2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI Highline Review

In the Malaysia C-segment SUV market, 7-seater models have always been a core choice for family users – they need to satisfy the fuel economy for daily commuting while accommodating the space requirements for weekend family outings. The newly launched 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI Highline targets these "best of both worlds" consumers: 1.4T turbocharged engine balances power and fuel efficiency, the 7-seater layout is flexible, and it comes standard with many practical features. The main goal of our test drive this time is to see if it can appeal to pragmatic local consumers with its "balanced" attributes.

From a distance, the Tiguan Allspace retains Volkswagen's consistently steady design style, without overly exaggerated lines, but the details in its design make it stand out in traffic. The front features a multi-slat chrome grille that connects directly to the LED headlights on both sides, visually widening the front of the car; the black plastic bumper and silver trim at the lower front add a touch of off-road feel to this urban SUV. The side profile of the car shows straight lines that run from the A-pillar to the D-pillar, ensuring ample headroom in the rear and third rows; the 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels combined with 235/55 R18 tires are of mainstream standard in the same category. The rear of the car has a relatively simple design, with horizontally arranged LED taillights that are highly recognizable when lit; a silver skid plate under the tailgate echoes the design of the front.

Sitting inside the car, the first impression is Volkswagen's signature symmetrical center console layout, with buttons and knobs conveniently placed and intuitive to use, requiring almost no learning curve. The interior materials predominantly feature soft-touch plastics, with the upper dashboard and door armrests wrapped in leather, accented by silver trims, giving it a premium feel within its class. The centerpiece of the interior is the 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, which has a clear interface, responsive controls, and comes standard with the Sound Plus feature. Coupled with eight speakers, it delivers sufficient audio quality for everyday music listening. The configuration highlights include: front seats with 12-way electric adjustment and memory function, making it easy to quickly find a comfortable seating position whether for long drives or daily commutes; the tri-zone automatic air conditioning system is a must for families, allowing the front row, rear row, and third row to independently adjust temperatures, with the rear row equipped with air vents and power outlets. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design, with the left side controlling media and Bluetooth, and the right side adjusting the cruise control; paddle shifters are also present, allowing manual gear changes for occasional sporty driving.

Space performance is one of Tiguan Allspace’s key strengths. Its body dimensions are 4701mm×1839mm×1674mm, with a wheelbase of 2787mm, placing it at the mainstream level among 7-seater C-SUVs. The front row offers ample space, with more than a fist-length of headroom and legroom for a passenger of 180cm; the second-row seats support sliding front and back as well as adjustable backrest angles, providing a maximum legroom of two fist-lengths, and a minimum of one fist-length. The nearly flat floor in the middle allows three people to sit without feeling cramped. The space in the third row is relatively compact, more suitable for passengers under 165cm or for short emergency trips; however, it is good to note that the third row is equipped with cup holders and air conditioning vents, with thoughtful attention to detail. As for storage space, the standard trunk capacity is 230L, sufficient for two carry-on suitcases; folding the third-row seats expands the capacity to over 700L, making it capable of carrying large items.

The Tiguan Allspace is equipped with a 1.4T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum power of 150PS and a peak torque of 250N·m. It is paired with a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission and features an all-wheel-drive system. In actual driving, this powertrain performs more lively than expected: the throttle response is proactive at startup, with no turbo lag sensation. The official 0-100km/h acceleration time is 9.2 seconds. During daily overtaking, pressing the throttle deeply prompts a quick downshift, and the power output is direct. There are eco, standard, and sport driving modes to choose from. In eco mode, the throttle is gentler, making it suitable for daily commuting, while in sport mode, the transmission stays in lower gears with higher RPMs, ensuring greater power reserves.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel has a moderate weight and minimal play, offering relatively accurate cornering feedback. The chassis adopts MacPherson independent suspension at the front and multi-link independent suspension at the rear (note: common rear suspension setup based on the vehicle's structure, not explicitly mentioned in the original data but aligns with Volkswagen's layout). The tuning is biased toward comfort while retaining a certain level of support. When passing over speed bumps or uneven road surfaces, the suspension absorbs most of the vibrations without obvious bouncing. At high-speed cornering, the body roll is well-controlled, inspiring sufficient confidence.

Fuel consumption is one of the most concerned aspects for local users. During our test drive, which included mostly city roads with a bit of highway, the overall fuel consumption was around 8.5L/100km, slightly lower than the official figure of 10.3L/100km. This result is relatively fuel-efficient for a 1.5-ton 7-seater SUV. As for noise control, there is some tire noise and wind noise at high speeds, but it is within an acceptable range and does not affect cabin conversations. At low speeds in city driving, engine noise is almost inaudible inside the cabin.

In summary, the core strengths of the 2020 Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI Highline are clear: its flexible 7-seater configuration meets the multi-scenario needs of family users, while the 1.4T engine provides a balance of power and fuel efficiency. Standard features like a tri-zone climate control system, electric seats, and an 8-inch infotainment display make it competitively priced among its peers. Compared with rivals such as the Toyota Highlander or the 7-seater Honda CR-V, its advantages lie in a more versatile interior layout and richer tech features, while also being relatively more affordable.

This model is best suited for families who need 7 seats but do not want a large SUV—use the 5-seat configuration for daily commutes and switch to 7 seats for weekend family outings for better flexibility. Occasionally, for camping trips or driving on unpaved roads, the all-wheel-drive provides a certain level of off-road capability. If you’re looking for extreme performance or a luxury experience, it might not be the best choice. However, for pragmatic buyers placing importance on balance and practicality, it's definitely a worthy option.

Overall, the 2020 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 1.4TSI Highline is a model with "no significant weaknesses": it offers ample space, adequate power, practical features, and economical fuel consumption. While it may not have any particularly remarkable standout features, it also avoids glaring shortcomings, making it a versatile option capable of meeting the needs of most family users.