Buying Used: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace for Under R500k
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace builds upon the virtues of the five-door model with a welcome helping of extra space, but is it worth considering as a used buy?

Image: CAR Magazine
The Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace, which has now been replaced by the Tayron in the German marque’s T SUV portfolio, first hit the South African market in 2018, adding seven-seat versatility to the already impressive Tiguan lineup. The length increased by 217 mm and the wheelbase by 111 mm over the standard model, allowing it to accommodate two additional seats without compromising cargo space. A facelifted model arrived in 2022, ushering in a number of cosmetic enhancements such as sharper LED headlamps, a more prominent grille, and revised specification that incorporated additional safety and convenience technologies.
The pre-facelift model’s engine lineup comprised three petrols and a diesel. The latter was VW Group’s long-serving EA888 2.0-litre turbodiesel, which produced 110 kW and 340 N.m. The 1.4-litre turbopetrol engine offered 110 kW and 250 N.m, while the turbocharged 2.0-litre petrol was offered in two states of tune: 132 kW/320 N.m and 162 kW/350 N.m. Depending on the engine
choice, it was paired with either a six- or seven-speed DSG transmission, in front- or all-wheel-drive configurations. While the Tiguan Allspace is not geared for serious off-roading, the 201 mm ground clearance allows it to tackle light gravel tracks with ease.

Image: CAR Magazine
The cabin is a premium-feeling and impressively spacious affair. The longer wheelbase frees nearly 500 litres of boot space with the third row stowed, expanding to 1 376 litres with all rear seats folded. Early models featured a 6.5-inch touchscreen with Composition Media, supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 2022 facelift upgraded to an 8.0-inch display, with a 9.2-inch Discover Pro infotainment system as an option. A digital cockpit, standard on higher trims post-facelift, offered customisable displays, and the cabin included cloth or optional leather upholstery, with the R-Line adding ambient lighting.
In terms of safety features, the Tiguan Allspace featured six airbags, ABS, and electronic stability control (ESC), plus optional features such as park assist and adaptive cruise control on Style and R-Line trims. The third row, while handy for kids, was cramped for adults and therefore better suited for short trips than long hauls.
What to look out for when buying a used Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace
Although largely dependable, there are some things to look out for when buying second-hand examples. The six-speed DSG transmission in the 1.4 TSI has been cited as one of the Allspace’s more problematic features. Jerky or hesitant gearshift are telltale signs of potential issues that could require a software update or, in some cases, costly clutch replacements. Pre-facelift infotainment systems were also prone to glitches such as laggy input responses or dropped smartphone connections.
The 1.4 TSI engine can take some strain when fully loaded, especially on steep inclines, and maintenance costs are often higher than those of Japanese rivals. Given that items such as the reverse camera or keyless entry are often optional extras, be aware that some models on the used market may not be equipped with these items.
Click here to browse thousands of new and used vehicles here with CARmag!
The post Buying Used: Volkswagen Tiguan Allspace for Under R500k appeared first on CAR Magazine.
The Car Guide
Comments
Post a Comment