SUVs hardly go off the tarmac to venture onto rough terrains - unless they’re Land Rovers of course. Volkswagen admits that their new and first ever compact SUV, the Tiguan, is more at home in an urban environment rather than the jungle treks judging by the ad campaigns.

The Tiguan sits under the Touareg in Volkswagen’s SUV range and is often touted as a “Golf SUV” - even though its underpinnings are more similar to the Passat’s and Touran’s, rather than the Golf. Outwardly, the Tiguan somewhat resembles a more compact version of the Touareg.

The overall proportions are proportionate and the design details that make it instantly recognizable as a Volkswagen are present, but you somewhat feel that its overall looks can be a tad more adventurous – this is after all, a lifestyle niche vehicle rather than a mainstream hatchback or saloon.  The Tiguan is a smart looking compact SUV that has a nice mix of ruggedness and elegance in its stance, true, but if only it could look a bit more special…

Inside, the Tiguan is another example of what Volkswagen does best – offering high quality interior with a nice ambience even though the overall look is shared together with other models in its range, this time the Golf Plus.  The cabin also offers lots of useable utility space with many storage spaces littered all around.

The boot offers a largely practical space and can be enlarged by folding the split/fold rear seats. Moreover, the rear seat base can be adjusted fore and aft to vary load space and legroom as desired. An added bonus is the folding front passenger seat, useful for hauling longer loads.