VW Allspace R-Line 162TSI review finds daily driving excellence

With a new Volkswagen Tiguan on the horizon, it may be the best deal you’ll find on this outgoing Euro SUV.

Anyone chasing a quality mid-size European SUV could do worse than visiting a Volkswagen showroom over the next two months.

There is a new Tiguan landing in May, which means some sharp deals are available on the outgoing model.

While the third generation Tiguans will look nothing like the current crop, with improved tech and better equipped, it can also be assured that the pricing will also head north.

Currently there are deals on the sporty R-Line and 162TSI versions, which account for more than half of all Tiguan sales in Australia.

Those willing to have a model year 2023 variant can save $4000, with a drive-away price of $57,990 until the end of March. It’s the same price for the seven-seat Allspace variants.

Our family sampled the Allspace R-Line 162TSI derivative, which can be in your driveway from $61,990 for 2024 models.

What do you get?

Inside and out is a combination of athleticism and clinical Volkswagen design. The cabin is primarily black with some chrome highlights, along with a flat-bottom sports steering wheel and carbon grey inserts on the dash.

Among the highlights are exclusive R-Line front and rear bumpers with piano black accents, stainless steel pedals and scuff plates, eight-speaker stereo, 9.2-inch central touchscreen, 10.25-inch digital driver instrument display, while it rides on 20-inch alloys.

There are also some nice luxurious touches, like heated front electrically controlled seats, power tailgate, tri-zone aircon and Vienna leather trimmed seats.

Optional extras include a panoramic sunroof for $2100, while there is also a $1950 sound and vision pack which incorporates a Harman Kardon audio system, head-up driver display along with extra camera to provide a 360-degree view for easier parking.

White is the only no-cost external colour, with metallic grey, blue, black or silver an extra $900.

Volkswagens meet the industry standard for five-year warranty coverage. Buying an upfront five-year service plan costs $3650, which equates to getting the first maintenance visit free. The three-year plan is $1800.

The Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line 162TSI starts from $61,990 drive-away, but there are some MY23 variants around from $57,990.

How was the drive?

When it comes to mid-size SUV performance, they don’t come much better than the Tiguan. It’s a benchmark setter when it comes to composure and engine response – especially with the uprated turbo four-cylinder engine found in the R-Line and Elegance models.

Despite wearing the R-Line badging the Allspace is geared toward family comfort … which makes sense for those buying a seven-seater. Responsive from standstill is quick without being neck-snapping fast, and it still manages to deliver impressive balance and poise whether carving through the corners along hilly terrain or on the highway.

Boasting Volkswagen’s “progressive steering”, that delivers greater weight at speed while it’s lighter when things slow down to make parking easier. Collectively it feels more confident no matter what the conditions.

Fuel consumption was close to the Volkswagen claim after 500km on test, which saw an average of 9L/100km.

The two third-row seats collapse flat into the floor, but there is actually more boot space (700L compared to 615L) than the standard Tiguan due to the extended platform. Those two chairs are primarily for occasional use due to the lack of legroom … it’s essentially kids only territory.

Boot space in the Volkswagen Tiguan R-Line Allspace 162TSI is 700L with all seats in use.

Would you buy one?

Kel: There wasn’t much to dislike about the Allspace. The mid-size dimensions suit our family and it is sometimes handy to have the two extra seats just in case friends come along for the ride. I liked the driving experience and overall commonsense approach to the cabin … I’d have no qualms living with a Tiguan.

Grant: Prices have pushed much higher for this model previously, so the current deals are alluring if you don’t need the latest and greatest. Buyers do need to check the MY23 specification sheet as some variants didn’t have all safety features off the back of computer chip shortages post-pandemic. There is no doubt it’s a great all-rounder, good features and a top-performing machine which doesn’t sacrifice all performance for the family. It’s a yes from me too.