By Malusi Msomi

When it comes to facelifting cars, Volkswagen is one of the brands that knows how to do it properly. Their upgrades are always subtle but make quite a statement. We recently got to sample Tiguan Allspace in R-Line guise which gets some exterior and interior changes.

Head-turning looks

On the outside, the updated Tiguan Allspace R-Line receives sportier front and rear bumpers, and sharper headlight design with optional IQ.LIGHT LED matrix headlights. Our chariot sports the optional Black Style Package and is sitting on popular 20-inch black Suzuka wheels. Though longer than its 5-seater sibling, it doesn’t take away from its good looks.

Spacious cabin

Just like the recently updated Tiguan, the Allspace gets a new climate control module with touch panels on the centre console, a digital cockpit and an 8-inch touchscreen. Fitted to our test unit is the optional Harmon Kardon sound system which will keep audio heads happy for days as it sounds really good. The interior is a great place to be thanks to plenty soft-touch surfaces and quality materials. It’s quite spacious but the seats in the third row are a bit tight and are more for kids rather than adults. With all seats in place, boot space measures in at 230L, with the third row folded down you get 700L and 1 775L with the second row folded.

Powertrain

Powering our chariot is a 1.4-litre engine that produces 110kW and 250Nm. Power being is sent to the front wheels via 7-speed DSG gearbox. Power delivery feels good, however, the transmission tends to hold gears at lower speeds which we doubt will be a deal breaker for most buyers. VW claims fuel consumption is 7.1l/100km but we managed a 7.0 L/100km and under consistently during our stint.

Verdict

The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace has a little for what everyone needs, lots of space to carry people, if not large items and has stunning looks thanks to the R-Line package. Pricing for the Allspace R-Line 1.4 TSI starts at R756,100.