domestic SUVs, it is somewhat expensive. However, compared to imported SUVs, it has sufficient performance and seems reasonably priced. It is classified as a low-emission three-type eco-friendly vehicle, which allows benefits such as discounts at public parking lots, Seoul subway transfer parking lots, and airport parking lots.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.