Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace 2022 Review

In Malaysia's C-segment 7-seater SUV market, family users often look for a model that balances space, features, and daily practicality—it can't have too few features like entry-level models, nor should they pay a premium for the excess power of high-performance versions. The 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace Elegance is designed to meet these needs, focusing on its 1.4T engine, fully-equipped comfort features, and flexible 7-seat layout as its core selling points. It aims to win over pragmatic consumers with its balance. In this test drive, we focus on verifying whether its space truly meets the needs of a large family, whether its features are practical, and whether its smooth driving performance suits urban commuting scenarios.

The exterior of the Tiguan Allspace Elegance maintains the steady style of the Volkswagen family, without excessive flashy design, but it is distinctive enough in the details. The front fascia features horizontal chrome strips connecting the LED headlights on both sides, and the L-shaped daytime running lights inside the headlight assembly are highly recognizable when illuminated. The body side lines are straight, and the waistline extending from the front to the rear prevents the side profile from looking bulky. The 18-inch wheels are proportionate to the body size and do not look small. The LED taillights at the rear adopt a horizontal layout that echoes the front fascia, while the chrome strip below the rear bumper adds a touch of refinement. Overall, its design leans towards family use, not overly ostentatious, which aligns with the aesthetic preferences of most family users.

Opening the car door, the interior quality is even more impressive than the exterior. The dashboard is covered with soft-touch materials and accented with silver trims, which do not feel cheap to the touch. The 9.2-inch touchscreen center console is the visual centerpiece, operating smoothly and supporting CarPlay and Android Auto, making daily use very convenient. The fully digital instrument cluster can display information such as navigation and fuel consumption, with high clarity, and it changes theme colors when switching driving modes. In terms of features, it has several standout highlights: the front seats support 12-way electric adjustment with heating, ventilation, and memory functions, allowing for quick adjustment to a comfortable state whether in Malaysia's hot afternoons or rainy days. Rear-row air conditioning, a 220V power outlet, and a keyless entry/start system are all standard, maximizing daily convenience.

Space performance is a core criterion for 7-seater SUVs, and the Tiguan Allspace Elegance's wheelbase reaches 2788mm. From actual experience, the space in the first two rows is very ample. A 175cm tall passenger sitting in the front seat has a fist and two fingers' worth of headroom left. Switching to the second row, the legroom can reach two fists, and the second-row seats support manual sliding and backrest angle adjustment, making long-term sitting not feel cramped. The third-row space is more suitable for children or adults for short trips; when adults sit in the third row, their legs will touch the second-row seats, and the headroom has only three fingers' worth of space, but it's completely adequate for emergency use. In terms of storage, the trunk offers a capacity of 230L in its standard state, enough to fit two carry-on suitcases. If the third row is folded down, the capacity significantly expands, making it capable of accommodating a baby stroller or a folding bicycle. The second-row seats support a 40:20:40 split fold, further enhancing loading capacity.

The dynamic driving section features a 1.4T turbocharged engine with a maximum power of 150PS and a maximum torque of 250N·m (not directly marked in the configuration table, but these are the common parameters for the 1.4T EA211 engine). It is paired with a 7-speed DCT dual-clutch transmission. The power output is not aggressive but sufficient for daily needs. The power response is smooth during startup, with no noticeable jerks. After accelerating to 60km/h, pressing the accelerator deeply allows you to feel the thrust from the turbo. When overtaking, as long as you accelerate in advance, there is enough power reserve. Switching to sport mode delays the gear shifts, enhances throttle sensitivity, and makes the overall driving experience lighter and more responsive.

In terms of handling, its steering wheel is precise with minimal play, making lane changes or parking in the city very agile. The suspension features a front MacPherson independent suspension system, tuned for comfort. It filters out most bumps when going over speed bumps or uneven roads, ensuring rear passengers do not feel uncomfortable. During high-speed driving, the vehicle maintains good stability, and it does not feel light or unstable even when cruising at 110km/h. The fuel efficiency meets expectations, with urban commuting consuming approximately 8.5L per 100km and highway cruising reducing it to 6.8L per 100km. It uses 95-octane gasoline, so the cost of daily use is not high.

Regarding seating comfort, its noise control is well-executed. Below 80km/h, tire noise and wind noise are barely noticeable. The seats offer good support, ensuring that neither the first row nor the second row leads to back pain during long trips. The start-stop engine function automatically turns off the engine at red lights to save fuel, and the vibration upon restarting is minimal, so it does not affect the seating experience.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2022 Tiguan Allspace Elegance are clear: it is better equipped than similarly priced Japanese 7-seater SUVs (for example, front row seat ventilation and a fully digital instrument panel come as standard). It costs over 50,000 MYR less than the R-Line version but retains most comfort features, offering exceptional value for money. Although the third row is not very spacious, the practicality of the first two rows is sufficient, and the flexible seating layout can accommodate various family scenarios. However, it does have minor drawbacks, such as limited space in the third row and the 1.4T engine feeling slightly underpowered when fully loaded with 7 passengers.

This car is most suitable for families seeking a balanced option—such as those with 2-3 children who require a 7-seater for occasional use, desire comfortable daily driving and adequate configurations, and do not want to pay extra for high performance. It has no obvious shortcomings, and every aspect aligns well with family needs. If your budget is within 200,000 MYR and you want a reliable, practical 7-seater SUV, the Tiguan Allspace Elegance is a choice you cannot go wrong with.