Tiguan Allspace – Because we all need more “space”

Who needs more space? We live in a world where we need larger “clouds”, more memory on our phones, a bigger Netflix library and for photographers, an endless amount of hard drives. In short, more space is always more welcomed.

We embarked on a drive from Durban to Karkloof Spa in the Natal Midlands in a vehicle which offers more of exactly that, space. Befittingly named, the new Tiguan Allspace won’t help if your 256 GB IPhone X has run out of memory, but if you always find yourself with one bag (or person) too many on a family road trip, it will probably come in handy.

So what is the Tiguan Allspace? Volkswagen used the wonderful base that is the standard Tiguan and simply made it 215mm longer. While there are ever-so-slight design changes, the overall look and feel is pretty much identical to the normal wheelbase Tiguan which most seemed to love.  While 215mm might not sound like much, it equates to an increase in boot space volume of 115-litres which provides much more storage space, or two seats – the Tiguan Allspace gives you the option to choose.

While the Allspace is 7-seater vehicle, anyone that resembles a teenager or adult will really struggle to fit. The rear seats are much more suited for younger children and while you may feel like this really narrows down the uses, there are many scenarios in which they will come in handy. When not in use the third row of seats fold completely flat and I feel this is a setup which many will enjoy – giving you spacious seating for five occupants and plenty of boot space.

As with the normal wheelbase Tiguan, the Allspace is lovely to drive with my favourite model being the Highline variant, as it is paired with a 2.0-litre 162kW petrol engine and VW’s world famous DSG gearbox. The vehicle is practical, but the powertrain offers the element of fun we all enjoy and sometimes crave. The 110kW diesel variant also on offer was really was impressive to drive. Smooth, quiet and “torquey” are all great words to describe this option – whilst also being a cracker on fuel. I however spent much more time with the new 132kW petrol option now available in the Allspace Comfortline, as we had a short but fiery love affair down the South Coast of Durban.  While shy on power when compared with the Highline, the performance on offer is plenty for most situations and is a really cool option for those a little more conscious of price and fuel economy.  There is also fourth option – a 110Kw 1.4 petrol which falls into the Trendline model. LED daytime running lights, the Lights and Visibility Package, Front Underbody Protection, chrome trapezoidal panels around the tailpipes and privacy glass, come as standard on the normal wheelbase Tiguan.

If I can sup up the Tiguan Allspace up in just a few words, it would be “Beautifully Practical”. It offers the vibe, looks and personality that the normal Tiguan offers, but just with more space. Honestly, I can’t see a reason why I would choose a standard Tiguan over the Allspace, as the extra space makes a big difference. While the only compromise would really be a slightly higher price if you opt for the Allspace, in the long term, I think it’s worth it.

Karkloof really put the Tiguan Allspace into perspective for me. Driving through amazing landscapes with your family or friends is what this car is about. Going further, more comfortably with the people that mean the most. While I would love to own a Tiguan,  the only reason I could justify purchasing one now is if I started a family…I will chat to my wife tonight.