Most Tiguans will be sold with VW's latest 138bhp 2.0-litre diesel engine, but there's also a 168bhp version and three petrol engines with 148, 168 and 197bhp. The diesels provide useful extra pulling muscle over the entry-level petrol, but the two most powerful petrol versions are brisk.

Hill descent control is fitted to Escape versions for more off-road ability, but the Tiguan is primarily an on-road 4x4, not a dedicated off-roader. In fact, we prefer 2WD versions of the car, as they are even better to drive than 4WD models. However, with Passat-based suspension, any Tiguan is safe, solid and compliant on most surfaces. The steering may be a bit light for some tastes, but the body is smoothly controlled and there's lots of grip, making it one of the most fun 4x4s to drive.

The Tiguan was the first car to have VW's revised 2.0-litre diesel, which has a new fuelling system that's done wonders for refinement. It means less engine noise and vibration, and much smoother acceleration. However, the gearing is a bit low, so the engine has to work hard on the motorway. The petrol engine is pretty quiet unless it's stretched, too, and both wind- and road noise are well suppressed.

VW's compact 4x4 has followed most other models in the company's range in delivering better-than-average resale values. 2WD models are cheaper to buy and run than their 4WD equivalents, but with the prospect of 40mpg even from the top diesels, the Tiguan is affordable to own, even if it's not exactly cheap to buy.

It's not so much that VW's quality has slipped - it's more that everyone else has started to catch up. Even so, it's difficult not to be impressed by the fine quality of the materials and the overall fit and finish used throughout the Tiguan's construction. Reassuringly, there should be no reasons to fear major mechanical problems.

Stability control, emergency brake assist and a full set of airbags are standard, as they are on every VW from the Golf upwards, and the Tiguan's high seating position and permanent four-wheel drive (on some models) will be seen by many potential buyers as safety advantages. Deadlocks and an alarm are fitted to guard against theft.

Anyone familiar with VW group products will feel right at home in the Tiguan. The dash layout is neat and logical, and there's enough adjustment in the seat and wheel for most people to make themselves comfortable. Rear visibility isn't so great, however, due to chunky pillars and a small rear screen, so we'd recommend you consider the optional rear-view parking camera.

VW's baby 4x4 is a roomy four-seater, and just about adequate for five on an occasional basis. The sliding rear seats add versatility, but when they're pushed right back, the boot is smaller than you might think. It's well-shaped, however, and it's easy to fold the seats flat.

Equipment levels are S, SE, Sport, Escape and R Line, and even the entry-level S 2WD gets air conditioning, alloy wheels, four electric windows and an MP3-compatible CD player. Plusher SE trim adds chrome and leather detailing, Sport models have bolstered seats, rain-sensing wipers and stiffer suspension, and R Line versions get full sports trim. Escape models are the off-roaders: they have a reworked front end and extra under-body protection to tackle tougher, steeper terrain.